OCTOBER 2020 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 35 ISSUE 10 IT AND TELECOMS Out with the old SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH Meeting evolving needs FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Safe and secure THE VOICE OF BUSINESS THE VOICE OF BUSINESS 01.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:16 Page 1Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage Financial Solutions for the New Financial World Professional support to help secure your Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) Tel: 07918 027657 www.nnbcfinancial.co.uk Email: neil@nnbcfinancial.co.uk or neil@yourmortgageplus.net We are available 9am to 10pm 7 days a week NNBC Financial & NNBC YMP (Your Mortgage Plus) dedicated mortgage & protection specialists and commercial & business financial brokers, we have a whole of market access from high street banks to specialist lenders in residential and commercial finance, to help get the best solutions and deals for you. MORTGAGES • First-time buyers • Movers • Re-mortgaging • Re-mortgaging for debt consolidation • Equity Release • Commercial & Business Mortgages • Landlords & Buy to Let • Development & Self Build • Bridging Finance COMMERCIAL FINANCE CBILS HELP AND SUPPORT • Asset Finance • Leasing • Contract Hire • Sale & Leaseback • Property Development Finance • Commercial Property and Business Mortgages • Factoring and Invoice Finance We specialise in the Supply, Installation and Reconditioning of Industrial and Marine Diesel Engines and Generating Sets. Our team of Service Engineers can Repair, Maintain or Commission Land based or Marine Installations Worldwide. We can provide the following services l Spares & Repairs l Installations & Conversions l On Site Servicing l On Board Marine Servicing l Machining l Welding & Fabrication l Fuel Injection Repairs l Metal Stitching l Alternative Fuels INDUSTRIAL & MARINE DIESEL ENGINES & GENERATING EQUIPMENT North Lincs Engineering Ltd Tel: 01507 328787 • Email: mark@northlincseng.co.uk • Website: www.northlincseng.co.uk 02.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 07:16 Page 1Though the end of 2020 will, no doubt, be looked forward to by many grateful to see the back of a time of unprecedented challenges, the next few months will see a perfect storm of difficulties for businesses to contend with. Firstly, the US hits the polls in early November and, whatever the result, we’re sure the feel the fallout here in the UK, while the end of November sees the government’s CBILS and Bounce Back schemes come to an end which will have serious consequences for many businesses. Then, of course, the last day of the year brings with it an end of the Brexit transitionary period. You’d be forgiven for putting Brexit planning on hold in the wake of the coronavirus crisis but, as some of our features touch on this issue, it’s critical to put measures into place now to ensure your business is in the best possible position for the coming year. As we go to print, there’s talk in some quarters of an impending second lockdown and Boris Johnson’s position has never looked more precarious. While we can’t predict what the next few months will look like, whether we’ll be in lockdown once more or be led by a new PM by next issue, what can continue to offer is in-depth comment, opinion and insight from our editorial team and from regional experts and business leaders. Stay safe and good reading, as always, Michael Fisher Editor From the Editor VISIT WWW.DEXTERSHARPE.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dexter & Sharpe Chartered Certified Accountants At the heart of Lincolnshire We provide a comprehensive range of services, if you would like to find out how we can help you or your business why not head over to the contact us page to find your local office. Our 130 years of experience has taught us to initially listen more than we talk. When we talk, you’ll find that it's plain jargon-free practical advice which is not only accurate but tailored to your specific needs. Having gained a full understanding of your business our aim is to ensure this timely advice helps you and your business achieve its objectives. For a pro-active, friendly and accessible service or your FREE Consultation contact one of our teams: Horncastle: 01507 526071 - Boston: 01205 311966 - Spilsby: 01790 753340 Bourne: 01778 393656 - Louth: 01507 609933 - Skegness: 01754 763222 - Lincoln: 01522 533588 AGRICULTURE • CHARITIES • CONSTRUCTION • FINANCIAL & CONSULTING • MANUFACTURING • MEDIA • MOTOR RETAIL & REPAIR • TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS • VETERINARY 03.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/2020 12:45 Page 1CONTENTS OCTOBER 2020 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Queen Ethelburga’s Q&A We spoke to Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, an independent school based in York, about growing the next generation of business owners and entrepreneurs. 12 Commercial property Yorkshire’s industrial and logistics sector has shown true resilience in 2020, powering through the pandemic. 18 IT and telecoms The COVID crisis has highlighted the need to do away with outdated, inefficient communication technologies and invest in modern infrastructure and the best in digital comms. 22 Legal services We explore the various different branches of legal services and the ways in which solicitors can help assist businesses dealing with IP infringement, new data privacy laws, or employment law. 25 Corporate hospitality Speakers can be make or break when it comes to online events. 28 Warehousing and distribution With increased pressure placed on the industry by the pandemic, and in the run up to the Christmas trading period, warehousing and distribution operators can act now to improve efficiencies to save both cost and time. 32 Supporting business growth Economic pressures and uncertainty in the wake of the coronavirus crisis have led to companies reviewing their sources of finance, exploring ways to reduce overheads and, of course, exploring the aid on offer to support growth. 36 Facilities management Worth more than £120 billion, it’s no exaggeration to say that the UK’s facilities management sector is a keystone of the economy. Business Link explores what’s involved, the technologies emerging to increase efficiency and the need for hygiene. 42 AutoLink Coronavirus has made many businesses reconsider their fleet needs. Business Link contemplates whether to hire, lease or buy vehicles, as well as a key shift in the type of vehicles businesses are acquiring. 46 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire 50 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 12 18 32 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:19 Page 1Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Assistant Editor Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Advertising Sam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk) Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310310 Accounts & Subscriptions Angela Sharman, John Downes Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Design & Production Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.uk Website www.blmforum.net Address Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. ISSN No: 1462-2092 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. COVER PHOTOS : SHUTTERSTOCK - WUTZKOHPHOTO • DON PABLO • FRAMEANGEL • SHUTTEROK • POPTIKA www.blmforum.net 28 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:19 Page 2Indian nanotech specialist selects Leeds for international expansion Indian nanotechnology specialist MagGenome Pvt, has selected Leeds as the base of its business expansion across the UK and internationally. The firm has joined Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, as the hub’s first community member business. MagGenome Technologies develop magnetic nanoparticle-based technology for use in the life science, pharmaceutical, chemical and engineering industries. Its team of 40 senior microbiologists and biotechnologists based in Tamil Nadu in India, signed up as a Nexus community member this month as part of its international expansion plans. Lakshmi Maithel, Head of International Business Development at MagGenome, said: “We have ambitious international expansion plans and this gives us the opportunity to work in close collaboration with the University of Leeds, initially from our base in India, but with a view to recruiting staff and taking physical space at Nexus in the future.” 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Sheffield start-up launch software to boost manufacturing capacity A Sheffield tech start-up has launched software that will help manufacturing businesses improve capacity. Dubbed the ‘Fitbit for manufacturing’, the new Manufacturing Execution System will help UK manufactures improve shop floor productivity by unlocking Computer Numerical Control (CNC) data and insights that can be turned into actionable information. The software, which is currently being tested with Yorkshire companies, was launched by FourJaw, grown out of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). The team has worked with Sheffield-based tech company The Curve who has increased the product usability by developing an app to present the data. “Many manufacturing companies are struggling to understand what is happening on their shop floors because performance is difficult to measure in any detail. This is why we have developed our offering as ‘software-as-a service’ which will mean firms adopt accessible data without a huge upfront cost,” said Chris Iveson, founder and CEO of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics. Verner Wheelock celebrates 30 years in business Skipton-based food industry training experts, Verner Wheelock, celebrated 30 years in business recently. The company was founded by Professor Verner Wheelock in 1990 – the same year that the UK Food Safety Act was introduced. COVID-19 meant no party. Instead the occasion was marked by an online lecture by leading low-carb expert, Ivor Cummins – the Chief Program Officer for Irish Heart Disease Awareness. Customers, trainers, auditors, suppliers and friends of the company joined Verner and training company staff for the enlightening webinar. Managing Director, Alison Wheelock, said: “It was lovely that so many customers and associates took time out to celebrate our 30th anniversary with us. We’re very proud of how the company has grown over the past decades. Here’s to the next thirty years!” Verner Wheelock offers food safety, HACCP, auditing and specialist courses and ethical audits. They continued to trade successfully throughout lockdown by moving courses to an online format. (L-R) Paul Ridgway (CEO of The Curve), Chris Iveson (founder and CEO of FourJaw) & Robin Hartley (founder and CTO of FourJaw) 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:21 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Record revenues for listed video games maker Team17, the Wakefield-based indie video games maker, has posted record first half results with a rise in revenue and pre-tax profits. Revenue for the listed company rose from £30.4 million to £38.8 million for the six months to 30 June 2020. Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, rose from £10.4 million to £13.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA stood at £14.9 million – up from £12 million. “2020 was always going to be a memorable year for myself and many at Team17. This year we celebrate our 30th anniversary and also the 25th anniversary for our beloved Worms franchise,” said Chief Executive Debbie Bestwick. “I’m delighted to share yet another record start to our fiscal year from the Group in the first half of 2020.” © Shutterstock/PopT ika Manufacturers slash investment to remain afloat post-COVID In the battle to stay afloat in the wake of COVID-19, manufacturers have slashed investment despite a rise in output and orders from historic lows last quarter. According to the Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q3 survey, the balance on investment intentions fell to -32% from - 26% in the last quarter. Whilst not reaching the levels of cutbacks seen during the financial crisis, the trend downwards is following a similar pattern to that seen at the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009. The balance in Q1 2020 was +20% as industry bathed in what seemed greater political certainty following the general election. The biggest cutbacks were in Yorkshire & Humber, Wales and Scotland. Make UK also warned that given the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations and the possibility of ‘no deal’, the combination of that outcome with the continued impact of the pandemic could cause further damage to investment prospects in the latter part of the year. © JPIMedia West Yorks devolution deal enters final stages in Parliament Approval to kickstart the parliamentary process that will deliver the West Yorkshire devolution deal has been given by all five councils and the Combined Authority. The Government has now begun the Parliamentary process to cement the devolution deal in law. The deal will bring at least an additional £1.8 billion public investment to the region over the next 30 years, plus greater freedoms to take decisions locally on the issues that affect communities. Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, will use the consultation findings to decide whether the devolution proposals reflect the interests and identities of West Yorkshire’s communities. If agreed, a legal document known as an “order” will be produced, setting out how the powers and functions of the Mayor and mayoral combined authority will operate. West Yorkshire’s councils will be asked to give their consent to this order in November 2020, with mayoral elections due to take place in May 2021. 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:21 Page 2TOWER FIELD SERVICES Cat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespoke mechanical services to oil refinery and petrochemical plants all around the world. Our team has vast experience in overseeing and undertaking the installation of all types of Tower internals. Our Tower tray, packing and other internals installation services has deep roots, with several of the senior team at Cat Tech being involved in the founding of the Cana-Tex organisation. Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier global Tower speciality contractor; performing Tower maintenance and plant turnaround projects around the world. These origins, with the addition of new team members, make Cat Tech Tower Field services a global operation which is both cost effective and technically experienced. We strive to create new ways to make your Tower work safer, faster and more productive and that can make very good things happen for your business. We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need for upfront communication in relation to timescales and costs. No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, from pre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows our customers to concentrate on their core business. Let us show you what we can do. We work hard to maintain an industry reputation for safety, speed and dependability. Ours crews have been trained by us, this allows us to staff a project with the proven skills necessary to produce customer satisfaction. It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of your Tower work. The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are: l Experienced Tower specialists. l Proven track record. l Ability to supply spares and replacements. l Spade to Spade service. l Revamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. l Inspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. l Detailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. l Reactor tray field services. l Turnkey reactor tray field services. At Cat Tech, we continue to create new ways to make Tower work safer, faster and more productive. And that can make very good things happen for your business. Contact us for further information. Our well established sales team have a wealth of experience. We take pride on ensuring all enquires are dealt with quickly and efficiently. UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd., 1 South Park Road, South Park Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 2BY UK Phone: +44 (0) 1724 871747 Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928 Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (South Eastern Europe) Ltd., Devnia, Varna District, Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str, R Bulgaria, 9160 Phone: +(35) 9519 92052 Fax: +(35) 9527 46770 China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 20061 CN Phone: +(86) 2152 9175 08 Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05 Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629794 Phone: +(65) 6264 6261 Fax: +(65) 6264 6401 South America: Please contact the UK office on +44 1724 871 747 Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand) Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon Nuenpayom Road, Maptaphut Sub District, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21150 TH Phone: +(66) 894 064 100 Fax: +(66) 638 692 382 MAKING YOUR PLANT WORK… SMARTER www.cat-tech.com PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:22 Page 3Begbies Traynor appointment joint liquidator of Starfish Commercial Joanne Hammond and Kris Wigfield of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as the joint liquidators of social housing developer Starfish Commercial Ltd after it entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation on 22nd September 2020. Based in Chesterfield, Starfish Commercial was founded nine years ago and specialised in building homes for local authorities and housing associations as well as building sustainable homes. Sheffield?based Henry Boot took a majority stake in Starfish Commercial in August 2019. Henry Boot said in a statement that Starfish ‘was not performing in line with our expectations, with Covid-19 also materially impacting its operations’. Joint liquidator Kris Wigfield commented: “Like many industries, construction has been hit by the fallout of the pandemic, but, while some areas have seen a rise in activity over the last few months, unfortunately, the social housing sector still faces an uncertain future.” To find out more, visit www.begbies-traynorgroup.com. www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS © Shutterstock/SpeedKingz Cranswick achieve food waste reduction target a decade early Cranswick has achieved a 61% reduction in food waste a decade earlier than planned. The Hull-headquartered food producer has surpassed the Champions 12.3 Target set in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which seeks to halve food waste and loss by 2030. The reduction represents the elimination of over 4,216 tonnes of food waste, and waste now accounts for just 0.4% of total food produced. According to Cranswick, a huge help to the prioritising prevention strategy came from the FareShare ‘Surplus with Purpose’ funding supported by the Government. This has enabled the company to redistribute product that previously would not have been donated. Looking to the future, Cranswick is determined to build on this success by targeting zero food waste excluding inedible parts, which is above and beyond current industry targets. “Beating the Champions 12.3 target on food waste so substantially gives us confidence that zero edible food waste is achievable,” said COO Chris Aldersley. © Shutterstock Ceri Breeze 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 08/10/2020 11:22 Page 4Next >