Tightropeto recoveryGetting the balancerightENTREPRENEURS Seizing theopportunityACADEMIESFacing the futureHUMBER BANK Leading the way inrenewablesNOVEMBER 2012£3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 27ISSUE 11Tightropeto recoveryGetting the balanceright01:Layout 1 26/10/12 11:52 Page 1Suppliers of high grade sand, gravel, decorative stones, top soil and recycled aggregates.check out our website: www.yarrowsaggregates.co.uktelephone us on: 01964 544304Little Catwick Quarry, Leven Bypass, Leven, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 5PSYour Local QuarryLarge range of products at competitive pricesFleet of delivery vehicles3 great business speakers1 fantastic FREE EVENTAn audience with...Wednesday 14th November 2012, 6pm - 8pmWhitgift Academy TheatreAs part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, e-factor have brought three national business speakers to share their experiences and advice on being an entrepreneur.If you are thinking about taking the plunge into business, have a fledgling business or even if you are an established entrepreneur, you won’t fail to be inspired by their stories.An audience withMichelle Mone OBE - founder of ‘Ultimo’, and one of the top three female entrepreneurs in the UK.Ruth Amos - 21 year old MD of StairSteady Chris Ball - 20 year old entrepreneur and top performer at Peter Jones Enterprise AcademyTo book your free place nowCall 01472 887 005 Book online e-factor.co.uk/anaudiencewithChris BallRuth AmosMichelle Mone OBEBOOKNOWlimited spaces02:Layout 1 25/10/12 13:13 Page 112ContentsNovember 2012On the coverPhotograph courtesy ofwww.shutterstock.com / Stocksnapper1820263844Features12Commercial PropertyThe introduction of the Community InfrastructureLevy adds a further complication to commercialproperty development18Warehousing softwareWarehousing forms the basis of most logisticsoperations, and we take a look at potentialtimesavers and cost reductions offered byselecting the right software20ManufacturingOur region is rightly known for its food and drinkoffering, but companies are looking to new areasand specialities to increase their reach22ConferencingConferences are sometimes glossed over as awork-only, on-topic blast of productivity, but isn’tit time we made more of the experience?24Entrepreneur WeekGlobal Entrepreneur Week is this November andthere are dozens of events across our region tounderline this business-boosting initiative26Training and educationThe employment figures make for bleak reading,but firms across our region are making a standand the opportunities for apprenticeships aregrowing28AcademiesThe huge changes in education across the regionare bringing with them new opportunities forbusinessesEnvironmentalBusiness Link Environmental is your ultimateguide to the rapidly expanding world of greenbusiness.32Environmental newsThe latest news from this fast-moving sector34Solar energyRelaxed planning laws and speedy installationsmeans our region still leads the way on solarenergy36Green buildingThe Green Deal will make a major difference to theconstruction sector – and our region is leading theway38Humber BankThe Humber Bank is on the brink of a hugechange – but the renewables revolution willrequire much energy to be exerted by localbusinessesRegulars4From the Editor5News10TaxationAudit requirements have changed – are you in the know? asksRobert Anderson, Audit Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants 11LettersReader’s letters and replies44AutoLinkThe Paris Motor Show saw some two hundred manufactureswere showcasing their very latest models 46EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire48Classified49Appointments50And finally…03:Layout 1 30/10/12 16:35 Page 1The latest GDP figures - showing growth of 1.0 per cent inthe third quarter certainly gave George Osborne something tosmile about and is welcome news given the length of timewe’ve now been in recession. Of course we’re not out of the woods yet and all eyes are onthe global economy where growth seems to have slowedsomewhat, so fingers crossed this isn’t just a blip. It pleases me to say that Yorkshire and Lincolnshire did prettywell out of the third round of the government’s flagship Regional Growth Fund,announced recently.In Lincolnshire, Stamford’s Cummins Generator Technologies took a slice of the £14million available to East Midlands companies, while Yorkshire was particularly wellrewarded this time around. Rather appropriately, it was Deputy Prime Minister NickClegg who announced £25 million will go to the Sheffield City Region Local EnterprisePartnership . This is great news for fans of LEPs, and for Sheffield City LEP chairmanJames Newman, who said the money would “bring together dozens of companies withrobust plans for growth”. The money for Sheffield is expected to create about 1500 newprivate sector jobs by March 2015.Congratulations also go to three other LEP projects – two from the Leeds CityRegion and the Humber LEP. Whatever you think of the RGF funding, and whether youbelieve the regional development agencies could have done a better job with themoney, I think it’s important that we recognise that, right now, it’s the only show in townto fund growth that could lead to jobs. To write this money off as a government sopwould be quite the wrong thing to do.This month we take a closer look at the Humber Bank where the LEP is playing amajor role in encouraging enthusiasm for the region’s potential. Clearly marrying theirenergy with the innovation apparent across the region looks a real recipe for success –hence we also report on National Entrepreneur Week, where new talent will get itsmoment in the spotlight.We trust you enjoy our latest offerings but don’t forget to log onto www.blmforum.netto keep abreast of further developments.Good reading as always,W S FisherEditorEditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsSteve Williams (s.williams@blmgroup.co.uk)Mike Shields (m.shields@blmgroup.co.uk)Elis Ballard (e.ballard@blmgroup.co.uk)Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorTeri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingTel: (01472) 310310Kim Collins (k.collins@blmgroup.co.uk)Kelly Robertson (k.robertson@blmgroup.co.uk)Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman Dawn CookTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary JorgensenMark CassonRachel GreenTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail:yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd,Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby,N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE.ISSN No:1462-2092All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwisewithout express permission of the copyright holder, for whichapplication should be addressed first to the publisher. Whileevery reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor itsparticipating agents accept liability for loss or damage toprints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material ofwhatever nature submitted to this publication. The viewsexpressed in this publication are not necessarily the views ofthose held by the publisher.This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recyclingmagazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paperindustry each year. Before you recycle your magazine,please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free giftsand samples. If you are unable to participate in a recyclingscheme, then why not pass your magazine onto a localhospital or charity?From theEDITORThe magazine that caresWE CARE because we want to leave our world a better place than wefound itBusiness Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key tomaintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staffwill be proud to be part of.Community-From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We alsoextend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causesand charities. Environment-Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources,minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.04:Layout 1 25/10/12 13:13 Page 1Charity event helps save mantaraysOver a hundred businesspeople attended a charityfundraising dinner at TheDeep, generating morethan £7000 for a vitaland unique marineconservation project.A team from TheDeep are headingout to the DungonabBay Marine Park inSudan to carry out the first ever conservation work to help protect theendangered manta ray population in the Red Sea. The funds were generatedfrom a mix of ticket sales, donations made via a charity raffle and an auctionwhere guests competed to win a number of one-off prizes including private toursand original artworks.Colin Brown, Chief Executive at The Deep, says, “The fundraising event exceededour expectations and we are hugely thankful to all the local businesses that supportedus. Funds raised will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to help the scientistscarry out their research to unearth essential baseline information on this rare and importantanimal.”Seventy jobs created byLincolnshire company’s expansionAround seventy new jobs have been created following a Lincolnshire furniture company’sexpansion in Grantham.To meet growing demand from its customers The Quality Furniture Company, whose mainpremises are at Alma Park Road, required additional premises in the town which have now beensecured on Swingbridge Road by Hodgson Elkington LLP.Tim Murgatroyd of Hodgson Elkington LLP says, “The new building extends to 80,000 sq ft ofground floor warehousing and offices, divided in to four bays of approximately 20,000 sq ft each, plusa further 40,000 sq ft of mezzanine storage. It puts the building back in to its former use after beingvacant for approximately two years.”The property is owned by a London based landlord and Brown & Co of Finkin Street, Grantham acted for the landlord. www.blmforum.net5newsyouryourAVM to launch video conferencingsolutionsAudio visual solutions provider AVM isto launch a revolutionary new range ofvideo conferencing solutions at theirTechnology Event on Wednesday 14thNovember at the Leeds Shine Centre. Entitled True Collaboration solutions,the range brings immersive video, userfriendly collaboration tools and bespokefurniture to the standard meeting room inone package that is easy to purchase,deploy and maintain.The launch will build on AVM’s already strong presence in the North. Since opening in 2006,AVM’s Leeds based branch has grown from a three-man sales team with a turnover of £750,000 toa fully operational base with a turnover of £3.5 million.John Masters, Director Strategy, Business Development and Marketing at AVM says, “We arehosting this event to help delegates not only understand the latest market developments, but tounderstand how they can be applied in a range of different business environments.”Barnsleybusiness centreleads way withnew clean roomAn innovative facility for companies makingequipment which must be kept free fromcontamination has opened in Barnsley. It’shoped the new clean room at Barnsley Businessand Innovation Centrde at Wilthorpe will help tocreate a hub of health technologybusinesses.The venture, thought to be thefirst of its kind regionally, is apartnership between BBIC andSingle Use Surgical, a firmbased at BBIC which makessingle-use surgical instruments.SUS will be able to speed upthe time it takes to get newproducts to market by havingthe clean room on site.Tim Milburn, chief executiveof BBIC, says, “Wherebusinesses need help developingspecialised facilities we’ve beenable to step in and share some ofthe cost. Shared facilities previouslylocated on site have included anelectronics development centre, an e-business centre and post-production editingsuite. The clean room is the latest project.”Datacentre andcommunications firmNode4 has officiallyopened the new hall at itsLeeds data centre. The new350sq m hall comprises of 4 x 32rack cold aisle containment pods.The site will be manned 24/7 forhigh security and is ISO27001compliant. The extension will bean important step in thecompany’s goal to becomethe largest provider oflocal data centres inthe UK.05:Layout 1 25/10/12 13:14 Page 1Empowering line managers to address workplace issues effectively and appropriatelyTaylor&Emmet deliver training for line managers on a wide range of topics, both through public and bespoke training sessionsFor more information call or email Jenny Arrowsmith on:Telephone: 0114 218 4000Email:jenny.arrowsmith@tayloremmet.co.ukwww.tayloremmet.co.uk/advance•Bespoke sessions allow Taylor&Emmet to design a course to suit your particular needs and policies.•A practical approach which empowers managers to address and overcome common scenarios.•A focus on what managers can do rather than what they cannot.•Gives managers the confidence and skills to deliver an effective outcome for your business.•Flexibility in content and delivery including fixed prices.Back by popular demand! T&E Advance public training events are back with topical issues. For more information please look on the website06:Layout 1 29/10/12 14:50 Page 1Supermarket foundation degreeannouncedA foundation degree in supermarketoperations has been announced byMorrisons and the Logistics Institute at HullUniversity Business School.A hundred Morrisons staff will obtain skillsand knowledge in leadership and logistics inorder to enhance their business’ competitiveadvantage. The bespoke, part-time industryfoundation degree has been formulated by the Logistics Institute alongside the University of Hull’sdedicated Knowledge Exchange team and in close consultation with the major supermarket chain. Itwill provide cutting-edge training to the Morrisons’ logistics division. The course has been specifically created for Morrisons as an investment in their people and thefuture growth of the business. Four groups of 25 students, taken from across the business, will study for a Foundation Degree in Leadership and Logisticswith the institute, which is internationally renowned for logistics education and research. The first group is due to graduate in July 2014.www.blmforum.net7newsyouryourHitachi Capital Invoice Finance helpget SMEs back ontrackLeeds based Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance haslaunched Inspired Cashflow, with a £500 millionlending facility to boost SMEs finances. John Atkinson, Head of Commercial Business,Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance, says, “Ourresearch reveals that many companies don’trealise they have funds that can be utilised ontheir balance sheets, and this is why we havelaunched our new Inspired Cashflow product. It’sour aim to provide a simple solution forbusinesses as they currently don’t know where to turn, and it’s worrying to hear that nearly 10% ofthose admit that their banks weren’t any help in solving this issue.”St John Emms, Senior Business Development Manager for the Yorkshire region, adds, “It’s scaryto see so many of the local SMEs sourcing finance from expensive methods. This is somethingwe’re trying to address, especially since over 68% of SMEs didn’t realise you can unlock financethrough Invoice Finance products.”Forgemasters winsrepeat RomaniancontractSheffield Forgemasters International’s firstever contract work in Romania has beenfollowed by a repeat order.Forgemasters completed work on its first everorder from Romania for one back up roll and twowork rolls for the largest aluminium smelter incentral and eastern Europe in April. Now asecond contract for a six figure sum has beenplaced by Alro Sa for delivery in February 2013.The rolls, with a total weight of 102 tonnes,will be used to produce aluminium coils, sheetsand plates for use in end-products, such asboxes, panels, mechanical parts, tools, mouldsand white goods.Ken Brooks, senior sales manager atForgemasters, says, “Securing contracts like thisis key to demonstrating our ability to satisfy agrowing number of markets. We have beenmaking in-roads into Romania for some time andthis work is complemented by our existing statusas the largest supplier of steel rolls into Russia.”Siemens speaker comes to LincolnAn exclusive club for Lincolnshire businesses welcomed a guest speaker from Siemens at its latestmeeting. Neil Corner, Director of the Service Business for Siemens, attended the Exec Club event at theHilton Hotel, Lincoln, to speak about the importance of Lincoln for Siemens now and in the future and itspart in the county’s engineering renaissance. Organised by Langleys Solicitors LLP and Streets Chartered Accountants, the Exec Club aims to bringtogether leading figures from Lincolnshire’s most successful businesses.Helen Bell, an associate from Langleys, says, “Collaboration is a key to success and it’s fantastic to beable to bring together some of the best and brightest business minds in Lincolnshire. Speakers like Neilgive us an insight into their businesses and tips for how we can help our organisations and clients achieve their goals.“The Exec Club is growing from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to seeing how the group develops over the next few months.”Sheffield Express Business Travel LtdSheffield Express Business Travel LtdVisit our website www.sheffieldexpress.com call us on 0114 270 0022or email reservations@sheffieldexpress.co.ukBusiness travel service experts since 1999 Providing flights, hotels, rail, car hire and more for your business07:Layout 1 25/10/12 13:16 Page 1The secrets many windowcompanies don’t want youto knowNational window,door and conservatoryrepair specialistsWindowGeeks hasopened in Lincolnshire,giving home ownersaccess to a real money-saving option. Theaverage single repair orreplacement undertaken by WindowGeeks is less than £65.With 35 years’ engineering experience, 24 of those with the Corps ofRoyal Engineers, John Foord has become the area’s first WindowGeek.John says, “WindowGeeks prides itself on telling the truth. It’s becomesuccessful by doing exactly that, and that’s what first attracted me to thebrand. Many businesses are guilty of selling customers more than theyactually need. WindowGeeks is different. By fixing or replacing only thebroken parts, our customers get something as good as new and save asmall fortune in the process.”“WindowGeeks is a national brand, but I own the Lincolnshirefranchise. That means customers get the security of a big brand with thepersonal approach of a local business.”For more information, visit www.windowgeeks.co.uk.New offices for innovatingHull and Humber lettingcompanyTotally Let haveannounced newcorporate headquartersin the prestigiousCentre Point ServicedOffices in Hull.The Business Centrewas picked due to itsCity Centre location,the centre includesmeeting rooms andconference facilitiesalong with reception, state of the art telecoms and high speedbroadband. The move will enable the Lettings and property management businessto continue to grow and carry on offering Landlords and tenants abespoke and unrivalled service.Totally let specialise in full property management for landlords andcover the areas from South Yorkshire to Tyneside. There are alsofranchise opportunities available for several UK areas.Doncaster move for globalgas turbine specialistAn independent industrialgas turbine company hasopened a new 4000 sq ftfacility in Doncaster toexpand its services andglobal operations. Themove follows a £1.29million Equity Linkedinvestment from FinanceYorkshire – the largest dealto date for the venturecapital and loan fund. Turbine Efficiency Group has set-up new headquarters at Hayfield LaneBusiness Park in Auckley. At present the company employs six staff inSouth Yorkshire, with plans to expand the workforce further in the future,and the company will retain its operations in Lincoln to focus entirely on itscore services of supplying and maintaining turbine engines. Alan Hawkins, founder and Managing Director of Turbine Efficiency,says, “We have had modest growth in recent years, so we see thisexpansion as a big opportunity for the business to significantly increaseoperations, building on our existing contacts in Argentina, North Americaand the Middle East.”newsyouryour8www.blmforum.netThe Greenius, or Green Genius, national competition aimed atdriving forward the UK’s green growth agenda has opened.Organisations are invited to compete for a share of £3 million forthe development of innovative, near-market technologies leading tocommercialisation. Launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in June,the contest is seeking innovative solutions to questions of food,water and energy sustainability.08:Layout 1 26/10/12 09:00 Page 1Barnsley ITcompany winstop award for“Imaginarium”Osborne Technologies of Barnsley enjoyedhuge success at the AV Awards by winning theEducation Project of the Year Award for theImaginarium, an interactive classroom createdfor Anson Primary School in London.Anson Primary School in London wanted aflexible, creative and immersive room thateffortlessly forms different worlds to engageand inspire pupils aged from four to eleven.Osborne Technologies sensory specialist KevinWheatley was able to produce a design thatmaximised the space and intelligentlyintegrated a complex range of technologieswith control systems that are genuinely child’splay. Installation manager Nigel Barnett andElectrical supervisor Jamie Grainger thenadded the exceptionally high standard ofworkmanship and customer service on sitethat went a longway towardswinning the AVAward.Technology usedincludes interactivefloor and wallprojections,dynamic lighting,fog and windeffects, video wall,bubble tube andinteractive multi-touch screens.Harrogate firm completes prestigious libraryGSSArchitecture’s Harrogate office have restored and refurbished an iconic universitylibrary for the arrival of some of the UK’s national treasures.The second phase of a £10 million pound project to restore Durham University’s PalaceGreen Library is now complete, ready for the arrival of some of the UK’s national treasures.The historic library buildings date back to 1450 and are listed as Grade I and II within theUNESCO World Heritage Site.Restoration and refurbishment of two new Galleries was completed earlier this year byGSSArchitecture’s Harrogate Office and will house the Lindisfarne Gospels, created inhonour of St Cuthbert. This will form the centrepiece of an exhibition of treasures in 2013.Palace Green Library forms only part of the developments at Durham University, which have included refurbishment of theGrade-I Listed Durham Castle. GSSArchitecture are designing the new education outreach facilities and visitor café at PalaceGreen Library, which will be completed next year.Christmas Lunch withformer world record holderLincolnshire IoD branch Chairman Annette Wood in inviting businessleaders from across to the Fifth Annual Lincolnshire Lunch, at theBentley Hotel on Friday 30th November. This year the IoD are delightedto have Steve Backley OBE as the keynote speaker.Steve was one of Britain’s most popular athletes for over a decadeand was ranked in the world’s top ten in the javelin for thirteen years.New IoD Chairman Ian Dormer will also join the guests and say a fewwords.The annual lunch will offer members and the wider business community the chance to enjoyrelaxed networking as well as a three course festive meal and a chance to hear the guest speaker.Tables of both eight and ten are available as well as individual places.The event takes place at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln on Friday 30th November from noon to 3pm.For more information, see page 48.Mechan seals three crane deal with UK manufacturerSheffield-based heavy lifting specialist Mechan is benefiting from the support of a fellow manufacturer whohas ordered three of the firm’s cranes in less than a year. After purchasing two of Mechan’s lightweight jibcranes for its UK base, Proseal requested another column mounted unit just five months later. Proseal’s first order was delivered in February and comprised a 250kg Mechan jib crane with hoist to load andunload its machining centres, along with a 125kg unit for use in its mould and tool workshop. Following thesuccessful installation of this equipment, the manufacturer of food tray sealing machines added a second 250kgcrane to its production facility.Supply chain manager Colin Fraser says, “We have been extremely impressed with the firm’s professionalism,customer service and the quality of its products. When the first order was delivered, Mechan’s engineers simplygot on with the installation without disrupting our day to day operations.” www.blmforum.net9newsyouryourSheffield manufacturer developsevolutionary new hipJRI Orthopaedics, a Sheffield-based manufacturer of orthopaedic implants andsurgical instrumentation, has launched the new Furlong Evolution hip.The company is recognised for the Furlong Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Coated Total HipReplacement, which was the first H-A.C Coated THR in the world, and more than200,000 patients have benefited from one of the UK’s most clinically successfulprostheses.Developing the Furlong Evolution hip, JRI acknowledged that the new design of the hipmust build on the strengths of the Furlong H-A.C with adaptations which optimise ease ofuse without compromising on the ability to achieve secure immediate and long termfixation and excellent clinical outcomes.JRI, along with a panel of independent clinical experts, have spent five years developingthe concept to bring the Furlong Evolution to market. During development, the company tested theproduct beyond the necessary requirements for launching a new product and acquiring a CE mark.09:Layout 1 29/10/12 14:16 Page 1Next >