< PreviousINTERVIEW WITH…10Business Link www.blmforum.netRecruitment andinvestment magnate JamesCaan spoke to BusinessLink as the new series ofhis CNBC show was set tolaunch, and revealed hisfive top tips for smallbusinesses.He realised and dismantled thedreams of budding entrepreneurs onpopular BBC TV programme Dragon'sDen, and now James Caan is back for asecond series of his TV show TheBusiness Class. In each of the sixepisodes, one UK business will confrontvarious challenges, with which Jamesand a panel of advisors will assist. Thecompanies come from a variety ofsectors including technology, financialservices, manufacturing, retail andprofessional services. Here, James shares what he believesto be the secrets of a successfulbusiness.Observe the masses, and do theopposite"It's very easy to get caught up in thedoom and gloom when economictimes are tough," says James."However, I've always found that wheneverybody is looking the other way,that's when you should strike. Thereare always gaps in the market andthere are always opportunities to grow- in every industry - and startsomething new when no one else isbrave enough."Don't be afraid to talk about moneyJames, who has a net worth ofapproximately £70 million,acknowledges that cashflow is still ahuge issue for smaller firms. "It's aparticular problem for smaller firmswho are dealing with large client," heexplains. "Some of the companies thatI've spoken to can go ninety days ormore without receiving payment, whichis obviously a huge problem in terms ofliquidity."Although not everybody iscomfortable talking about money, Ialways tell them to be frank and up-front when negotiating payment terms.Don't be ashamed of the fact that youare a small business who may beunable to pay wages if you don't getpaid on time."He adds that it was "certainly notunreasonable" to expect payment within“Wheneveryoneis lookingthe otherway, that'swhen youstrike”James Caan10-11:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:40 Page 1thirty days, and said he always suggeststhat businesses put such a clause intheir processes.Put the time and effort intorecruiting the right staffAttracting the right talent can be achallenge, says James, who foundedthe recruitment company AlexanderMann in 1987. "There are somebusinesses whose staff turnover ishigher than they'd like it to be. A lot ofthe time that's because they arestruggling with the recruitmentprocess."Hiring the right person isn't a case of"putting an advert in a newspaper andhaving a new starter the followingweek" but a much more complexprocedure. "It's actually a very timeconsuming and costly process," hesays, "and some managers don't give itthe attention it deserves. I have alwayssaid that businesses rise and fall on thequality of their employees, so I wouldalways urge them to make it a higherpriority."James advises that this didn't justinclude the initial hiring, but the three-month period following. "A smoothtransition, where the new starter canreally understand the company valuesas well as their own role, is critical." Work with, not against, the resilienttechnology industryJames picks this sector out as themost adaptable and resilient post-recession. It's an industry which nowhas more jobs than skilled people - notsomething many sectors can boastabout these days."It is fast moving and hasrevolutionised day to day activities suchas reading or banking," says James ofthe quickly-advancing technologysector."Due to its innovative nature, it hasbeen able to adapt to the economicclimate very well. For example, one ofthe companies featured in the newseries of The Business Class is London-based Blippar. They've created animage recognition app which turnsimages into interactive digitalexperiences. It's a great piece oftechnology and the big brands havereally taken to it."Determination and passion are themost important ingredients forsuccessAs chairman of the government's StartUp Loans scheme, James is part of ateam which has so far helped out morethan eight thousand businesses withkick-start funding. The scheme hasbacked a variety of businesses, "fromhairdressing to IT", he says. "We're reallymore interested in the passion of theindividual and the solidity of the businessplan rather than the industry itself."If you apply basic business principlesand have real determination, yougenuinely can succeed in any industry."James also pointed to the fact thatthere is "a genuine interest" in businessnowadays.Perhaps helped by programmes suchas Dragon's Den, The Apprentice andThe Business Class, which have allmade the idea of becoming anentrepreneur more accessible, socialmedia streams are frequently buzzingwith excitement for business."It's something we've seen from bothviewers and online through social mediasites," says James."It's clear that there's a real interestsurrounding business. That's somethingthat maybe wasn't always the case, butnow more than ever, people are keen toexplore the world of enterprise.""If you apply basic businessprinciples and have realdetermination, you genuinely cansucceed in any industry."Business Link 11www.blmforum.netINTERVIEW WITH…10-11:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:40 Page 2COMMERCIAL PROPERTY12Business Link www.blmforum.netOne of the selling points for the newEnterprise Zones has been their relaxedplanning regulations and it may well bethe case that a move away from theaccepted way of doing things is themost effective way to enjoy success.This doesn’t mean the bulldozers shouldautomatically be able to plough throughgreenbelt land in the name of progress,but a more proactive approach todevelopment could work wonders.That’s certainly the view of the CBIwho, in partnership with built assetconsultants EC Harris, have launchedtheir own plan to rejuvenate towns andcities. The report highlights the need formore joined-up strategic localleadership and more proactive planningallied with early private sectorengagement. Among the measures itcalls for are a one-year business ratesholiday for firms moving into emptyproperty and planning changes to makeThe CBI, in partnership with built assetconsultants EC Harris, have launched theirown plan to rejuvenate towns and citiesDacres Commercialhas sold NewDevonshire Housein Keighley towncentre to a localbusiness that willnow use the sixstorey buildingas its headofficeThe greatpropertyrevivalBig ideas could well make a major differenceto the future of our region’s towns and citiesit easier to convert empty shops intohomes.Indeed when it comes to thecommercial property market, existingpremises are taking on increasedimportance – thanks doubtlessly to therecession meaning the number of newbuilds over the past few years hasdwindled.At Jones Lang LaSalle’s recentseminar in Leeds, Jeff Pearey, head ofthe firm’s office in the city, said,“Available grade A office supplycurrently stands at 160,000 sq ft and,with just 134,000 sq ft underconstruction, it’s clear the currentreplacement rates just don’t stack up. Araft of good quality officerefurbishments and upgrades, such asthe likes of No 1 Whitehall Riverside andMinerva, will go some way towardsreplenishing the shortage of grade A.”The latest deals in the sector seem toillustrate that point with businessesoffering new uses for existing property.Dacres Commercial has successfullycompleted a string of deals in recentthat have seen the firm sell and letseveral existing properties.The most high profile deal, if only forthe building’s prominence, is NewDevonshire House in Keighley towncentre which has been sold to a localbusiness that will now use the sixstorey building as its head office. JeffCrabtree, Associate at DacresCommercial, says, “These deals willresult in inward investment which willhave a positive impact on the areassurrounding these properties.”Making the best use of existingbuildings appears to be the key forvibrant towns and cities in Yorkshireand Lincolnshire – but it relies oninnovative thinking to ensure thepossibilities are best realised.12:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:36 Page 1“We value the fact thatthey have a very acuteunderstanding of thedemands of the lettingmarket in each of theareas in which theyoperate”Mrs J, Harrogate.“Linley and Simpsonepitomiseprofessionalism. I have always foundthem to be extremelyhelpful and polite”Mr J, Wakefield.“Linley and Simpsonvery reliable. Theircommunication and theway they manage myproperty is fantasticand they are alwaysprofessional. I wouldrecommend them 100%”Mr P, York.Don’t just take our word for it, see whatsome of our current landlords are saying…*Visit our website for full testimonialsLetting is easy withLinley&SimpsonAt Linley & Simpson we can manage the entireprocess to ensure that becoming a landlord isa hassle-free and rewarding experience.With demand for properties currentlyoutweighing supply in the area there really hasnever been a better time to let your property.www.linleyandsimpson.co.ukLETBYCall today for your freeproperty appraisalRoundhay0113 237 0281Leeds City0113 246 9295Horsforth0113 239 0663York01904 611722Harrogate01423 540054Wakefield01924 375245Wetherby01937 586060Ilkley01943 816888Ripon01765 690219Saltaire01274 585811@linleyandsimpson13:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:15 Page 1D MARSHALLPROPERTIESLTDHigh Quality LightIndustrial Units TO LETin Kirkstall, Leeds(close to Leeds Town centre)From 1200 to 5000ft2Flexible TermsFor Further Details ContactAndrew MarshallTel: 01132 893062Mobile: 07734 71470214:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:15 Page 1Scan this code with your smartphone to visit our website01924 282 020www.whittlejones.comPremises available in over 200 locations throughout England and ScotlandManaging properties on behalf of Northern TrustOFFICESSILKWOOD PARK, WAKEFIELD, WF5 9TJSCARBOROUGHBRIDLINGTONHORNSEASTALLINGBOROUGHHULLPOCKLINGTONGAINSBOROUGHSCUNTHORPEGOOLEDONCASTER DINNINGTONTEMPLEBOROUGHDENABYMEXBOROUGHGOLDTHORPESOUTH KIRKBYBARNSLEYHUDDERSFIELDTODMORDENBRADFORDSHIPLEYUNITS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT YORKSHIRE INCLUDING HUMBERSIDE & LINCOLNSHIREINDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION TO LET FROM 500 SQ FT UPWARDS - FLEXIBLE LEASESwww.thegateway-wakefield.co.uk/innovateSMALL OFFICE SUITES TO LET FROM 2 PERSONS (233 SQ FT) UPWARDSwww.whittlejones.com15:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:16 Page 1Get 10% off with this advert or code ‘BMG1’Check out our website for great market leading house sale package dealsSpecial deals available to house buildersOption 1: £499+VAT Option 2: £99+VAT, Pay rest over 6 months Option 3: £99+VAT, then 0.6% on completionWe also provide: Property Maintenance Property Redevelopment Renewable Energy Solutions for Domestic & Commercial Renewable Energy Solutions for Farm & Landowners Energy Performance Certificates...and so much more!16:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:19 Page 117:Layout 1 28/10/13 10:19 Page 1HULL AND EAST RIDING18Business Link www.blmforum.netFew were laughing at the recent piecein The Economist which suggested thatHull, along with the likes ofMiddlesbrough and Burnley, should beleft to fend for itself. The argument wasthat attempting to spend vast sums ofmoney to regenerate places like Hullwas a waste of time and that moneywould be better spent in encouragingpeople to invest in big cities like Leeds.Unsurprisingly this attempt to think theunthinkable has been roundly poo-pooed, and not just in the city but therest of the UK. While it’s true to say thatHull has been one of the cities badly hitby the recession, and the demise of itsfishing industry, things are changing –and these are not tokenistic attempts atreviving interest, but potential world-leading developments that could ensureHull and the East Riding are of pivotalimportance.Of course regeneration of Hull doesappear to be inexorably linked with theGreen Port Hull concept where thefinishing line appears tantalisingly closebut which has still to dot the Is andcross the Ts to allow what appears tobe a formality to become reality. ABPhave pledged that the recent departureof Matt Jukes from his role at the Portof Hull will have no impact on thedecision and Siemens continue toemphasise their commitment to theproject. The delays remain no lessfrustrating but it’s hoped that the finaldecision is now very much a matter ofweeks, rather than months.Rather than twiddle its thumbs whileit waits for the final decision, though,Hull is keeping itself busy andattempting to position itself as a majorworld city in other areas. It used to bethe case that the region’s rather isolatedposition meant it struggled while tryingto attract investment, but its extensivelinks to mainland Europe now meanthat transport is now actually one of itsgreat strengths. While proud, of course,to be part of Yorkshire, the area is nowemphasising its role as a majorinternational location – for many, theUK’s link to Europe.One way in which it’s tried to do thisover the past few years is thanks to theWorld Trade Centre Hull & Humber, oneof the few branches of this internationalenterprise in the UK. Numerousbusinesses have benefitted from theexpertise and resources available at theCentre and a number of trade missionshave set off to spread the word andlearn from the success of similar areaselsewhere in the world.The international focus is of particularimportance in Hull’s bid to be namedthe UK’s City of Culture in 2017. Formany the combination of Hull andculture could have been considered acontradiction in terms but those whoknow and live in the city have beenquick to point out the manyHull-based special engineering businessSpencer Group, who have recently won acontract to replace critical parts of theHumber Bridge. are also one of the Hull 2017Angels supporting the City of Culture bidPeter Brown, CEO of Neill & Brown GlobalLogistics, aims to bring a major internationalbusiness conference to HullAlive andkickingNever mind the headlines – Hull and the East Riding are well-placed for success18-25:Layout 1 28/10/13 11:24 Page 1Business Link 19www.blmforum.netto bring this major internationalbusiness conference to the city. If wegain the City of Culture title, it will inturn massively strengthen our bid to theWorld Trade Centres Association.”One of the regular events that bringsseveral hundred visitors to Hull is thePlatform Expos, the annual gaming andcontent creation conference. This year’sevent is based in the City Hall, but alsospins off across the city, on 15th and16th November, and it has establisheditself as one of the major events in thesector. Founder Lindsay West, anotherWTC director, says, “The ultimate goalof the Platform initiative is to use thecreative digital sector to bring new,sustainable employment to the Humber,and we hope that our track record willhelp persuade the City of Culture judgesthat we are creating our ownopportunities.”21 contributions the city has made, fromPhilip Larkin to John Godber. Beingnamed City of Culture is largelyceremonial but the increased nationalspotlight that is on the lucky city overthe year obviously has benefits inshowcasing the regeneration work thathas gone on – a great advertisement.Indeed the City of Culture bid teamare aiming to enlist twentyorganisations to each pledge £17,000 asa powerful demonstration of privatesector backing for the 2017 bid. So far,the “Hull 2017 Angels” already signedup to take part in the scheme includeBP, The Deep, Hull College, KC,Spencer Group, University of Hull andWykeland Group. Spencer Group ChiefExecutive Charlie Spencer says, “It’simportant for businesses such as oursto support the bid with cash because itdemonstrates to the judges that there isconsiderable support from the businesscommunity within Hull to make thishappen. Without businesses comingforward and offering these pledges, thebid has much less impact.”To this end, World Trade Centre Hull& Humber is helping to strengthen theinternational element of the bid withambitions to attract the World TradeCentres Association General Assemblyto the Humber during 2017. If they’resuccessful, around three hundredbusiness people from eighty countrieswould visit for the three-dayconference to develop internationaltrade links.The idea to bring the event to the citywas put forward by WTC director PeterBrown and former WTC director RobPenrose after visiting Mumbai to attendthe 2013 General Assembly. PeterBrown, who is also CEO of Neill &Brown Global Logistics, says, “We hopewe have contributed to a successfuloutcome for Hull in the UK City ofCulture 2017 competition with our ideaThe positive picture painted by thesecond quarter’s results show 25% offirms increased their workforce in thelast three months and importantly, fewerfirms reduced their staffing levelsThe positive picture painted by thesecond quarter’s results show 25% offirms increased their workforce in thelast three months and importantly, fewerfirms reduced their staffing levels18-25:Layout 1 28/10/13 11:24 Page 2Next >