NOVEMBER 2016 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 31 ISSUE 11ENGINEERING &CONSTRUCTION Unlocking engineeringENERGY &RENEWABLES Wet wet wetBUSINESSSERVICESSowing skillsDRIVING BUSINESS GROWTHDRIVING BUSINESS GROWTH01_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:15 Page 1THE MINI COOPER D 3-DOOR HATCH WITH CHILI PACK. MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £185.38(PLUS INITIAL RENTAL)*.92 g/km CO2 80.7 mpg (combined) 20% BIKFor more information, call us on 01522 688889 or visit www.sopermini.co.uk Soper of Lincoln Roman Way, South Hykeham Lincoln LN6 9UHOfficial Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI 3-door Hatch range: Urban 34.0-72.4mpg (8.3-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 54.3-91.1 mpg (5.2-3.1 l/100km). Combined 44.8-83.1 mpg (6.3-3.4 l/100km). CO2 emissions 147-89 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.Soper of Lincoln is a credit broker.*Business users only. Initial rental £1,112.28. Price shown excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Business Contract Hire agreement for a MINI Cooper D 3-door Hatch with a Chili Pack, with a contract mileage of 24,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 5.41p per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 20 October 2016 and 31 December 2016 and registered by 31 December 2016 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Excess mileage, vehicle condition and other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. Soper of Lincoln, trading as Soper of Lincoln, commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice.MINI Business Partnership02_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:15 Page 1The Christmas holidays creep evercloser and along with themChristmas itself (for those whomight not have realised), whichmeans that not only do businessmanagers have the stress of buyingfor their families, but also in makingsure everything is in order when itcomes to the business. While mostemployees will be looking forwardto some hard-earned time off, thedisruption it causes can be adaunting prospect for theleadership.Thankfully it seems we can allrelax a little on the issue of theBrexit which has, despite all thenegative news, not affectedbusinesses too much in our region.Manufacturing has bucked thenational trend, with commercialproperty looking fit to do the same.As always, the mainstream mediahas made a meal of it and thatseems to have affected investorconfidence. Hopefully we shall belooking forward to a normal yearahead and not one in whichEngland unclasps itself from the seabed and floats off into the Atlantic. The magazine that caresWe carebecause we want to leave our world a better place than we found itBusiness Linkbelieves that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key tomaintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff willbe proud to be part of.Community- From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extendthat into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes andcharities. Environment- Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisationof waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise.From theEditorWhile mostemployees willbe lookingforward to somehard-earned timeoff, thedisruption itcauses can be adauntingprospect for theleadership.As the year comes towards itsclose, we at the Business LinkMagazine look at some of theimportant considerations many arehaving to take. Our security featurein this month’s issue highlights therisks inherent in the Christmasbreaks – a prime time for criminaldamage – and how to take steps tominimise the risk. Beyond that, wealso investigate skills developmentand whether the new year might betime to train up your staff.Along with our other in-deptharticles on temperature controlledstorage and distribution, supplychain management and engineering– our November issue is full of on-topic analysis and up-to-date news.The 2016 year may be approachingits end but that’s no reason to slackoff now. As ever within business,there are opportunities to begrasped.Good reading, as always… Michael FisherEditor03_Layout 1 31/10/2016 14:39 Page 1CONTENTSNOVEMBER 20166NewsCatch up with the latest business news from around our region11LettersReaders’ letters and replies13Commercial propertyWhen it comes to industrial property deals and office uptake,what happens in the city invariably affects the rest of us. Sowhat’s exactly going on in Leeds?16British Heart FoundationCoronary heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer, which is why theBritish Heart Foundation exists to lead the fight against it.19Business sceneThe Sportsman’s Dinner recently took place at The Bentley Hotelin Lincoln where special guest speakers Dennis Booth, ex-LincolnCity player, Danny and Nicky Cowly, Lincoln City Manager andAssistant Manager respectively, were welcomed by attendees. 20Ports and logisticsMore pressure on the supply chain is squeezing an already leanindustry, yet there are still improvements that can be made.23SecurityWe might be approaching the festive season but keep in mindnot everyone is full of festive goodwill. 26Business servicesStaff need to be equipped with the latest skills to helpbusinesses remain competitive in uncertain times and help plugthe widening skills shortage. 30Food, chemicals and process industriesYorkshire and Lincolnshire is famous for its food manufacturing,which makes temperature control within the transport andstorage industry of paramount importance. 34Engineering and constructionFrom 3D printing to drone technology, innovation is flourishing inthe engineering industry. 37Energy and renewablesThe issue of waste water has long vexed businesses, and it hasnever been more prudent to not only better manage wastewater,but put it to good use. 42AutoLinkFew events in the motor show calendar can match the glitz andglamour of Paris. So, in order to bring Business Link readers anupdate on the very latest models, we headed off to the 2016Mondial de l’Automobile. 46EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire50And finally…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCONNECT WITH US13374204-05_Layout 1 01/11/2016 10:28 Page 1Group EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)EditorMichael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsStuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk)Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk)Editorial contactnewsdesk@blmgroup.co.ukTel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317Sales DirectorAngela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk)AdvertisingSam Trott (s.trott@blmgroup.co.uk)Nikki Logan (n.logan@blmgroup.co.uk)Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk)Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk)Tel: (01472) 310310Accounts & SubscriptionsAngela Sharman, John DownesTel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311Design & ProductionGary Jorgensen, Mark CassonTel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314(studio@blmgroup.co.uk)E-Mail: yorks-lincs@blmgroup.co.ukWebsitewww.blmforum.netAddressHaychart Ltd, Armstrong House, ArmstrongStreet, 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?COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM - DMITRY KALINOVSKY • ALEKSEY STEMMER • MATEJ KASTELIC • MRS_YA • K.D.Pwww.blmforum.net3404-05_Layout 1 01/11/2016 10:28 Page 26Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSYork life sciencesbusiness invests in itssubsidiaryYork-based life sciences business OptiBiotix Health has increased its investment inSkinBiotix, its majority owned subsidiary, using a Convertible Loan Agreement, withan investment of £400,000 which will provide funding to complete thedevelopment and human studies for the first product application, in addition tofunding activities to support an Initial Public Offering (IPO). SkinBiotix is dedicated to the development of skin biotherapeutics using naturalcomponents of the skin microbiome to protect, manage and restore skin healthproblems. Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “OptiBiotix has made strong progresswith the development of SkinBiotix. We have built the team, added significant IPand put in place development programmes and plans for human studies with theobjective of translating the science into commercial products with large potentialglobal markets. “Our belief in the potential of SkinBiotix is demonstrated by this additionalinvestment which will enable SkinBiotix to accelerate its corporate and technicaldevelopment plans.”Manufacturingexports benefitfrom weakerpoundManufacturing output and orders grew over the lastquarter, with export volume growth the strongest for twoand half years, according to the latest quarterly CBIIndustrial Trends Survey.The survey of 459 manufacturers reveals thatcompetitiveness in EU markets rose at the fastest pacesince the series began in 2000, with competitivenessoutside the bloc also improving at the quickest rate since2009.Domestic demand grew modestly, while export ordersrose for the first time in over a year. The outlook fordemand over the next three months is generally positive,with export orders expected to rise further, along withmore modest growth in domestic orders. But concernspersist about the availability of skilled labour, with almosta quarter of respondents observing that skilled labouravailability could limit output over the next few months.Optimism about the business situation fell slightlyagain following last quarter’s sharp decline. And numbersemployed fell slightly for the first time since 2010 andlook set to fall faster over the quarter ahead. Butinvestment intentions improved following the decline lastquarter.Small businesses & charitieslacking basic digital skillsAlmost two in five UK small businesses and nearly half of UK charities lack basicdigital skills, with a rising challenge amongst some small businesses around cybersecurity, according to findings from the third annual Lloyds Bank UK Business DigitalIndex. The most digital small businesses are twice as likely to report an increase in turnoveras the least digital, and 65% of small businesses are using digital to reduce their costs,according to the survey of 2,000 small businesses and charities across the UK which isdeveloped in association with Doteveryone and Accenture.Using the new Doteveryone definition of Basic Digital Skills, which sets out five keyskills needed to get the most out of being online, this year’s report shows that 62% ofsmall businesses have all five skills. The lack of key digital skills is a primary barrier to doing more business online, with 15% of businesses stating this is the main barrier, more thandoubling since 2015. Cyber security is also rising in prominence as a reason for 14% of small businesses not doing more online nearly double from ayear ago. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BARBOLPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ESB PROFESSIONALPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAMONRAT06-10_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:16 Page 1High Street bank branch closures harmsmall firms, says FSBThe UK’s High Street banks are failing small businesses because of theincreasing number of branch closures, says the Federation of SmallBusinesses (FSB). In the last 25 years, the size of the branch network has halved to just over8,000 branches and is set to halve again in the next ten years, it claims.In a new report the FSB says the trend has serious implications, with smallbusiness access to banking and productivity already damaged.Mike Cherry, pictured, FSB National Chairman, said: “Small businesses arekeen to embrace the opportunities of the digital economy – 94% of smallbusinesses already use internet banking. However, barriers towards digitalinclusion, such as unreliable broadband connectivity, and a lack of confidencein using digital services creates serious challenges. These are some of the reasons that explain why the protection of in-branchbanking is so important for financial inclusion.”FSB is calling on Government to conduct an economic impact assessment of bank branch closures in the most severely affectedareas as well as ensuring that the new Universal Service Obligation for broadband explicitly covers small business premises. www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7Businesses must addhuman capital tobalance sheets in 2017Companies must tackle the longstanding problem of putting a valueon talent if they’re to become truly people-centric organisations,according to Oliver Shaw, CEO of Leeds-based Cascade HR.Mr Shaw said: “In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, peoplemetrics need to be measured and included within financial records.Organisations readily talk about the worth of customers and ‘goodwill’,but why should employees be any different?“When a company is positioned for acquisition, the value of humancapital is crucial in the purchaser’s decision making process. So why notcalculate and disclose that figure in annual financial statements?”With International Financial Reporting Standards rules now stating thataccrued holidays need to be reported on as a liability, the significance ofemployee time is certainly in the spotlight. But the value of an individual’scontribution (and the cost of their absence) is so much more complexthan a simple salary calculation.He added: “Yorkshire businesses need to recognise and makeprovisions for how much the workforce is worth, and they need to do itquickly, especially if the war on talent is to continue into 2017.”Bradfordengineeringbusiness rescuedfrom administrationAlatas Engineering, a provider of mechanical engineeringservices and hydraulic solutions, has been acquired out ofadministration in a deal negotiated by joint administrators fromBegbies Traynor.The business was placed into administration in September as aresult of a number of exceptional circumstances including thedownturn in the oil and gas industries. It continued to trade whilea buyer was sought and, following an accelerated marketingprocess, a sale of the business and assets was completed toAlatas UK. “Unfortunately, Alatas was a victim of unforeseen changes inmarket conditions,” said Julian Pitts, joint administrator fromBegbies Traynor. “However, with its strong reputation within thesector as a one stop shop for engineering and hydraulic repairs,we were confident that it had a viable future.“Having undertaken an accelerated marketing process, we wereswiftly able to conclude a sale which not only enabled thebusiness to continue to trade, so saving jobs and contracts forsuppliers, but also realised the best return for creditors.”Law firm Clarion acted for the joint administrators.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JIRSAKPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SASINTIPCHAI06-10_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:16 Page 28Business Link NEWSSouth Yorkshire joins digital revolutionInfrastructure provider CityFibre is set to open up a next-generation pure fibre network across Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherhamenabling them to join the growing ranksof Gigabit Cities as the companycontinues to introduce fibreinfrastructure competition nationwide. The network, which spans 110km, willprovide local businesses with some ofthe fastest download and upload speedsin the world, up to and exceeding1,000mbps. This new breed of pure fibreconnectivity will improve theirproductivity and provide them with asignificant competitive advantage. Thisis welcome news to Sheffield’s businesscommunity who currently struggle withslow speeds of only 18.36mbps onaverage hampering their ability to grow.The city-wide pure fibre network willtransform the digital infrastructure ofSheffield City Region, enabling gigabitspeed, world-class connectivity for theentire community and dramaticallyaccelerating its digital capabilities. It willfuture-proof the area as the thirst forgreater bandwidth continues to growexponentially over the coming decades.The projects are being delivered inpartnership with Exa Networks. Chief Exec of Sheffieldmanufacturer appointedvisiting professorThe Chief Executive of Britain’s largest orthopaedic manufacturer hasbeen appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield.Keith Jackson, who heads Sheffield-based company JRI Orthopaedics,will be a visiting professor in the Department of Materials Science andEngineering. He will deliver keynote lectures and act as a mentor to bothundergraduate and postgraduate students.Mr Jackson said: “The aim is to enrich the curriculum with real worldexamples, such as the product development process; following an ideaor customer need on its journey to a successful product design, testingand through regulatory approval channels to market.”After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree inMechanical Engineering, Mr Jackson spent the first five years of hiscareer as a design engineer for British motoring powerhouse Jaguar.After a year of voluntary work in Africa, he returned to the UK to studyfor a MSc in Biomedical Engineering. What’s Trending?This month For help and advice visit www.streetsweb.co.uk or call 0845 880 0320Self-Assessment Tax ReturnDo you still need to complete your Tax Return?Do you need help with it?06-10_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:16 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 9Food Innovation Networklaunched in YorkFrom prolonging shelf life to developing new sources of protein, more than 6,000British food and drink companies can now take advantage of new technologies andexpert advice at the touch of a button, helping revolutionise the production of theirfood.The new Food Innovation Network (FIN), launched by Environment SecretaryAndrea Leadsom at Sand Hutton in York, will give ambitious British entrepreneursunparalleled access to first-class facilities, such as test kitchens and laboratories tohelp them launch new products onto the market.Through an online portal, businesses will be able to tap into expert advice oncomplex issues such as intellectual property and developing new technology. Anetwork coordinator will also be appointed to act as a ‘matchmaker’, joining upbusinesses with the expertise they need for any aspect of their business – from newpackaging to waste management.Defra - alongside the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnershipand the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) -appointed the Knowledge Transfer Network as the coordinator to take forward theproject.Leeds law firmboost revenue,targets furthergrowthLeeds-based law firm Clarion has posted record resultswith revenues climbing by 28% to £10.4 million in the 12months to 31 May 2016 (2015: £8.09 million). Profit alsoincreased in the last financial year, rising to £3.48 million.The firm reported strong performance across all areaswith the corporate, property and litigation practices inparticular forging ahead. While insolvency, employmentand family faced more challenging conditions, they toocontinued to grow. During 2015/16, Clarion saw a number of high profileclient wins as well as new corporate mandates fromHesco, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and WestonCommunications. It has seen staff numbers increase by10% to 125 people including 21 partners and recently tookon an additional floor at its Elizabeth House head office. Roger Hutton, pictured, Joint Managing Partner ofClarion, said: “I see our successful results as a ‘coming ofage’ for Clarion, the market is excited about what we’redoing, and our brand is now well established and trustedfor what it represents.”Doncaster Chamber up fortwo national awardsDoncaster Chamber is through to the national finals of the Chamber Business Awards. Thebusiness support membership organisation has been shortlisted in two categories for ‘Chamber ofthe Year’ and ‘Most Effective Campaigning.’ Dan Fell, pictured, CEO, Doncaster Chamber, said: “I’m convinced that a key reason for beingshortlisted is because we are one of the foremost Chambers in the UK that is bridging the gapbetween business and education. “The Chamber of the Year Award recognises the Chamber that demonstrates vision, aspirationand excellence across all core areas. Dan added: “We have a great story to tell in terms of ourmembership services and our role as a collegiate partner in the borough helping to get thingsdone.”Doncaster Chamber will now go forward to the national finals where the winners will beannounced at the Chamber Business Awards Gala in London in November. Doncaster Chamber member, Taylor Bracewell, who won the award for Commitment to PeopleDevelopment in the Yorkshire & Humber heats of the Chamber Business Awards, will also find out ifthey have won in their category at a national level.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GORAN BOGICEVIC06-10_Layout 1 31/10/2016 12:16 Page 4Next >