< PreviousPoor broadband holds small firms back, says FSB Small businesses are being held back by poor broadband and mobile connections, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The findings, revealed in FSB’s new ‘Lost Connection’ report, show that a third of firms are struggling with broadband speeds that are insufficient for their current business needs. Two in five say their broadband is not good enough for their future needs. With more than half of business owners revealing they want to adopt full fibre when it becomes available in their area, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ambitious promise of nationwide full fibre or gigabit capable broadband by 2025 must be kept, according to FSB. The body is calling on Government, industry and regulators to work together to remove barriers to the roll out of full fibre, to resolve the productivity puzzle and ensure no one is left behind as we enter the fourth industrial revolution. 10 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Growth Hub offers SMEs free mental health toolkit SMEs are being offered a free Mental Health and Wellbeing practical toolkit by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Growth Hub. Written by the Humber and East Yorkshire Mind and commissioned by Calderdale College, the toolkit is the Growth Hub’s response to the Stevenson and Farmer report for Government and the York North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership ESF open call ‘Thriving at Work’. It will guide SMEs, micro businesses and the self-employed within the YNYER LEP community, to encourage a positive wellbeing culture, identify potential mental health problems and know what to do and where to go for advice. The toolkit allows a significant opportunity for low cost scalable interventions in workplaces and create self-sustaining and measurable change processes. It is available to all businesses. Embracing the toolkit will generate a positive culture towards mental health in the workplace and across the region. © Shutterstock/kirill_makarov Drax approved to build gas generators Business Secretary Andrew Leadsom has approved plans to build four new gas generators at the site of Drax’s North Yorkshire coal plant, despite Planning Inspectorate opposing the proposals on climate grounds. According to Drax, the plans could enable the energy company to deliver more reliable and flexible, high efficiency electricity generation at its power station in North Yorkshire. This, it said, could help the UK to transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Drax must now secure a capacity market agreement to underpin the investment needed to develop the first combined cycle generating unit. If developed, 1.8GW of new capacity would be available at Drax from October 2023. This could help to displace less efficient and higher carbon emitting power stations, enabling further decarbonisation of the UK’s power system, whilst creating up to 800 jobs during construction. © Shutterstock/Olimpik 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:26 Page 5www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 NEWS AVAILABLE NOW 278,852 SQ FT TO LET UP TO 606,000 SQ FT gazeley.com NEW, HIGHLY-SPECIFIED DISTRIBUTION WAREHOUSE PLUS AN ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A BESPOKE BUILDING FOR ALL ENQUIRIES: Adrienne Howells Development Director adrienne.howells@gazeley.com +44 (0)20 7901 4452 James Atkinson Development Manager james.atkinson@gazeley.com +44 (0)20 7901 4452 G-PARK DONCASTER – UNIT 1 WEST MOOR PARK, M18/J4 £3m partnership to support entrepreneurs A new £3 million partnership project led by Sheffield Hallam University is set to support entrepreneurs from across. ScaleUp 360 is a three-year European funded project that brings together a group of business experts from Doncaster and East Midlands Chambers of Commerce and Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre under the leadership of Sheffield Hallam University. It will deliver a tailored high growth support programme to businesses and entrepreneurs, from pre/early start-up to investment ready, with the ambition to grow their business. Each client will have a dedicated account manager whose role it will be to ensure they have access to the scale-up expertise, knowledge and connections they need to grow a sustainable and investment ready business. This will include 1-2-1 specialist business advice, mentor support, workshops and access to investment opportunities. In addition, the recently opened Hallam I-LAb offers clients access to a dedicated entrepreneur/business incubation space at the heart of Sheffield City Centre. © Shutterstock/Wright Studio Lincolnshire’s tourism industry breaks £1.5bn barrier The value of Lincolnshire’s tourism industry reached £1.58 billion in 2018, according to the latest STEAM figures. The figures show that in 2018 the county attracted around 21 million visitors – a 2.5% rise on the previous year. As a result, the county’s visitor economy is now worth 62% more than it was ten years ago. Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economy and Place, said: “We’re working hard to attract even more visitors, and over the last couple of years we’ve dramatically improved what we have to offer. “And although the summer remains our busiest time of year, we’re now seeing an increasing number of visitors in October and March. “That suggests our efforts to extend the traditional tourist season, with new attractions like the North Sea Observatory, are paying off. “Looking ahead, the increasing number of direct trains between Lincoln and London will make it easier for overseas visitors to discover all our county has to offer.” © Shutterstock/Gill Kennett 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:26 Page 6PROPERTY 12 Business Link www.blmforum.net F lexible workspace is a nebulous term covering a variety of different workplaces. Essentially, it’s an umbrella term for offices that operate on flexible terms and have a wide range of services and perks included. They are therefore different to traditional leased workplaces in the sense that everything to do with the running and maintenance of the building is managed by the office provider, making them ideal for smaller businesses and start-ups. But they are also a popular option for bigger businesses and corporations. It might sound obvious but the biggest draw for flexible workspace is, well, the flexibility. In this regard, they’re ideal for freelancers and young start-ups, but they’re just as commonly used by large corporations. The most common example here is, perhaps, the most obvious. Business centres are a good option for companies who have not yet set up a permanent office with businesses usually able to rent in the long or short term. When a company hits turnover milestones and grows its headcount, they will move out of a business centre and into a more permanent office. Most business centres are, by their very nature, flexible, offering a variety of office sizes and car parking facilities. A more flexible option is a serviced office which are similar to business centres except they usually come fully equipped. This means they’re ready to use and require very little to be brought it by clients. Compare this to conventional offices, which often come with an assortment of hidden costs, and the attraction becomes obvious. With access to a stocked kitchen, lunch area and meeting rooms, serviced offices are a cost- effective option ideally suited for young businesses, small teams and start-ups. Co-working spaces are perhaps the most iconic example of flexible workplaces, offering spaces shared by more than one company. Although they might still offer private offices, often there can be ten businesses sharing the same floor. Though this might not be the best option for companies seeking privacy, they are great for networking and socialising, making them a hit with millennials. There’s even been studies to suggest that these kinds of workspaces boost productivity. With their many inherent benefits, flexible workspaces have become popular in towns and cities across our region, not just for individuals and businesses, but for commercial property operators and landlords as well. Indeed, a new report from 15 Á flexibility Business Link explores some of the most common examples of flexible workspaces and how the trend for these kinds of offices are growing regionally. 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:29 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 13 PROPERTY © Shutterstock/ GaudiLab 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:30 Page 2Armstrong house Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby 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 offices are 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 contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements, give Scotts Property a call today on 01472 267000 and ask about Armstrong House. Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk www.shutterstock.com/terekhov igor www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:30 Page 3www.shutterstock.com/Yentafern www.blmforum.net Business Link 15 PROPERTY real estate advisor Cushman & Wakefield found that, in major regional markets, take-up of traditional office space by flexible workspace providers has grown significantly in the last few years. According to the report, almost 800,000 square foot of new space across the major regional markets was acquired by flexible operators in 2017 and 2018, compared to just 100,000 square foot in 2016. With the evolution in working practices and growth sectors across the UK, this trend is set to continue. Although there have been inroads here in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, there is a lot of room to improve. In Leeds, for example, 115,743 square foot of office space has been taken by flexible workspace providers since 2013, but, in H1 2019, there has been one deal with Regus Spaces taking 23,498 square foot at 7 Park Row; but Cushman & Wakefield predicts that a lack of grade A stock in Leeds city centre could hamper future take-up. “Serviced office operators are typically attracted to grade A stock of which there is a lack of across Leeds city centre. This has slowed serviced office take-up in 2019 and will continue to affect serviced office take-up throughout 2020,” said Harry Finney of Cushman & Wakefield’s National Office Agency team based in Leeds. “We estimate there to be approximately 500,00 square foot of serviced office accommodation across Leeds city centre which now accounts for a significant proportion of the market.” Mr Finney added: “One of the largest serviced office operators, WeWork, is yet to enter the Leeds market, indicating that the city doesn’t currently have the office offering or demand it requires. Serviced office operators tend not to disclose their level of performance; therefore, it is difficult to assess the success of existing operators and whether or not the operators will expand further in Leeds or in fact consider exit strategies.” Flexible workspace will continue to be a popular option among start-ups, freelancers and smaller companies, but many bigger businesses are seeing the benefits. In order to nurture this, towns and cities must strengthen their supply and ensure there is enough square footage to cater to this demand. © Shutterstock/ Rawpixel.com © Shutterstock/ Halfpoint 12-15.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:30 Page 416 Business Link www.blmforum.net MATERIALS HANDLING M aterials handling ensures the quick and efficient flow of products in manufacturing processes, warehousing and distribution. Whether one is considering trolleys, conveyors or forklifts, materials handling equipment, and the wider facilities themselves, are continuously evolving to allow greater levels of efficiency and flexibility all while promising to save costs in the long term. Vital to business operations, especially those involving the movement of heavy parts and goods through a workplace and to delivery channels, one must ensure that the handling of materials is completed safely. A safe environment is usually achieved by making employees aware of typical hazards, such as exceeding load limits, and teaching them how to prevent these though clear training programmes on operating materials handling equipment and risky situations. Meanwhile supervisors must exercise due diligence to prevent injury and keep facilities safe. With such a high level of on the job danger, health and safety hazards surpass more obvious instances of collision and trapping. Workers, repeatedly bending, reaching and lifting heavy objects, put serious strain on the body, causing immediate and long-term injuries such as repetitive stress injuries. Ergonomics has therefore become a key focus in materials handling. Equipment that is ergonomically designed can minimise the strains associated with twisting, excessive stretching, pulling and pushing. One common piece of materials handling equipment that can be improved with ergonomics is the forklift, whose operators frequently develop repetitive Automation ergonomics To ensure operations run optimally, whether one is working in manufacturing or distribution, adopting the most innovative materials handling equipment is key. and 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:33 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 MATERIALS HANDLING strain and musculoskeletal injuries. Seats with lumbar support, adjustable arm rests and suspension can be adopted to reduce vibration that frequently leads to musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue. Boosting visibility has also improved forklifts for their operators, with cameras improving vision at forks to allow for increased accuracy and less neck straining, especially when navigating in increasingly narrow aisles as warehouses aim to hold as much product as possible to meet demand. With operations under growing pressure to do more in less time, with less resources, more safely, robotics and automation - from robot pickers to Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and robot arms - have been highlighted as key in improving productivity and operations while driving down costs. In warehouses particularly, the demand for quicker delivery times has caused an overhaul. Downtime is not tolerated, and the smallest of disruptions can have a major impact. Automation acts as a reliable solution in reducing chance of downtime and unanticipated delays, and usefully takes over physically demanding tasks. Quite simply, traditional human techniques can reduce productivity, increase time consumption, are prone to error due to human fatigue, and restrict the amount of load that can be moved. Meanwhile robot trucks, for instance, can work 24/7, tirelessly and need only stop for battery charging. These trucks are further being fitted with Lithium Titanate Oxide Batteries which can be opportunity charged quickly, with a single charger able to serve multiple vehicles. While automated materials handling equipment overall has been expensive and complex to buy and install, and even somewhat inflexible, this is not the case today. Robotic trucks for example are now more versatile, can be integrated without devoted infrastructure and no longer require wires, reflectors or magnets. Rather, trucks can be walked through a facility to build a map, decipher main routes, locate specific aisles and more. Using walls and racks to map a facility, trucks can navigate and self-locate without physical infrastructure in real time. The introduction of automated and autonomous equipment has further benefits when considering the high turnover rates of manual handling staff and the training periods required for new employees - both of which are costly. While there has been concern that use of robots and automation will eliminate jobs, the wider automation of materials handling is sure to be a benefit with a bleak labour market and as the materials handling workforce ages and retires while service levels become more demanding. Robotic trucks also enable repetitive tasks like loading and unloading and strenuous activities to be completed cost effectively and allow staff to be redistributed to more value-adding and 18 Á © Shutterstock/ Parilov 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:33 Page 218 Business Link www.blmforum.net MATERIALS HANDLING engaging tasks. They create support jobs such as engineers, technicians, software developers, and move staff to tasks like operating equipment, revising performance data and transport planning. Meanwhile, when integrated with other automation technologies, operations can be made even more efficient. For instance the use of sensors on conveyor belts enables them to perceive when pallets are at the end of the line and notify a robot to collect and move it to the next location. The position of conveyors in automated and robotic systems is expanding here, particularly as this often requires a product to be in a precise position at an exact time, meaning investing in a conveyor that is reliable and efficient and engineered specifically to work with robots is essential. The popularity of AGVs is on the rise, after previously being thought of as untrustworthy, as they make the movement of materials and products effortless and remove operator error that causes many accidents, being able to detect objects from several feet away and move between people and other machines. While the idea of autonomous forklifts for instance is well established, improvements in navigation, adaptability, flexibility of technology and decreasing costs has seen the equipment become more of a reality. With the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and AI programs, multiple AGVs like autonomous forklifts can be deployed at once, are able to communicate with each other and avoid colliding. They can also adapt to changes in warehouse layouts and are helpful in reducing loss from misplaced products as every movement they make can be tracked. Further, when connected to the IoT, software can be used by managers to monitor and optimise AGV traffic. When integrated with telematics systems, warehouse management systems or enterprise resource planning systems, one can get the best use out of a fleet through increased visibility into processes and units which allow one to adjust and optimise based on use, maintenance and congestion data and make changes in real time. Moreover AGVs are set to make operations more fuel efficient. Removing a driver and the mechanics needed for operation from say a forklift dramatically decreases burdens - a lighter vehicle goes easier on fuel. Further smart forklift decisions, driven by computers and data systems automatically choose the most energy and time efficient route to products and delivery vehicles. While moving goods around a facility is a challenge of its own, getting them in and out also throws up potential problems for example when not unloading optimally, inefficiency, high costs and queueing appear. Ensuring the process is quick and smooth has a positive effect on the operation that follows. AGVs are just as beneficial in the loading dock as elsewhere as part of automatic truck loading systems (ATLS), which perhaps more usually involve conveyor belt systems integrated into vehicles. ATLS significantly reduce manpower needed at loading bays, minimise chance of product damage and accidents as well as ergonomic injuries associated with lift truck operation. Products are loaded and unloaded quicker, and at higher volumes, which also means fewer loading docks are required. © Shutterstock/Phonlamai Photo 16-18.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:33 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT W hen it comes to improving productivity within the manufacturing industry, there are a number of different aspects that might be considered. Many of these have been around for some time, and some are considered obvious – so the focus for manufacturers who have been proactive in the past is to focus on new technology and how that can enable greater gains. Not only can improved efficiency help the bottom line in terms of revenue, it can also help to reduce expenditure on energy – and create less carbon emissions. Automation is one of the best ways to make savings in a manufacturing environment. Repetitive, time-consuming tasks that were traditionally carried out by factory operatives can now be completed quickly and efficiently by machines. As such, factory automation makes it much easier to meet large supply demands. It makes sound business sense to invest in the latest automated solutions, especially for businesses operating on a mass scale. The reasons why might sometimes be just as important as the how, and in this case specialists in the automation industry believe it is a lack of understanding which holds manufacturers back. As one supplier states, “As there are still many countries, even within the European Union, who have much lower © Shutterstock/Vadim Ratnikov working With Brexit on the horizon and the economy becoming more competitive than ever, it’s important for manufacturers to be as productive as possible. Productive 20 Á 19-21.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 10:37 Page 1Next >