DECEMBER 2017 £3.50YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINEwww.blmgroup.co.ukVOLUME 32 ISSUE 12HUMBERBANKA tale of two townsHEALTH & SAFETY INCONSTRUCTIONBuilding blocksCOMMERCIALPROPERTYTomorrow’s workplacetodayTAKINGSTOCKTAKINGSTOCK01_Layout 1 01/12/2017 10:02 Page 1For more information, visit www.dbsprocessing.co.ukor email info@dbsprocessing.com, alternativelyyou can call 01773 687090.Unit 4 Brook Court, Amber Drive, Langley Mill,Nottingham, NG16 4BEDBS Processing is aiming at worldwideleadership in developing and industriallymanufacturing innovative market-orientedequipment in bulk solids handling, mixing,waste water & sludge treatment, renewableenergy and vibration technology. The companyhas recently unveiled two new machines, thePSU:200 and SSU-200 respectively, aimed at thevarious needs of the recycling industries. 02_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:24 Page 1It’s beginning to look a lot likeChristmas and, with the festive seasonhaving rolled around quicker than wecould have imagined. As businessesacross our region are preparing for thecoming year, the annual Christmas shutdown, or spend another Crimboestranged from the family while trying toseal that all important deal, Business Linktakes a look back over the past twelvemonths.Our ‘end of year successes’ hasbecome a bit of a tradition here atBusiness Link - it’s a must-read section inDecember. A platform where some of thebusiest and most innovative companiesand establishments throughout Yorkshireand Lincolnshire get the opportunity toshout about their achievements.Of course, coming off the back of lastyear, with its turbulent political backdropand wobbly economic uncertainty, 2017didn’t quite provide the results manywere after. But we seem to be on moresure footing than this time last year. And, while the autumn budget leftsome camps breathing a collective sighof relief, it left many a little deflated. Fora detailed breakdown of the budget, andwhat it means for business, turn to page16.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 theEditorComing off theback of last year,with its turbulentpoliticalbackdrop andwobblyeconomicuncertainty, 2017didn’t quiteprovide theresults manywere afterThe theme of success is a through linein our December issue, with the HumberBank exposé profiling Hull and Grimsbyas shining examples or urbanregeneration and industrial reinvention.Both have fast become major pillars ofour region, and despite the loss of our EUmembership, good things are in store forboth towns. In our ‘meet the experts’ feature weprofile businesses across the regiondeserving of your attention. Respectiveleaders in their fields, this is your go-toguide. Sadly, many businesses are still plaguedby late invoice payments. We get to theheart of the problem this month andtouch on ways of dealing with this mostpersistent issue.Advice abounds in our commercialproperty feature and our now regularcorporate hospitality pages, while Frazergets the last word in. Well, it wouldn’t beChristmas without some miserablebeggar throwing in their two pence. Merry Christmas and a happy new yearto all.Michael FisherEditor03_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:25 Page 1CONTENTSDECEMBER 20176NewsThe latest business news and success stories from around ourregion11LettersReaders’ letters and replies 12PropertyThe new age of business is dawning, with 3D technology, theInternet of Things and artificial intelligence all touted to havemassive benefits on the corporate world as we know it16Autumn StatementStreets Chartered Accountants on the Autumn Statement: An English man’s home is his castle18Invoice and finance solutionsLate invoice payments are having a severe effect on cash flow,growth and future plans21End of year successesAs 2017 draws to a close, it is time to look back on what hasbeen an ‘interesting’ year for all • Q&A - OrderWise26Meet the expertsOver the next few pages we illustrate the vast array ofsuccessful companies that exist across our region and invitethem to share their expertise28The Humber BankInvestment along the Humber has led to an industrial andeconomic renaissance, bringing with it prosperity and catchingthe eye of overseas businesses32Health and safety in constructionThe construction industry has started to see a much deserveduptick in custom, but it still remains as one of the mostdangerous industries in the country, and more steps need to betaken to combat that fact35Corporate hospitalityChristmas may almost be upon us, and that tradition - theChristmas party. With it, there are several things employers andmanagers will need to watch out for38Business sceneLincolnshire Family Business Forum40AutoLinkOkay, Christmas is coming and so are the new registrations so ifyou’re looking to change up your car for something a little moreexotic, what better excuse to treat yourself?44LAMMA’18The UK’s leading farm machinery, equipment and services showreturns to the East of England Showground in Peterborough on17 – 18 January 201846EventsWe take a look at business events happening around Yorkshireand Lincolnshire50And finally…Yorkshire-Lincolnshire-Business-Link @blmforumblmforum.netCONNECT WITH US16284004-05_Layout 1 01/12/2017 10:39 Page 1Group EditorSteve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)EditorMichael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk)JournalistsDominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk)Stuart Pearcey (s.pearcey@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)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.COVER PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK - NORTHERN-LIGHT • ZIVICA KERKEZ • TANA888 • YUTTANA CONTRIBUTOR STUDIO • LAMMAwww.blmforum.net3204-05_Layout 1 01/12/2017 10:39 Page 2Leeds crowned UK’smost improvedplace to live andworkLeeds’ flourishing tech sector has seen the city crownedthe UK’s top performer in a new report highlighting thecountry’s most improved places to live and work.PwCs annual ‘Good Growth for Cities’ report saw Leedscome joint number one thanks to an unprecedented surgein the local tech sector.The city also climbed the ranks in key areas – including:jobs, new businesses, skills, work/life balance, and incomeinequality, among others. The survey, which uses ten categories set by the publicand businesses to measure economic performance, alsosuggests that cities in the north are now narrowing thegap with their southern counterparts.According to the report, 70% of digital technology investment in the UK last year was into regional clusters outside London, where tech businessesraised more than £4.6 billion.Leeds alone is now home to 23,734 digital jobs and has a tech sector growth potential of 92%.6Business Link www.blmforum.netNEWSSheffield and Leedsranked in top tencities forrecruitmentSheffield and Leeds have been listed in the UK’s topten cities for job growth in a new report compile by CVLibrary. Uncertainty over the Brexit and the current political‘milieu’ is not having as adverse an effect on the jobsmarket as was previously imagined.According to the report, the UK is experiencing awidespread boom and is exhibiting signs of stabilitycompared against statistics from Q3.The study highlighted a 12.2% increase in advertisedvacancies year-on-year as well as pinpointing the verybest cities for job growth. As a recruiter, it’s wise to bear in mind where the largepools of candidate talent reside, as well as locate thecities which have the most clients looking to hire. Lee Biggins, founder and Managing Director of CV-Library, said: “A strong workforce is a key driver foreconomic growth, and it’s clear that organisations acrossthe nation are working to invest in growing theiremployee-base.”© Shutterstock / GoShiva© Shutterstock / Shahid KhanLincolnshire brand named inUK’s top 50 fastest growingfood businessesLincolnshire’s Pipers Crisps have been named as one of the top fifty fastest-growing food and drink businesses in the UK.The premium crisp maker has been featured in The Grocer’s annual ‘Fast 50’ listfor the first time following a 21.2% growth over the last two years.“I see this as much more than just an acknowledgement of the outstandinggrowth the company has achieved over the last two years,” said Managing DirectorJames McKinney.“In fact, Pipers Crisps has grown strongly every year since it began in 2004. Thislatest accolade recognises the long-term progress we’ve made thanks to ourstrong brand values, our dedicated staff and our loyal, ever-growing customerbase.”The company delivers directly from a number of its own regional hubs acrossthe UK, as well as supplying customers through selected distribution partners. Italso exports extensively, now selling to 37 countries worldwide.© Pipers Crisps06-10_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:34 Page 1Yorkshire biomass supplier secures£200k from NPIFBiomass supplier VerdEnergy is eyeing growthplans after securing £200,000 from NPIF – MerciaDebt Finance (part of the Northern PowerhouseInvestment Fund).The company, which supplies customersthroughout the North from its York headquarters,depots in Richmond and Goole and through itsfleet of specialist delivery vehicles, was establishedin 2015 by the team behind Duncan Renewables.Co-founder Mark Duncan said they had realisedthat there was a gap in the market for a goodquality wood pellet supplier and decided to createa full-service solution for customers, which includesinstallation, service maintenance and fuel supply.“Biomass offers an environmentally-friendly,lower-cost alternative to conventional energysources and take-up is growing amongst hotels,country estates, commercial occupiers anddomestic users,” said Ian Atkinson, InvestmentManager at Mercia Fund Managers (whichmanages NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance).“The funding will provide additional workingcapital to fund extra pellet shipments and supportthe increased demand.”‘Firm balance sheetfoundations’ forMorrisonsMorrisons has made a “further step” in its ongoing efforts to upcompetitiveness with another period of “positive like for like sales growth”.In the 13 weeks to 29 October, the Bradford-based supermarketreported group like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were up by 2.5%. Totalsales (excluding fuel) rose 2.3%Like for like (LFL) volume was positive, with transactions up 2.1% ascustomers continued to fill up their trolleys more in Morrisons stores.The retailer said it “worked hard” during the quarter to lessen theeffects of lower sterling on imported food prices. Efforts were also madeto become more competitive, it added.One such example is its ‘Price Crunch’ campaign which remainspopular with customers. Moreover, ‘Way Down’ is holding prices lower forlonger.The retailer also confirmed that its new automated ordering system isnow fully operation in all stories. Yorkshire property developer Citivale has partnered with USproperty investor Investcorp to manage and develop a multi-millionpound property portfolio.Investcorp, which is seeking to expand its real estate activitiesbeyond the US, has just acquired seven industrial properties acrossthe UK – including two in Yorkshire – for £40 million from LCIndustrial.“These are very exciting times for Citivale,” said Managing DirectorJames Appleton-Metcalfe. “For us, the Investcorp deal represents asuccessful exit from our partnership with LRE Capital ahead ofschedule in our business plan.” Mr Appleton-Metcalfe explained that the flourishing HumberEnterprise Park at Brough, which was part of the original LC Industrialportfolio, remains under the ownership of the Citivale/LRE Capitalpartnership.So far £6 million has been spent on regenerating the whole site,described as “a jewel in the Humber’s crown” with another £1.2 millionearmarked for further improvements.www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 7NEWS(L-R) Ian Atkinson, InvestmentManager at Mercia FundManagers, Mark Duncan, MDof VerdEnergy, and MartinBell, Red SkyCitivaledevelopspropertyportfolio withUS investor© Shutterstock / Gary Perkin06-10_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:35 Page 2NEWS8Business Link www.blmforum.netDoncaster Sheffield Airport in therunning for Heathrow expansion schemeDoncaster Sheffield Airport has beenrecognised as a prospective site for HeathrowAirport’s expansion scheme as a key Logistics Hubin the North.The 1,600-acre Aero Centre Yorkshire sitesurrounding the airport offers a unique propositionin the vast amount of land available in comparisonto many other airports in the UK.Following the construction of the £56 millionGreat Yorkshire Way link road, there is nowconsiderable ease of access to Doncaster SheffieldAirport, with over 6 million people within a 60-minute journey radius.The 20-year master plan for Aero CentreYorkshire ensures a future-proofed site with afocus on creating jobs through a range ofcommercial developments.The addition of a Heathrow Logistics Hub wouldfurther promote the region’s status as a thrivingpart of the UK with plenty of opportunity forinvestment and growth.The next stage of the shortlisting process willbegin in January 2018.Strong third quartergrowth for Card FactoryCard Factory, the Wetherby-based gift and greetings cards specialist,has seen sales rise as the retailer brings its total UK stores to over 900.For the nine months ended 31 October, total sales growth was up 6.7%compared to last year’s more meagre rise of 4.4%.The strong third quarter follows on from robust first half results and,the retailer said, is driven “principally by growth in lower margin non-cardcategories”.During this period, the retailer rolled out more stores across the UK,with 38 new stores inaugurated during this period. This follows on fromthe 46 opened during the same period last year.The retailer said that it is “confident of delivering another year ofapproximately 50 net new UK openings”.Growth was also seen from its ecommerce footprint, with itsgettingpersonal.co.uk and cardfactory.co.uk sites “continue to grow”.It added that it has a “good pipeline of new store opportunities” for thenext financial year.Lincoln construction and consultancy firm LGG Projects boasts a40% female workforce which is at odds with the national averageof 11% for the construction industry. The firm says more women are applying for jobs than everbefore.Lisa Tinker, who joined the senior team two years ago, said: “It isfantastic to be working for a construction and consultancy firmwhich has close to an equal ratio of men to women in its team andis supportive of all of its staff.“We have definitely seen an increase in female applicantsrecently and I think the overall awareness of the careeropportunities available within the construction industry hasincreased. I believe the general perception of what it is like to workwithin this sector is changing and in turn increasing the diversity ofemployees.”Over 2.9 million people are employed by the UK constructionsector, with the industry expected to grow 2.5% every year for thenext five years.© Shutterstock / Klemen K Misic© Shutterstock / Thomas AndreasLincoln firmbuckingnationaltrend withhighpercentageof womenworkers © Shutterstock / ValeStock06-10_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:35 Page 3TOWER FIELD SERVICESCat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespokemechanical services to oil refinery andprotochemical plants all around the world.Our team has vast experience in overseeing andundertaking the installation of all types of Towerinternals.Our Tower tray, packing and other internalsinstallation services has deep roots, with several ofthe senior team at Cat Tech being involved in thefounding of the Cana-Tex organisation.Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier globalTower speciality contractor; performing Towermaintenance and plant turnaround projects aroundthe world. These origins, with the addition of newteam members, make Cat Tech Tower Field servicesa global operation which is both cost effective andtechnically experienced.We strive to create new ways to make yourTower work safer, faster and more productiveand that can make very good things happen foryour business.We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need forupfront communication in relation to timescales and costs.No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, frompre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows ourcustomers 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 provenskills necessary to produce customer satisfaction.It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of yourTower work.The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are:lExperienced Tower specialists.lProven track record.lAbility to supply spares and replacements.lSpade to Spade service.lRevamps or modifications to Towers / Internals.lInspection of Tower internals.lSupervision of external/client labour force.lDetailed inspection reports.lCleaning of tower internals.lReactor tray field services.lTurnkey reactor tray field services.At Cat Tech, we continue tocreate new ways to makeTower work safer, faster andmore productive. And that canmake very good things happenfor your business. Contact usfor further information.Our well established sales teamhave a wealth of experience.We take pride on ensuring allenquires are dealt with quicklyand efficiently.UK: Cat Tech (Europe) Ltd.,1 South Park Road,South Park Industrial Estate,Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire,DN17 2BY UKPhone: +44 (0) 1724 871747Fax: + 44 (0) 1724 861928Bulgaria: Cat Tech Services (SouthEastern Europe) Ltd.,Devnia, Varna District,Povelyanovo, 20 Droujba Str,R Bulgaria, 9160Phone: +(35) 9519 92052Fax: +(35) 9527 46770China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd.,Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road,Putuo District,Shanghai 20061 CNPhone: +(86) 2152 9175 08Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte.Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road,Singapore 629794Phone: +(65) 6264 6261Fax: +(65) 6264 6401South America: Please contact the UKoffice on +44 1724 871 747Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand)Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon NuenpayomRoad, Maptaphut Sub District, MuangRayong District, Rayong Province21150 THPhone: +(66) 894 064 100Fax: +(66) 638 692 382MAKING YOURPLANT WORK…SMARTERwww.cat-tech.comPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGS06-10_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:35 Page 4Next >