< Previous20Business Link www.blmforum.netINVOICE AND FINANCE SOLUTIONSwe as a nation are worse off. According to a long-running survey ofbusiness distress by insolvency andrestructuring trade body R3 andindependent research consultancyBDRC, growth is plateauing across theYorkshire & Humber and North Eastregion. Unsurprisingly, the biggestcause of distress cited by thecompanies surveyed was paymentowned on invoices that are over 30days past due. At 16 per cent, thenumber of businesses citing this reasonwas almost double the figure seen lastApril. “With more firms in the region facingthe challenge of slow payment and theknock-on cash flow problems, as well assales volumes falling for a largernumber of companies here, theeconomic picture is getting murkier,”says Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 inYorkshire and barrister at KingsChambers in Leeds.The economy is symbiotic, whathappens to one area will inevitablyaffect another. Late payments are achronic issue which persist across thebusiness landscape, as big an issuehere in our region as the UK at large.With the disastrous effect this can haveon cash flow, small businesses are leftabandoning growth plans to cover theoverhead costs, leaving the entireeconomy in danger of stagnating.Fortunately, there are equity experts,solicitors and lenders across ourregions to offer advice and help easethe strain. Insolvencies creep up over Q3 2017The number of companies entering administration increased from 297 in the third quarterof the year to 302 in the third quarter, according to a report by KPMG based on studies ofnotices in the London GazetteBlair Nimmo, head of restructuring at KPMG, comments: “Since the middle of 2016, we’veseen a fairly steady rate of companies falling into insolvency, with quarterly figures typicallyhovering around the 300 mark. While this is very much reflective of the benign economicclimate we’ve seen in the UK over the last 18 months, here at KPMG we have started to seean increase in the number of conversations we’re having with businesses aroundperformance improvement and turnaround strategies.”Blair Nimmo continued: “Following a challenging time for retailers over the first six months of the year, it appears the sector steadied over thesummer, although all eyes will now be turning to their performance over their busiest and most important final quarter of the year. Sectors that doappear to have undergone a degree of stress over the quarter include building and construction, manufacturing and interestingly, companies whooffer recruitment and temporary manpower services – perhaps emblematic of the low unemployment rate currently seen across the UK economy.“Looking ahead, uncertainty in a broader sense may leave a negative impression on consumer and corporate confidence. The weak exchangerate may take its toll on certain sectors, interest rates have finally seen their first rise in over a decade and inflation is at its highest level in fiveyears. It will therefore be interesting to see whether the next couple of quarters start to witness a more stark increase in corporate failures.”© Shutterstock / Minerva Studio Dealing withlate paymentHere are the top 5 tips to help you dealwith late payment:1. Know your customer2. Agree payment terms in advance 3. Invoice correctly and promptly4. Chase payment immediately when itbecomes overdue5. If you deal with vendor portals,understand how they workBlair Nimmo18-20_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:40 Page 3www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 21END OF YEAR SUCCESSESCargoTrainingInternationalnAIR, SEA AND ROAD TRAINING nREGULAR UK & USA COURSESnWORLDWIDE IN-HOUSE PROGRAMMES nCAA APPROVEDFOR ALL YOUR DANGEROUS GOODS TRAINING NEEDSFOR ALL OUR TRAINING DATES & VENUES VISIT OUR WEBSITEwww.cargotraining.comUK OFFICE: PO Box 176 . Shepperton TW17 8WP. UK Tel: 01932 769 682 • E-mail: sales@cargotraining.comUSA OFFICE: • PO Box 580026 . Houston • Texas . 77258-0026 . USA Tel: 1800 700 4980 • Fax: 281 333 9522 • E-mail: cti@cargotrainingusa.comThe economy has been in a bit of astate. Brexit was bad enough, but thebigger problem appears to have beenthe uncertainty surrounding it and theGovernment’s difficulty in hashing out adeal with the EU. Now, with a divorcebill confirmed, things might soon startto look better as we move into 2018.Despite that, and the overall sense ofnegativity shown by some, businessesin our region have continued on strongthrough the year, with many successstories across Lincolnshire andYorkshire in a range of sectors. British manufacturing has seen anuptake for one, and with 75% of all UKmanufacturing placed within four hoursof the Humber, that has served ourregion well. British Steel is one suchexample of this, and has experienced aresurgence that some are calling itsrenaissance since it was rescued in late2016. This year, it completed its firstinternational acquisition to buyNetherlands-based company FN Steel.Considering the fears a little over a yearbefore as to its future, this is a sign ofwhat potential there is left in Britishmanufacturing, and how dramaticallyfortunes can be turned around with alittle investment and hard work. The region may also have goodthings to look forward to ahead as itpostures itself to become an integralpart of the Northern Powerhouse andseek devolved powers fromWestminster. That several politicianshave made mention of the NorthernPowerhouse has helped strengthen theregion’s legitimacy on this claim, andcould potentially see future investmentas a result. Certainly, while Brexit willincrease many costs of importing goodsinto the UK, it also has a beneficialeffect in making home-grown or home-made products more affordable bycomparison. If a trade deal does fail tobe agreed this would be a bad thing forsure, but some small solace may bethat UK manufacturing – much of whichis within Yorkshire and Lincolnshire –will be called upon to supply much ofthe country.It’s not just manufacturing that hasreason to celebrate the year however,and the city of Hull which has beenbusy redesigning and re-casting itselfthis year. After having been crownedthe City of Culture, its business rootshave been highlighted across thecountry, with many Hull-based productsearning new acclaim not only within theUK, but abroad as well. Independent deals in the region have© Shutterstock / PhilMacDPhoto A year of business As 2017 draws to a close, it is time to look back on whathas been an ‘interesting’ year for all.22 Á21-23_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:42 Page 122Business Link www.blmforum.netEND OF YEAR SUCCESSESTaking steel buying out of the Iron Age with MetalHubMetalHub.com is a new website that brings trade steel buyers and sellers online. Launched inYorkshire in spring 2017, it is already working with more than a dozen local stockholders, givingbuyers access to over 2,000 common steel products in one place.Buyers save time by instantly comparing prices and lead-times from many steel suppliers inone go. Those who buy steel regularly could save hours of chasing around. MetalHub is openfor business 24/7, freeing buyers from the limitations of traditional trading hours. Customerscan easily search and order at any time, from their computer or smart-phone. MetalHub see45% of business happening at evenings and weekends, from buyers who are too busy duringnormal business hours.Commercial Director Richard Nicholls said: “Steel buyers and sellers have really welcomedthe opportunity to do business online. We are constantly working to create an even betterexperience, including the newly launched TradePlus scheme for larger buyers.”For more information, visit www.metalhub.com© Shutterstock / Dusan Petkovic A year of success for RuddocksIt’s been quite a year for Ruddocks, the Lincoln-based integrated design and print agency,having won a total of eight industry awards.“Reflecting on the last 12 months fills me with an enormous sense of pride; our huge win atThe Transform Awards Europe for our brand work with British Steel, coming away with 6 awardsincluding the overall Grand Prix, is a highlight for me,” said Managing Director Paul Banton.He added: “We’ve developed a successful partnership with British Steel, so to go onto win aChartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) award together with our nominations at the Print,Design & Marketing Awards and the Digital Printer Awards is a testament to the strength ofrelationships.”Most recently, Ruddocks has won the Chamber Business Awards 2017 Regional Award forExcellence in Customer Service, as well as being shortlisted in the Customer Service Team of the Year category at the Print Week Awards.For more information, visit www.ruddocks.co.uk.remained in flux, with some mergersand acquisitions coming through,but many choosing to quietly investin improving their own facilities andsystems. That said, the commercialproperty sector has remainedstrong, particularly in places likeLeeds, Sheffield and Wakefield.Prime office space has been inincreased demand, which goes away to countering panicked claimsof the year leading to businessclosures. Similarly, investment inwarehouse and logistics facilitieshave led to several new warehousesbeing built on major road systems,and many of these have beensnapped up by tenants already.The year may not have been aneasy one by any means, but ourregion has remained strong – andeven profited, in some cases, fromthe uncertainty. With new hope onthe horizon and the Government andthe EU finally on speaking terms,there are only better things to lookforward to as we move into 2018. © Shutterstock / Matej Kastelic 21-23_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:42 Page 2Hammer and Pincers offers fantasticfood and a friendly atmosphere The Hammer & Pincers pub of Swineshead Road in Boston is a welcoming, warm pub thatserves a great range of cask ales, fantastic food and offers service with a smile. Its friendly team of staff look forward to meeting all new customers, and with affordablefood and drink, they’re sure they’ll see you again soon. Hammer & Pincers is the epitome of the traditional pub experience, offering 25 years ofexperience, a traditional venue, a great range of cask beers and hearty foods. The pub is theperfect venue for a daytime drink, evening dinner or a special evening with your friends. For big screen sports, entertainment and a range of cask beers, you needn’t look any further - why not come and see for yourself? The Hammer & Pincers’ team offers a friendly and lively atmosphere, and is always stocked with quality ales. For more information, visit www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.uk. www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 23Chemex, market-leaders for 30 yearsPeter Cussans took over the Lincoln and Boston franchises of Chemex International inSeptember 2016 following the retirement of Laurence Hinde.“Laurence has built a great business with a fantastic base,” said Mr Cussans. “Buy continuing toprovide excellence service and superb products, I aim to build the business by offering theChemex service to more local businesses.”He added: “All our customers seem to have something in common – they are all passionateabout giving their customers the best possible experience.”Speaking about Chemex’s service, Mr Cussans said: “The Chemex service gives you the fullpackage – whether it’s making sure your healthcare business is Regulation 12 compliant; your foodbusiness gets five stars, or simple things like making sure all your people are trained to use products safely and efficiency, you can trust Chemex.”On the subject of products, he added: “We’ve been innovating market-leading cleaning and hygiene chemicals for 30 years.”For more information, visit www.chemex.com.Grimsby’s Best Western Oaklands Hall Hotelperfect for business meetingsFrom private board meetings to lavish celebrations, the Best Western Oaklands Hall Hotel in Grimsbycreates the perfect setting for your event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a conference or businessevent, or you’re looking for exciting events in Grimsby throughout the year, a member of our events teamwill be on hand to help you find the perfect venue and guide you through every aspect of your event.It offers an array of meeting and function spaces perfect for one-on-one meetings or functions andconferences for up to 200 people. Whether it’s a private board meeting requiring absolute discretion, anannual conference for 200 delegates or a canapé and champagne reception for your annual party, theOaklands Hall Hotel can cater for your every business need. For room hire, delegate rates and more information on catering and availability, visitwww.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk.VisionDrive finishes 2017 on a highNew premises, an intake of staff and awards recognition have meant 2017 has been amilestone year for Lincoln’s VisionDrive. Founded in August 2016, VisionDrive specialises in single vehicle movements. Among itsclients won this year are GEFCO, Pendragon, Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence. Through putting an emphasis on high levels of customer service, the company is nowenjoying steady growth and an expanding team.This has come with plaudits from the business community, the highlight of the year beingwinning ‘Start Up Business of the Year’ at the Lincolnshire Media Business Awards.“We’ve had an amazing year, we’ve moved to larger offices at the Think Tank in Lincoln, takenon a raft of drivers and started our own apprenticeship scheme,” said Director Jack Davies.“We hope that 2018 is just as exciting. We already have plans to recruit further and increase our delivery fleet.”For more information, visit visiondrive.co.uk.Bespoke training solutions from LACTSLACTS delivers high-quality and bespoke training courses throughout the UK, typically delivered atyour business premises, ensuring the most cost-effective use of your personnel’s time.Although it cannot change any compliance or legally required elements, LACTS can, however,adjust the focus to suit particular roles as well as the situations. It will work with you to developcustom health and safety training courses.In-House Training Just follow the simple steps below:1. Discuss and Order Bespoke training courses 2. Business training requirements 3. Order your trainingIn addition to outsourcing your training it may be possible for you to focus more on your core tasks. Outsourcing your training may enhancebusiness as well as boost the quality of your company. In addition, outsourcing your staff training it may be possible to increase the drive yourcompany as well as overall performance in sales.For more information, visit www.lacts.co.uk.© Shutterstock / mukphoto Deliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET21-23_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:42 Page 3Q&ADavid Hallam, Managing Director ofOrderWise24Business Link www.blmforum.netQ&A - ORDERWISETell us a little about OrderWise andwhat you do.Simply put, OrderWise is an award-winning software specialist covering theentire supply chain. This means we areexperts in everything from e-commerceto logistics, and from retail applicationsto warehouse management and stockcontrol. Since I founded the business in 1991,the company has grown considerably.During the last two years, we haveexpanded in terms of size, staff countand the services we offer. Since 2016, we have more thandoubled our headcount in terms of staff.OrderWise currently employs more than180 people across our manydepartments. As a direct result of this,we have expanded our headquarters inSaxilby just outside Lincoln by 14,000sq ft with a £1.3 million extension. Thisbuilding not only houses members ofour sales, marketing, client services,support and reports teams, but alsocontains an exclusive staff café and amock warehouse, decked out to allowtraining and demonstrations of ourmany services. The café, known as ‘TheHive’, offers staff the chance to unwind,with hot and cold food available on adaily basis cooked on site by dedicatedcanteen staff.2017 has also been an incredible yearfor turnover. In 2016/17 our figuresreached around £7.4 million. It’s also been a year packed withawards: not only have we secured theMidlands Family Business Awards toptitle of Family Business of the Year but Ihave also been presented with the‘Business Person of the Year’ award at24-25_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:43 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 25Q&A - ORDERWISEthe Lincolnshire Media BusinessAwards.This came following a gong for ourformer apprentice and currentImplementation Supervisor GregDowney, who was named ‘Rising Star’ atthe Lincolnshire Digital & Tech Awards.OrderWise also came a close second inthe ‘Digital Business of the Year’ title atthe same event.Greg was also lucky enough to win theregional title of Rising Star at theNational Family Business Awards, withthe final held at Wembley Stadium. What kinds of companies useOrderWise, and how do you helpthem? As a company, we look after morethan 10,000 users across the UK andIreland and these are very varied.Among our clients are food producers,leisure companies, logistics firms andretailers. Thanks to the wide range ofservices we offer, we look after e-commerce clients with just a few dozenemployees to retail clients withthousands of staff. OrderWise is designed to fit in withhow a business carries out its daily tasksand to make them easier through cuttingout repetitive tasks, offering traceabilityand employing business intelligenceaspects. Each customer gets a bespokeservice and staff are trained how to useeach element relevant to theirbusiness. OrderWise is also highly scalable,meaning we can add in elements ifbusinesses find they have a need.Often our innovative nature means wecan approach business challenges andcome up with a solution unique to thatclient. We offer full support onceclients are set up, meaning there’s ateam behind you all the way. What are your plans for thefuture?2017 has already been a year thathas surpassed all expectations, 2018looks set to be even more exciting. As well as expanding our services interms of new modules, investment inour people is set to continue. 2017 marked the start of an internaltraining service, with a training portaland a dedicated Internal ImprovementManager appointed to ensure staff arefully trained and can progress withintheir roles. We have also established anapprenticeship scheme with localeducation providers such as LincolnCollege. Each new apprentice willspend time in each department atOrderWise, learning how each sectionof the business works. This will enable us to seek out whatinterests each apprentice and willenable us to place them in a team thatwill be mutually beneficial for thecandidate and their colleagues. This notonly allows us to grow our teamorganically but also means we can offercustomers a wider skill set as part oftheir service.There’s never been a better time tojoin the company, either as anemployee or a client. Give us a calltoday to see what we can do for you.For more information, visit www.orderwise.co.uk, call 01522 704083 or email enquiries@orderwise.co.uk.24-25_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:43 Page 226Business Link www.blmforum.netMEET THE EXPERTSThe future’s electric? The government is banning the sale of new diesel cars from 2040. So what are thealternatives for your business? Simon Shaw of Duncan & Toplis explores some of theaspects to think about when considering the switch to electric:* Although there are some 100% electric vehicles, these often have limited mileagerange. What we are starting to see much more is the plug-in hybrid which combineselectric power for a limited range supplemented by a petrol engine for longer journeys. * The potential saving will vary greatly from driver to driver. If longer journeys aremade, any savings that can be made by the use of the electric motor will be reduced.* Another important consideration is the tax relief given to businesses on thepurchase of a car by way of capital allowances. The level of reduction in taxable profiton the purchase of a car is determined by the CO2 emissions assigned to the car. To read the full article, visit www.duntop.co.uk.Over the next few pages we illustrate the vast array ofsuccessful companies that exist across our region andinvite them to share their expertise. Most have been inbusiness for many years and have huge experience intheir respective fields, and each has assisted myriadcompanies in saving money and working more effectively. Doing business locally has often been a phrasetrumpeted by those in the region who want to have morecustomers, with some cynically using it as a way to tryand shame local companies into using them as suppliers.Nowadays, however, the focus has changed, and localcompanies are promoting themselves not only on howclose they are geographically, but upon their expertiseand incredible customer service.Yorkshire and Lincolnshire businesses are excelling innumerous sectors – from traditional industries such astraining and legal advice to playing major roles in thepower generation field. These businesses are allSend in theexperts26-27_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:45 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 27MEET THE EXPERTSTudor Court, Opus Avenue, York Business Park, York, YO26 6RSTel: 01904 528200 Web: www.hethertons.co.uk Email: law@hethertons.co.ukCompany profileFor the past 70 years,Hethertons has been atrusted partner to localbusinesses.Its MyBusinessLegalservice offers commercialclients clear, jargon-freeadvice on a wide range of matters. Hethertons’ areas of expertise include buying and sellingbusinesses, employment law, corporate law, commercial propertytransactions, long-term succession planning and resolving disputes.Product profileHethertons Solicitors understand that business owners appreciatea proactive approach and we are always looking for innovativesolutions to problems. It will work to identify the best ways to ensurethe smooth running of your business, while keeping your costs down.Working with Hethertons also provides peace of mind that youare fully up-to-date with the latest changes in the law. It willhighlight potential risks and challenges and advise on all the optionsavailable. Whether you are moving premises or updating your employmentcontracts, Hethertons’ experienced lawyers take pride in alwaystailoring support to your specific needs.LAWLincoln Print &Copy Centre 9 Clifton Street, Stonefield ParkIndustrial Estate, Lincoln, LN5 8LQ Tel: 01522 546118 Email: sales@lincolncopycentre.co.ukWeb: www.lincolncopycentre.co.ukCompany profile:Lincoln Print & Copy Centrehas been providing the bestprint solutions for customers inthe Lincoln area for 38 years.Aiming to provide the serviceand advice customers need torun and promote theirbusinesses and organisations.With experienced and friendlystaff, a modern range ofequipment they can adapt to suit each customer’s requirements.Product profile: Offering a same day service on many items, customers can getthe rapid response required. Whether you need a straight forwardprint, copy or scanning service or something more complicatedinvolving design or print finishing, discuss it with the staff at LincolnPrint & Copy Centre and you can be sure a solution will be found.Products include business cards and business stationary, leaflets andbrochures, carbonless pads, architectural drawings and posters.An Ordnance Survey Map Data Centre, providing maps forplanning applications, historic & area maps from the OrdnanceSurvey archive.Call or email today to discuss your requirements.PRINT SOLUTIONSsucceeding individually, but the clusters of similarcompanies have helped them work together to swapideas and benefit from collaboration.Across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, there are examplesof businesses benefiting from being part of a larger family.From various networking and membership groups thatpromote services between themselves, to larger scaleinitiatives between LEP’s and education institutes.Business is now more local than it has ever been,something many no doubt thought was lost with theglobal reach of the internet. Large national companies have struggled to keep upwith the more personal approach of local companies, andwhile in the past the sheer power and expertise of thegiants would be enough to keep their customers. There’sno denying that the skill gap between large companiesand SMEs is shrinking, perhaps as technology advances –or maybe just as a result of local businesses growing inquality. Whatever the reason there has never been a better timethan now to look towards companies within the region forsuppliers. We’ve collected a few of our own personalrecommendations over a number of different industries. © Shutterstock / Kurhan 26-27_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:45 Page 228Business Link www.blmforum.netHUMBER BANK© Shutterstock / Neil Mitchell A tale oftwo townsInvestment along the Humber has led to an industrial and economic renaissance,bringing with it prosperity and catching the eye of overseas businesses. 28-31_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:48 Page 1www.blmforum.netBusiness Link 29HUMBER BANKOnce part of a thriving fishingindustry, Hull was a keystone inthe British economy. Withconvenience, cost and home freezingdriving consumer choices, cheapseafood imports soon flooded themarket. And the city never quiterecovered from the so-called “codwars” with Iceland in the seventies.Britain now imports more than half ofits food, and its fishing industry hasscarcely been the same since. Townsup and down the Humber that oncemade their trade in fishing have beenleft struggling to find their place inmodern Britain. However, majorinvestment and redevelopment havehelped to transform the Humber Bankregion, with Hull and Grimsby twobeacons of industrial reinvention. Hull has been unfairly cast as aterrible town, though that soon changedafter it won the bid to become Britain’sCity of Culture 2017. With its year in thelimelight drawing to a triumphant close,the city is almost unrecognisable as itstands rejuvenated, defiant and readyfor anything come what may. Though cultural events attractedmuch of the investment in the frenziedlead-up to 2017, Hull’s business sectorwas also undergoing a dramatictransformation. The investment trail wasspearheaded by Siemens and Orsted(the new name for DONG Energy) andit’s not like some of the energy sector’sbiggest players to poor funding into alost cause. No, this was clear sign thatHull was open for business, and wasfast-becoming the major site for theeast coast’s transformation into a world-leading location for offshore windpower. Siemen’s decision to invest inHull – listed as Britain’s third mostdeprived local authority in April 2017 –presented one of the town’s biggesteconomical boons in years. However,the townspeople voted overwhelminglyin favour of Brexit – 66 per cent, in fact– which threw a spanner in the worksfor Siemens. The company is European,through and through, and the possibilityof a Britain annexed from the Bloc,makes exporting to Denmark andGermany that much harder. Facing thatfuture, Siemens froze its expansionplans in the region. But having recentlywelcome Her Majesty the Queen ofEngland to tour the company’s blademanufacturing facility, it’s in little doubtthat Siemens is here to stay, as much apart of Hull’s cultural identity as itsformer fishing aptitudes. Coupled with the above investments,the Year of Culture status is a soundingbell for foreign investors andbusinesses looking to set up shop alongthe Humber. Indeed, Hull is quicklybecoming one of the UK’s mostimportant cities. 30 ÁEconomicbenefits ofHumber’soffshore windhighlightedA new report has highlighted theeconomic benefits of offshore wind inYorkshire and the Humber.Renewable UK’s ‘Offshore Wind:Regenerating Regions – Investment andInnovation in the UK’ shows whereoffshore wind projects are operating,being built or planned in each area.It also contains case studies ofinnovative local companies working in thesector including the supply chain.In Yorkshire and The Humber, thereport highlights firms such as Siemensand Associated British Ports investing£310 million in the development of GreenPort Hull, GEV Wind Power in Hesslewhich inspects and maintains turbineblades, and Specialist Marine Consultantsin Filey which provides turbinetechnicians.Yorkshire and The Humber has 4operational wind farms (893MW) enoughto power more than 746,000 homes ayear, plus one under construction(580MW), and 5 projects planned(7,064MW) – this total capacity wouldpower more than 7 million homes.28-31_Layout 1 01/12/2017 09:48 Page 2Next >