Grimsby Business Telegraph 21 January 2014

TueTuesday, sday, August Januar 21, 2012 2014 Juney21, 19, 2012 Tuesday,

www.scunthor petelegraph.co.uk/business www.grim sbytelegraph.co.uk/business www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/business www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/business

up a treat: Enter Cooking NOW for this year’s Young’s goes gastro prestigious awards

lnshire Lincoon rthern focus NoFirm’s Awards sinessfinances Bufuture see page 2

see page 16

see page 4 and 5

Will Mary approve high street leases?

Offices finalout piece Supportare sought as of potato puzzle wind farmempire build begins

by David Laister by Dave Laister Business Editor

SPEAKERS: Sir Roger Carr, left, and Gavin Esler.

TRANSFORMATION COMPLETE: Richard Arundel, managing director of potato processor AKP. Picture: Jon Corken

Business Editor dave.laister@gsmg.co.uk

NO

dave.laister@gsmg.co.uk

PPORTUNITIES for companies in the Humber to early £3-million has been support the initialmaking phase invested into of the build out of the northern Lincolnshire a Westermost Rough offshore central hub for the needs farmofhave ofwind some thebeen UK’soutlined. biggest Belgian marine contractor potato sellers.

GeoSea install the become the Elshamwill Wold has just foundations and transition pieces new headquarters for AKP Group, for the turbine bases, with the supplier to supermarket giant first worksand beginning off the coast Morrisons major chip next month. McCain. manufacturer of the start, using giant AAhead state-of-the-art office block, jack-up vessel Innovation, the temperature controlled potato team met with and about 50 local storage facility grading line, businesses toextensions look at what together with to serviceshandling could beareas used, have and what existing just contingencies been completed,could with be theput in place, should be required.

13-year-old firmthey headed

by Richard As reported, million Arundel movingthe the£800 whole Westermost Rough is being administration backfarm into the area brought from York.forward by Dong Energy, the giant investing TheDanish son of Grimsby town centre £11Freeman million into making Grimsby and Street markets its permanent base forwho also grocer David Arundel, engineering, and used to act as aoperations potato merchant to maintenance.

A recruitment the area’s fish and chip shops, campaign forwith the Suffolk 100 anticipated joined forces jobs launched last week. businessman Bruce Kerr in 1999.

GeoSea’s manager, who The formerproject KP potato storage cannotwhich be named in accordance facility has now been with the international substantially developed,company’s was policy, said: “Wewhen are used to acquired in 2007, a project working in different countries began to grow skin finished and often weIsle have problem potatoes onifthe ofaAxholme. with a job weto ring head “We wanted show weoffice, could everything is put into a container produce the required quality and shipped out. locally that supermarkets were “Thisintime we had the nice buying from Herefordshire, opportunity to speak to Markhe Scotland or even importing,” O’Reilly, chairman of Team said.

“Morrisons backed us with it Humber Marine Alliance,Forward and and we went to Yorkshire what we really want to achieve is (the scrapped regional a position where local businesses development agency) putting are our a first choice to deal together plan.

We then tiedwith. the We don’t want have bring supply chain upto and gottothe people all the way from Belgium funding.” to theequated vessel, to something That todo £700,000.

Withand then go allrapid the way back.”

Morrisons’ growth in the However, pressures arebeen retail world,time the business has critical, and the event at Forest propelled quickly, and working Pines Hotel provided the “perfect with Eastoft-based L Harrison & oppor to assesstothe Co, thetunity” infrastructure allow for

see page 22

Top table is set for dinner NisaCBI enjoyed festive footfall

Sir Roger Carr, president of the CBI and Gavin Esler, best known for his role as a presenter on BBC Newsnight, have been confirmed as the guest speakers at one of the region’s leading business gatherings later this year.

NORTHERN Lincolnshire retail group NisaDinner recorded The CBI Yorkshire and Humber Annual an outstanding 15 perUniversity cent growth value terms takes place at Leeds on in October 10. and 16 be perone centofgrowth inevents volumewith through It will the first Johnthe four trading weeks of December.

Fitzgerald, port director for Grimsby and The robust trading performance was particularly Immingham, as chairman of the region. strong in relation to the relativelytelevision weak performance Mr Esler is an award-winning and radio expected for novelist high street grocery retailers in broadcaster, andand journalist. general.

His latest book, due to hit the shelves next month, focuses on lessons thatcases, can beequating gleanedto from More than 9.6 million a value of leaders in how were they tell stories, and will be the £133.6 million, purchased through Nisa’s subject of hiswith speech to the area’sretailer business bosses, warehouses its independent members and their guests. trading strongly.

For more information about the dinner, which is Both sales and operating margin are significantly frequently well represented by the South Bank and ahead ofabudget furtherwithin strengthen the Court, features drinks and reception Parkinson company’s position as it enters 2014. home to the famous Marks & Spencer archive and the Scunthorpe head officehave putorthe artBosses gallery,ate-mail katya.menhennet@cbi.org.uk visit http://yorkshire-annual-dinner.eventbrite.com success down to the focus on becoming a more consumer and retail driven organisation.

£20m milestone passed RARING TO GO: The giant jack-up vessel, Innovation, that is to be used by specialist contractor GeoSea on Westermost Rough, pictured on the last project in Bremerhaven, Germany. Inset, the GeoSea delegation is welcomed to northern Lincolnshire by Team Humber Marine Alliance chairman Mark O’Reilly, second from right. further increases has now been put employed, handling 120,000 tonnes Park on Grimsby’s flagship seven return When jacked up, the will vessel inpotential. place.

Europarc development, beis at ofnecessitating potatoes a year.

Of that, 35,000 a heightopened of 21 metres fromby sea sailings complete the “Within Westermost Rough our tonnes officially this week aretoself-grown, with a “We have taken two years to get level. “It isand not Horticulture something you can installatgroup ion. in this region and to install the foundation Agriculture toscope this,”issaid Mr Arundel.

“We got growing just hop on,”Board the project manager forgrant the turbines,” he storage explained.

Onceanother jacked up the correct Development chairman around siteatin Suffolk, the funding for and said,Godfrey highlighting the specific “We install the monopiles, having contributing location, identified

by GPS, the John CBE, himself a the balance. grading operations in 2009, and challenges such a feat of brought them tothroughout the UK, then huge on-board crane will use a North Lincolnshire farmer. built the storage 2010, Recently 15 employees were engineering brings with it, thefor transition pieces, specially toinstall be open that harvest.

Wethat’s added, Mr Arundel added: “We’re in withcommissioned three graduate terms forward of gettingtofood and fuel our had job. potatoes in from 2010 and trainees up-righter have looking opening the on alsotool parttooftake the the company, board the and 100-strong team that monopiles from a horizontal “Being thewhole first contractor 2011, and the project hasin the specialising new coldfor store grading facility in growing, logistics it accommodates.

No weather quay can stowed position, inserting them whole development, we arejust late and been finished with theifoffices – the uncharacteristic technical elements, including welcome her laden into a vice-like gripper deployed everybody is late. We are under now. conditions havewhen brought uson a the agronomy . The remaining Humber, meaning to be over the side the avessel.

The quite tomore get the job investment challenging year, butshe thehas opening hasofseen fleet of six “Our some desirepressure is to have reached when jacked upeveryone’s or at an crane then changes tools, “one event done on time,producers because other is just rewards for Mercedes rigs brought in totodeliver quality potato local to anchorage of potatoes the biggest hammers inwith the the hard contractors are waiting foron us.” work. point. the to customers, this site. It would cut down “Being to bring to market route today”Morrisons’ driving thepacking pile primary transport costs. There is still– athe lot The 800-tonne monopiles “The newable facility will people not only the vessel it isdemand jacked up down intonear the seabed, with operations Harrogate. ofheaviest potential, help to it bewill used yet the on a farm enable us to while meet the of is notbiggest an easy operation,” hewe’ve said, location, angle and depth environmental footprint and this which will also see Siemens’ 6MW our customers, but Keen to cultivate a prosperous stressing the need for all people to constantly monitored. potato part of theput world ability to future turbine intohas firstthe commercial also successfully improved the for Lincolnshire have the certification if grow of thefabricated best potatoes There the are 32,000sq also drilling facilities quality use –some are being in in andcorrect freshness of our farmers, ft storage they are work alongside the country,and thatwill is what we are on facility on-board, ground be Denmark, be brought potatoes bytoreducing and should 4,000 sqthe ft two storey GeoSea. majoring on.”voyage from Aalborg office too hard, a situation wheredrew divers transportation, the 1,000km handling and using development – which on Innovation in batches of five, would havefrom to assist.

■ Turn to page two. the latest cold store technologies.” inspiration Genesis Office A total of 44 people are now

A FURTHER £4-million of investment across the region this last quarter has seen the total funds issued by Finance Yorkshire climb to £23-million.

The money, available to firms in northern Lincolnshire in seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments – ranging from £15,000 to £2-million – is there to help small and medium sized businesses UNITE, Britain’s biggest union, has supported the meet their growth and development requirements. call from Karlamounts Koehler,to chief of Tata Steel’s The figure 224executive investments in 183 European for enterprises the appointment a small and operations, medium sized since of August single leading ministerto tomore champion key manufacturing 2010, than 4,600 jobs created and industries. in the region. In the last quarter alone, safeguarded The Government urgedcompleted to help 30 the venture capital has and been loan fund manufacturing firms tackle the looming skills crisis, investments totalling more than £4.3 million. asAlex wellMcWhirter, as appoint chief a minister for the executive of sector.

Finance Unite assistant general secretary, Tony to Burke said: Yorkshire, said: “We are looking forward building “There is figures momentum buildingmore for a companies minister to on these and helping champion manufacturing industries and we achieve growth in the coming months. welcome Tata’s recognition thestage need companies for urgent “We urge established and of early action to support growth the need to rebalance to continue to speak to usand to see if Finance the economy.

Yorkshire can help turn their ambitions into a reality.”

“The UK needs anEuropean interventionist manufacturing Supported by the Union, it has attracted strategy with direction and We need an £30-million investment fromsubstance. the European Regional economy built on decent jobs with manufacturing at Development Fund, £15-million from Yorkshire its heart. Having minister for and manufacturing, a Forward’s Single aProgramme, £45-million with match seat in the cabinet, to facilitate manufacturing funding from the European Investment Bank. growth in the UK would be a major step forward.”

For information visit www.finance-yorkshire.com

Minister for Manufacturing?

Food P6 8 Chemicals 12 Business Support 16 Ports 18 Business Solutions 20 CareeSolutions rs 21 Training and 16 Diary 22 Commercial Vehicles 23 Commercial 24 Laister’s Last Word CONTENTS: Energy P6Energy Chemicals P8 Ports and Logistics 10 Business Support 12 Careers 14 Business 15 Food Training 17 Commercial Vehicles 18 DiaryProperty 20 Commercial Property 21 28

PROFESSIONAL PROVIDER OF TO COPENHAGEN AND BEYOND

Safety, Health & Environmental Training

Fly direct from Humberside 5 days a week.

GTE-E01-S3 STE-E01-S3

flysas.co.uk

COURSES AVAILABLE IN: E K^, EĂƟŽŶĂů ŝƉůŽŵĂ ͻ E K^, EĂƟŽŶĂů ĞƌƟĮĐĂƚĞ ͻ /K^, DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐ ^ĂĨĞůLJ See Page 3 for more details...

2

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

News

contacts Editorial David Laister Direct line: 01472 372249 01724 273132 email: dave.laister@gsmg.co.uk General Advertising Angie Atkinson Direct line: 01472 372281 01724 273187 email: angie.atkinson@gsmg.co.uk Property Advertising Sharon Cameron Direct line: 01472 372252 email: sharon.cameron@gsmg.co.uk Motors Advertising Andy Bannister Tel: 01472 360360 ext 2163 email: andrew.bannister@gsmg.co.uk Classified Advertising Direct line: 01472 372014 Twitter: HumberBizEd LinkedIn: BusinessTelegraph

MINISTERIAL APPROVAL: James Gallacher, right, managing director of Moulded Fibre Products Ltd, gives Business Minister Michael Fallon a tour of the Flixborough Industrial Estate business. Inset, an example of the trays.

Fledgling pulp plant scoops huge fruit deal

N

ORTHERN Lincolnshire pulp packaging provider Moulded Fibre Products has secured a major contract with a leading fruit producer and importer to supply more than 10-million trays a year for its goods.

Univeg Katopé, an £80-million international operation with UK headquarters in Spalding, has formed a partnership with those behind the one-year-old business unit, leading to the creation of a

further 15 jobs at the Flixborough base.

The company offers a broad range of fresh fruit and vegetables to multiple retail customers, fruit processors and wholesale markets across the country, and told how the Lincolnshire location and the fir m’s capabilities appealed as it embraced an environmentallyfriendly packaging and supply chain solution.

The contract win has delighted MFP managing director James Gallacher, who is partway through

!

OW UT N

O

the recruitment process that will see the team – already boosted to 25, up to 34 by mid-February.

“This represents tremendous growth,” he said after a challenging first 12 months. “A requirement for 10 million units a year puts an extra shift onto the business. In mid-February we will go to three shifts, that’s 24-hour production.”

Of Univeg’s strategy, he said: “It is wonderful what they are doing for the region. They are not using Far Eastern imports, have stopped bringing down product from Scotland and are now locally sourcing in Lincolnshire. I personally think it is great, it just boosts the region in these times we have had.”

An early recipient of Regional Growth Fund cash, the £3-million investment on Flixborough Industrial Estate was toured by Business Minister Michael Fallon when a further round, Growing The Humber, was launched in Scunthorpe.

Head of operations at Univeg, Mark Arnold, said: “As part of Univeg Katopé UK’s commitment to

environmental sustainability we are delighted to report making significant savings after a conscious decision was made to form a partnership with Moulded Fibre Products Ltd. “MFP produces moulded fibre/pulp trays, a product Univeg uses across our customer base for packing selected stone fruit and tropical fruits.

“Previous supply of these products came from Scotland.

Sourcing locally has dramatically reduced the number of road miles, and in turn has cut transport costs, lead times and our carbon footprint. On site design and tooling manufacturing capabilities at MFP are an asset in being able to further reduce lead times.”

Once used these trays can be composted or recycled with no adverse impact on the environment.

As previously reported, MFP uses a process which chiefly involves paper and water; moulding pulp to the desired design and then drying it.

GeoSea seeks offshore expertise locally

You can now subscribe to The Journal by calling for Northern Lincolnshire Homes

08444 068 744

and quoting code: INNL

● Continued from page one.

And once working, as in all heavy industry, parts wear, break and need replacing rapidly.

“There are a lot of hydraulics, a lot of electronics, and a lot of special fastenings, and all these things can break.

That’s where we are looking locally. A vessel like Innovation comes with an

enormous cost a day, and if we don’t find the solution to a problem it can very fast become a financial disaster.

“We will need to repair, change parts, repaint. I don’t know of any project where we don’t. All of these jobs will be in a period between February and July – not the best weather conditions.

Every day we can work, we need to work as there can be

a lot of weather downtime. I hope we can find enough support locally to get it done.”

Mr O’Reilly is confident the area can step up to the challenge, with Team Humber Marine Alliance (THMA) and Grimsby Renewables Partnership (GRP) building up a strong network of capable companies.

“Everyone is so enthusiastic in this part of the world. We have a lot to offer and there is definitely a move forward that we are seeing to get UK content. We need to take advantage of that.”

For more information about the supply chains, email Team Humber at admin@thma.co.uk or GRP via toulsone@pbworld.com.

GTE-E01-S3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

3

News

Payroll honour for f irm as it invests in people

Month in Review Development consent for marine energy park

E

NTERING 2014 as Payroll Service Provider of the Year, Grimsby business Dataplan is going from strength to strength, bolstering staff numbers to deal with what could emerge as a record year for growth.

PORTS: Government go-ahead for the £450-million Able Marine Energy Park at North Killingholme was finally welcomed, so, too, the potential to create 10,000 jobs.

The long-awaited decision was highlighted as providing a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the biggest post-war economic investment the area has seen – and the ability to put the Humber at the forefront of an emerging industry”.

Major construction firm Strabag was also unveiled as the first company to publicly have signed a memorandum of understanding to locate to the new port facility, which could be operational by 2016.

It makes gravity-based foundations for offshore wind turbines, and could create 400 jobs – 10 per cent of those the scheme is estimated to directly facilitate on site. Others would be in the immediate supply chain.

Stakeholders are currently going through an appeal window known as Special Parliamentary Procedures, with the earliest work could start on the riverside being June 2015, due to environmental constraints.

Operations director Stewart Waddell was delighted to win the coveted industry award, with the firm already reaping the benefits that the recognition has afforded them.

Dealing with the administration of wages for organisations, ranging from sole traders to those with

It is important now that we keep pace with the growth we are seeing Stewart Waddell headcounts of 8,000, from franchised restaurants to the International Red Cross, it is anticipated that the current financial year will see the most new business ever added.

Mr Waddell said: “Last year was a great year for us. As well as winning the Payroll Service Provider of the Year, we also gained ISO 9001 quality management system standard and the Payroll Quality Partnership, which is a quality accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.

“We were all overwhelmed that we won it,” he said, recalling the event at Celtic Manor Hotel, in South Wales.

“Competition was fierce for the award. On the back of winning, our work is being recognised. We are being contacted with enquiries from the corporate and education sectors.”

The team was also delighted that judges recognised the job creation

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Grimsby business Dataplan has been named Payroll Provider of the Year. From left, Lindsay Melvin, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, with Stewart Waddell, operations director; Lisa Salter, senior project manager; Richard Rowell, managing director; Adele Blackham, operations manager and Jonathan Leighton Hoggitt, IT developer. Left, Dawn Buckle is welcomed to Dataplan by Stewart Waddell. pace with the growth we are seeing.

“We are anticipating that this April we will see it has been the busiest year ever, in terms of new clients. We are all really proud of what we are doing.”

A senior appointment in Dawn Buckle, former senior payroll manager for North East Lincolnshire Council, has also in the consideration for the award. added to the skills base, with two former members of her team and In seven years, the team has grown two apprentices also part of the from six to 45. influx.

“We recognise the town isn’t full Having clocked up more than a of payroll people, so we have been quarter of a century with the local training our own,” said Mr authority, and predecessor Waddell.

Grimsby Borough Council, she was “It is important now that we keep used to dealing with 7,000 pay

slips, a number whittled down to 4,500 as the public sector underwent huge transformations.

She has been impressed by the scale and vision of the company, where her training knowledge has also been welcomed.

Audit services from Dataplan owner, chartered accountancy firm Forrester Boyd, are also being offered to schools as part of a package, with a multi-academy trust team also being assembled.

More than 400 schools are now on the books, and Dataplan has invested in software to ensure it is ready for a key change to local government pensions, which comes into effect in April.

Box maker’s £10m plan MANUFACTURING: American packaging giant Corrugated Synergies International is to create more than 100 jobs as it embarks on bringing a Scunthorpe factory back into use.

The 320,000 sq ft plant on Normanby Enterprise Park could be back in production this summer.

Formally Mondi Hypac, the factory has been bought out, with access to roads, the ports and end-users given for the choice of location.

Dong deal a done deal OFFSHORE WIND: Danish wind giant Dong Energy has officially committed to Grimsby for the long term, with an £11-million plan for an operations and maintenance base at the town’s Royal Dock signed off.

More than 100 jobs will be created, with a local recruitment drive launched earlier this month in the area.

French track order STEEL: Tata Steel has won a two-year contract to supply more than 200,000 tonnes of track to French rail operator SNCF. The contract will see the Scunthorpe works supply the majority of the steel to the rolling plant in France.

SCANDINAVIA JUST GOT A BIT CLOSER

New route! Humberside to Copenhagen.

Always with SAS No credit card fees One piece of 23 kg baggage included Mobile and online check-in flysas.co.uk

4

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Business Awards

Business Awards

Enter now and let tourism theme shine on business’ success S

TEP forward northern Lincolnshire’s brightest businesses... it is time to let the sun shine on your success.

2013 after an abysmal 2012, the theme should resonate with many, not least because nearly 10,000 people are employed in the tourism industry across northern Lincolnshire, Entries are now being accepted for Mr Durkin said: “I am sure the the Northern Lincolnshire Business seaside theme will prompt memories Awards, brought to you by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, again and reflections for many of us. Tourism is also an important sector, and in partnership with main sponsor Cleethorpes has enjoyed a Grimsby & Scunthorpe Media Group. well-deserved renaissance over recent With a theme of the seaside, the years with increasing numbers of blood, sweat and tears that led to visitors coming to the seaside. Perhaps triumph in 2013 will be swept away on the crest of a wave of winners, basking that’s not surprising, given the number of quality events now being held in the in the glory of being recognised by their peers in the big bash’s trade mark resort every year.” exemplary style.

But well before the sun hats are pulled out of the wardrobe for 2014, businesses are being encouraged to get their thinking caps on, and get their success stories in as nominations for the clutch of awards available.

Tim Durkin, Chamber president, said: “I am delighted to introduce the 2014 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards which are now open for entries.

“I am very much looking forward to this year’s gala presentation and Tim Durkin dinner, and I do hope your company will consider entering this year’s For the first time this year, all entries Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards. They are a marvellous profile will be accepted online, from a raiser and a wonderful opportunity for dedicated website. There is also the addition of a prestigious lifetime us all to recognise the hard work and achievement award, to be presented at talent we have in our area. the climax of the event at Grimsby “Trading conditions are starting to Auditorium on May 16. improve but remain challenging, so Mike Pennington, managing director anything that helps to promote our local businesses and the successes they of GSMG, publisher of the Grimsby and Scunthorpe Telegraphs, said: “In my are having can only be welcomed. We hope you will take part in our 2014 first full year as head of GSMG, it is my Business Awards and make it a year to great pleasure to continue as the main remember.” sponsor for the 2014 Northern With a long dry summer enjoyed in Lincolnshire Business Awards.

Anything that helps to promote our local businesses and their successes can only be welcomed.

MARVELLOUS PROFILE RAISER: Tim Durkin, president of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.

5

An overview of this year’s categories

F

For further details and to enter, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/nlincsba, www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba or www.nlincsba.co.uk.

E-Factor Small Business Award Overview: Businesses that are able, committed and enthusiastic, and which have set themselves on the road to achieving clearly laid-out goals for future growth and success.

It will recognise progress in terms of business growth and development made by a small business over three years, with fewer than 25 employees and a turnover lower than £1.5 million.

Last year’s winner: OH Services.

The ABP Business Growth Award Overview: A business of any age that can demonstrate proactive planning. A company that moves forward with enthusiasm, imagination and energy, with an eye on a sustainable future for itself.

It recognises significant growth in workforce, turnover or profit since last year.

Last year’s winner: Clugston Group.

The Wilkin Chapman Grange Business Person Of The Year Award Overview: A business person who stands out from the rest as a leader with excellent communicative skills and that “X factor” that brings success at every level. Can be nominated by a third party.

Last year’s winner: Joanne Dixon, managing director of HBP Systems.

The Barclays International Trade Award Overview: Businesses of any age that can demonstrate how they have experienced significant growth in international trade either through imports or exports. Exploitation of niche markets and implementation of a progressive international marketing plan would be beneficial.

Last year’s winner: Ramsden International.

“Without doubt, 2013 saw the aspirations of the Humber to play a key role in the renewable energy revolution realised, and it was here on the South Bank where it was all happening.”

Recalling the year of positivity that abounded, not least with the long-awaited Able Marine Energy Park consent, he said: “The potential transformative effect this new industry offers cannot be underestimated across the whole of northern Lincolnshire and beyond,” he said.

“New manufacturing and new supply chains to tap into, demands for steel to help secure Scunthorpe’s industrial might, to providing demand for homes, hotels and helicopters.”

It was not all focused on the renewables revolution though: “While the wind of new opportunity blew favourably, established sectors enjoyed some notable success too,” said Mr Pennington. “Grimsby’s £26-million car terminal opened for business in the River Humber, substantial investment

by OSI in its Scunthorpe burger-producing facilities for McDonald’s saw a valuable relationship toasted, and who can forget Tesco’s emotional use of traditionally smoked fish to sell us its Finest range?”

Looking ahead to the night, he said: “I am delighted to announce a new category for the awards, which I believe is a fitting tribute at the end of the night to the individual who has, demonstrated over many years, to have northern Lincolnshire in their blood and befits the accolade of Lifetime Achievement.

“I wish you all a prosperous new year in business, and I look forward to welcoming you on the night in May.”

Make sure you enter

HUMBER’S KEY ROLE: Mike Pennington, managing director of GSMG.

The Grimsby Institute Training The CR Parrott Award for New OR the first time, this year’s Business Excellence Award entries are entirely online. We have provided an overview to Overview: A new business that delivers Overview: This award recognises vibrancy, moving forward in a organisations within the private or help inspire entries here.

UNSURE ABOUT ENTERING? Amvale was the winner of last year’s Forrester Boyd Award for Business Excellence, and chief executive Mike Godfrey was delighted with the accolade.

“Winning the award, and pulling together the original application, gave us a great opportunity to stop and reflect on what have been a fantastic few years for us,” he said.

“While we expanded into new areas, mainly into medical transport, the growth was underpinned by our core business that we have been doing for the last 25 years.

“We have grown significantly, that was the trigger for the nomination, and are proud to being doing this in northern Lincolnshire.

Therefore, to receive the recognition from the business community we are part of was a tremendous honour. It was certainly a proud moment and an evening we all look back on fondly.

“I would recommend that businesses of all sizes think about their achievements and look to submit an entry. An award win can have a really positive impact, it can galvanise staff and enhance relationships with suppliers and clients.

“We are continuing to go from strength to strength, and firmly believe in celebrating hard-earned success.”

structured way that balances occupational and business skills successfully in order to overcome challenges and facilitating continued success.

It recognises the strides made by a new business which is less than three years old at the time of application.

Last year’s winners: Blyton Park Driving Centre.

The Franklin College Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award Overview: This award recognises that entrepreneurs find new and innovative solutions, invent new products and services, or find fresh ways of looking at age-old problems. Open to anyone aged 30 or under running a business who has demonstrated outstanding business success during 2012 and 2013.

Last year’s winners: 66 Design.

The North And North East Lincolnshire Economic Investment Awards Overview: Recognising contribution to the local economy, this will be presented to businesses that chose North and North East Lincolnshire for their investments instead of competing areas, employ local people, contractors and suppliers and can demonstrate positive sustainability and impact for the future.

One award for each local authority area where relocation to – or significant expansion in – has taken place in the past five years.

Last year’s winners: Coldwater Seafood (now Icelandic Seachill) and CR Parrott Consultants.

public sector, and successful applicants will be able to demonstrate how implementing training and staff development brings benefits which create real business impact. Case studies are a must to support the entry.

Last year’s winner: BJB Lift Trucks Ltd. The Phillips66 Excellence in Community Relations Award Overview: This award recognises a successful company whose approach to corporate and social responsibilities demonstrate a positive impact on the community. It can be a business of any age or size that demonstrates its commitment to its local community and evidence of being a good neighbour.

Last year’s winner: BJB Lift Trucks Ltd. The HBP Systems Innovation Award Overview: Provides recognition to those businesses that have found and developed new solutions to business growth or competitiveness. Not just inventions, but fresh thinking too. Open to all SMEs employing up to 250 people.

Businesses will be forward-looking, having explored, exploited and implemented innovate ideas.

Last year’s winner: North Lincolnshire Homes.

The Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award Overview: A business of any age that exhibits characteristics of excellence in its field and a shining example to other businesses of hard work, profitability, good management, adaptability and sustainability. This will be selected by the judges of all the other awards.

Last year’s winner: Amvale Ltd.

Enter at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba, www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba or www.nlincsba.co.uk

WINNERS: Forrester Boyd Award for Business Excellence winners Amvale Ltd, at the 2013 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards.

4

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Business Awards

Business Awards

Enter now and let tourism theme shine on business’ success S

TEP forward northern Lincolnshire’s brightest businesses... it is time to let the sun shine on your success.

2013 after an abysmal 2012, the theme should resonate with many, not least because nearly 10,000 people are employed in the tourism industry across northern Lincolnshire, Entries are now being accepted for Mr Durkin said: “I am sure the the Northern Lincolnshire Business seaside theme will prompt memories Awards, brought to you by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, again and reflections for many of us. Tourism is also an important sector, and in partnership with main sponsor Cleethorpes has enjoyed a Grimsby & Scunthorpe Media Group. well-deserved renaissance over recent With a theme of the seaside, the years with increasing numbers of blood, sweat and tears that led to visitors coming to the seaside. Perhaps triumph in 2013 will be swept away on the crest of a wave of winners, basking that’s not surprising, given the number of quality events now being held in the in the glory of being recognised by their peers in the big bash’s trade mark resort every year.” exemplary style.

But well before the sun hats are pulled out of the wardrobe for 2014, businesses are being encouraged to get their thinking caps on, and get their success stories in as nominations for the clutch of awards available.

Tim Durkin, Chamber president, said: “I am delighted to introduce the 2014 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards which are now open for entries.

“I am very much looking forward to this year’s gala presentation and Tim Durkin dinner, and I do hope your company will consider entering this year’s For the first time this year, all entries Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards. They are a marvellous profile will be accepted online, from a raiser and a wonderful opportunity for dedicated website. There is also the addition of a prestigious lifetime us all to recognise the hard work and achievement award, to be presented at talent we have in our area. the climax of the event at Grimsby “Trading conditions are starting to Auditorium on May 16. improve but remain challenging, so Mike Pennington, managing director anything that helps to promote our local businesses and the successes they of GSMG, publisher of the Grimsby and Scunthorpe Telegraphs, said: “In my are having can only be welcomed. We hope you will take part in our 2014 first full year as head of GSMG, it is my Business Awards and make it a year to great pleasure to continue as the main remember.” sponsor for the 2014 Northern With a long dry summer enjoyed in Lincolnshire Business Awards.

Anything that helps to promote our local businesses and their successes can only be welcomed.

MARVELLOUS PROFILE RAISER: Tim Durkin, president of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.

5

An overview of this year’s categories

F

For further details and to enter, visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/nlincsba, www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba or www.nlincsba.co.uk.

E-Factor Small Business Award Overview: Businesses that are able, committed and enthusiastic, and which have set themselves on the road to achieving clearly laid-out goals for future growth and success.

It will recognise progress in terms of business growth and development made by a small business over three years, with fewer than 25 employees and a turnover lower than £1.5 million.

Last year’s winner: OH Services.

The ABP Business Growth Award Overview: A business of any age that can demonstrate proactive planning. A company that moves forward with enthusiasm, imagination and energy, with an eye on a sustainable future for itself.

It recognises significant growth in workforce, turnover or profit since last year.

Last year’s winner: Clugston Group.

The Wilkin Chapman Grange Business Person Of The Year Award Overview: A business person who stands out from the rest as a leader with excellent communicative skills and that “X factor” that brings success at every level. Can be nominated by a third party.

Last year’s winner: Joanne Dixon, managing director of HBP Systems.

The Barclays International Trade Award Overview: Businesses of any age that can demonstrate how they have experienced significant growth in international trade either through imports or exports. Exploitation of niche markets and implementation of a progressive international marketing plan would be beneficial.

Last year’s winner: Ramsden International.

“Without doubt, 2013 saw the aspirations of the Humber to play a key role in the renewable energy revolution realised, and it was here on the South Bank where it was all happening.”

Recalling the year of positivity that abounded, not least with the long-awaited Able Marine Energy Park consent, he said: “The potential transformative effect this new industry offers cannot be underestimated across the whole of northern Lincolnshire and beyond,” he said.

“New manufacturing and new supply chains to tap into, demands for steel to help secure Scunthorpe’s industrial might, to providing demand for homes, hotels and helicopters.”

It was not all focused on the renewables revolution though: “While the wind of new opportunity blew favourably, established sectors enjoyed some notable success too,” said Mr Pennington. “Grimsby’s £26-million car terminal opened for business in the River Humber, substantial investment

by OSI in its Scunthorpe burger-producing facilities for McDonald’s saw a valuable relationship toasted, and who can forget Tesco’s emotional use of traditionally smoked fish to sell us its Finest range?”

Looking ahead to the night, he said: “I am delighted to announce a new category for the awards, which I believe is a fitting tribute at the end of the night to the individual who has, demonstrated over many years, to have northern Lincolnshire in their blood and befits the accolade of Lifetime Achievement.

“I wish you all a prosperous new year in business, and I look forward to welcoming you on the night in May.”

Make sure you enter

HUMBER’S KEY ROLE: Mike Pennington, managing director of GSMG.

The Grimsby Institute Training The CR Parrott Award for New OR the first time, this year’s Business Excellence Award entries are entirely online. We have provided an overview to Overview: A new business that delivers Overview: This award recognises vibrancy, moving forward in a organisations within the private or help inspire entries here.

UNSURE ABOUT ENTERING? Amvale was the winner of last year’s Forrester Boyd Award for Business Excellence, and chief executive Mike Godfrey was delighted with the accolade.

“Winning the award, and pulling together the original application, gave us a great opportunity to stop and reflect on what have been a fantastic few years for us,” he said.

“While we expanded into new areas, mainly into medical transport, the growth was underpinned by our core business that we have been doing for the last 25 years.

“We have grown significantly, that was the trigger for the nomination, and are proud to being doing this in northern Lincolnshire.

Therefore, to receive the recognition from the business community we are part of was a tremendous honour. It was certainly a proud moment and an evening we all look back on fondly.

“I would recommend that businesses of all sizes think about their achievements and look to submit an entry. An award win can have a really positive impact, it can galvanise staff and enhance relationships with suppliers and clients.

“We are continuing to go from strength to strength, and firmly believe in celebrating hard-earned success.”

structured way that balances occupational and business skills successfully in order to overcome challenges and facilitating continued success.

It recognises the strides made by a new business which is less than three years old at the time of application.

Last year’s winners: Blyton Park Driving Centre.

The Franklin College Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award Overview: This award recognises that entrepreneurs find new and innovative solutions, invent new products and services, or find fresh ways of looking at age-old problems. Open to anyone aged 30 or under running a business who has demonstrated outstanding business success during 2012 and 2013.

Last year’s winners: 66 Design.

The North And North East Lincolnshire Economic Investment Awards Overview: Recognising contribution to the local economy, this will be presented to businesses that chose North and North East Lincolnshire for their investments instead of competing areas, employ local people, contractors and suppliers and can demonstrate positive sustainability and impact for the future.

One award for each local authority area where relocation to – or significant expansion in – has taken place in the past five years.

Last year’s winners: Coldwater Seafood (now Icelandic Seachill) and CR Parrott Consultants.

public sector, and successful applicants will be able to demonstrate how implementing training and staff development brings benefits which create real business impact. Case studies are a must to support the entry.

Last year’s winner: BJB Lift Trucks Ltd. The Phillips66 Excellence in Community Relations Award Overview: This award recognises a successful company whose approach to corporate and social responsibilities demonstrate a positive impact on the community. It can be a business of any age or size that demonstrates its commitment to its local community and evidence of being a good neighbour.

Last year’s winner: BJB Lift Trucks Ltd. The HBP Systems Innovation Award Overview: Provides recognition to those businesses that have found and developed new solutions to business growth or competitiveness. Not just inventions, but fresh thinking too. Open to all SMEs employing up to 250 people.

Businesses will be forward-looking, having explored, exploited and implemented innovate ideas.

Last year’s winner: North Lincolnshire Homes.

The Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award Overview: A business of any age that exhibits characteristics of excellence in its field and a shining example to other businesses of hard work, profitability, good management, adaptability and sustainability. This will be selected by the judges of all the other awards.

Last year’s winner: Amvale Ltd.

Enter at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba, www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/ nlincsba or www.nlincsba.co.uk

WINNERS: Forrester Boyd Award for Business Excellence winners Amvale Ltd, at the 2013 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards.

6

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Food

Middle East contract brings new year delight A

COMPANY named as one of the UK’s 1,000 most inspirational firms has just proved it by winning a share in a £1 billion order for a project in the Middle East.

The “inspirational” accolade has been awarded by the London Stock Exchange Group to Blackrow Engineering – which is predicting an even busier 2014 than 2013 has been.

As well as winning the contract for manufacture and installation of equipment to generate electricity from waste in the Middle East, the company has also been supporting an international gas turbine company with design, manufacture and installation of components in preparation for another high value Middle Eastern project, due to commence early next year.

The volume of work has meant a major rethink about the company’s premises on Grimsby’s Pyewipe estate, as commercial director Barry Taylor explains. “We are using this volume of work to re-examine the way we work to add value and efficiency,” he said.

“We have recently completed a major investment of £100,000 in new machinery, including the latest CNC facilities. All of that will deliver efficiencies that will smooth and speed our production flow.”

The investment will facilitate a

READY TO GO: Another bespoke fabricated component is ready to leave Blackrow Engineering’s Grimsby premises.

Weighing in at 22 tonnes, the fabrication is another example of the competences and capabilities of a high quality service provider. shift in emphasis on production methods, says Barry. “We have built our reputation by designing and making complex and demanding bespoke engineering fabrications.

In 2014 we will need to make more of them faster, so we intend to apply the same high standards to making these large components on a production line basis.

“And that means that although we

increased our capacity significantly last year, we are outgrowing them already, and are now developing plans to future-proof our capacity in line with our very strong pipeline.”

Institute’s recruitment policy takes the biscuit!

BETTER TRAINING: Fox’s Biscuits training and development co-ordinator Paul Carbutt with company mascot Vinnie the Panda.

FOX’S Biscuits has been working with Grimsby Institute to improve their recruitment process that has seen a new cohort of staff successfully employed by the organisation.

After meeting with the Grimsby Institute, Paul Carbutt, training and development co-ordinator for Fox’s Biscuits, decided to use the Sector-Based Work Academy as an alternative method of recruitment and conducted the pre-employability training in partnership with the Institute.

Fox’s has previously had problems with retention, attracting the right calibre of staff and the level of health and safety knowledge amongst its employees.

After discussing their requirements with the

Grimsby Institute, the benefits of using the Sector Work Based Academy and pre-employability training became evident and Fox’s soon saw results.

Paul said: “Existing staff are much happier with the new recruitment method as trained staff entering production are more motivated, aware of procedures, health and safety and are at a higher standard than previous years.”

After rating the quality of the training as “excellent” and gaining support from senior management after seeing the huge benefits within the factory, Fox’s Biscuits has decided to roll out the programme at other sites within the 2 Sisters Food Group umbrella across the country.

TEAMING UP: Fox’s Biscuits conducted pre-employability training in partnership with Grimsby Institute.

Paul continued: “On the first day of the training week I asked a member of staff who has already done the course to come into the room and give a talk to the group. This had a positive effect on their attitude towards the training as they heard someone explaining how much they enjoyed the course and how it has helped them get a job in the factory.”

The Grimsby Institute is now looking forward to their future training collaborations with Fox’s Biscuits and the 2 Sisters Food Group. For more information on training courses available for your organisation and its employees, simply e-mail training@grimsby.ac.uk or call 0800 012 6656 and a team member will be more than happy to help.

GTE-E01-S3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

7

News

Month in Review

NEW VENTURE: James Griffiths, left, owner of Yellowbelly Woodwork, with associate partner at RNS Chartered Accountants, Alex Douglas, by the lathe purchased with money from the Regional Growth Fund.

British Airways coming to Humberside Airport

TRANSPORT: Britain’s flag-carrying airline will be a regular arrival and departure from Humberside International Airport this summer.

JetXtra.com has reached a deal with British Airways to operate the flights to Alicante and Majorca.

Launched last year, using airline Volotea, the switch is based on the success of the inaugural season.

This deal will now see a state-of-the-art British Airways Embraer jet operating the weekly flights from Kirmington on JetXtra's behalf, and will be the first time British Airways has been a regular visitor to the airport.

Town nets competition FOOD: Grimsby is to welcome a major seafood competition for the first time ever.

The British Fish Craft Championship has been caught by North East Lincolnshire Council for 2014 and 2015, with hopes to extend its stay in the borough further.

The competition, planned for August Bank Holiday, brings together Britain’s best fishmongers – from independent shops and supermarket chains – to test their skills, speed and accuracy as they compete to win the title of British Fish Craft Champion.

Organised by the National Federation of Fishmongers, it is seen as a perfect way to demonstrate the town's thriving seafood industry and proud fishing heritage, with proposals to get local producers also competing.

Return to carpentry follows Kimberly shock WHAT’S R

EDUNDANCY has given a Barton “I’d got the form but was struggling. I took it man the chance to fulfill a lifetime to Alex and the result was the £3,000 that has ambition – own his woodworking been made available.

“Alex has given good advice and is really business.

James Griffiths left the cabinet-making trade more than 16 years ago to begin work at Kimberly Clark.

But when the plant closed last March with his one of the 550-plus jobs lost, he decided to take the plunge and return to his roots.

Advised by Alex Douglas, associate partner at RNS Chartered Accountants, he has now firmly established his business, Yellowbelly Woodwork.

And the 46-year-old has just been given another boost with the award of a £900 grant from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund through North Lincolnshire Council. Up to £3,000 has been made available to him, should he wish to invest further.

The initial sum was spent on a new wood lathe and its tools for his workshop at The Old Tile Works on Far Ings Road, virtually under the Humber Bridge.

“The grant has meant an awful lot as I’ve been able to invest in machinery I would not have been able to afford otherwise,” said Mr Griffiths.

approachable.”

I did some decking at home and my partner Karen – who did not know me when I was a cabinet maker – was more than impressed.

James Griffiths It was a “bit of a shock” when Kimberly Clark announced its redundancy programme but he had already thought that, should anything happen, he would start his business.

“I did some decking at home and my partner Karen – who did not know me when I was a cabinet maker – was more than impressed.

“She and my 17-year-old daughter Beth have

been great, supporting me through the redundancy process and with the start-up.”

He is one of several businesses at The Old Tile Works.

The lathe enables him to turn wood, creating items such as fruit bowls and candle holders.

He’s also happy to tackle larger woodworking jobs, such as bespoke kitchens and hand-crafted furniture.

“I’ll do anything within reason, but my specialism is carpentry rather than general joinery.

“I’m about on track as to where I thought I might be, business-wise. It’s about being realistic in these early months and, hopefully, word of mouth will help sell the quality of my work.”

Mr Douglas, who is based at RNS’s Brigg office, was pleased to have played a role in starting up Yellowbelly Woodwork and helping the grant application.

“New businesses have plenty to think about and what we do is help with the essential red tape,” he said.

“That way, James and others like him can concentrate on what they’re good at, knowing the financial side is taken care of.”

NEWS PUSSYCAT?

ALL THE LATEST NEWS & SPORT DIRECT TO YOUR MOBILE

Reward offered for missing moggy

Assistance for employers offered at seminars FREE seminars to help deal with changes to the Real Time Information, Pay As You Earn and National Insurance Contributions anticipated for employers in 2014-2105 are being laid on in northern Lincolnshire.

Independent chartered accountancy practice Forrester Boyd is hosting the events.

Paul Chappell, pictured, the fir m’s senior tax investigations manager, will provide an update on Real Time Information, in

terms of where it is at and what to expect in the coming years, and will provide guidance and information to assist the smooth running of it and PAYE. He will cover a range of benefits in kind and other payroll-related issues and options available to reduce employer declarations to HM Revenue and Customs. In addition, he will explain how to limit your exposure to tax enquiries and how to deal with HMRC.

The first seminar is held at Wortley House Hotel, Scunthorpe, on Monday, February 3, at noon, then Oaklands Hall Hotel, Laceby, at 7.45am on Tuesday, February 4, before Louth Playgoers Riverhead Theatre, Louth, at 11.45am on the same day.

For more information, or to reserve a place, call Ros Hatton on 01472 350601 or book online at www.forrester-boyd.co.uk/ events

grimsbytelegraph.co.uk print | online | mobile

8

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Energy

Estuary views in heart of the Wolds proves a hit

SERENE SCENE: Willow Lakes, near Grimsby, now being run by Rapid Accommodation.

R

APID by name-rapid by nature, that’s how the directors from a northern Lincolnshire company describe their business.

They say 2014 is already showing fantastic prospects for this start of the year, employing more staff as a result of exciting developments in business.

The company is now running Willow Lakes near Grimsby. This site has one of the most amazing open views all the way across to the Humber estuary.

A company spokesman said: “It’s a beautiful self-catering complex that has 13 cottages, all furnished and fully equipped to give residents that

home-from-home feeling. There are three stunning five-star log cabins, including sunken hot tubs on the terrace overlooking the lakes. Willow Lakes also offers a 12-pitch caravan site, which is open all year round with electric hook-ups and shower block.

“Our visitors vary from romantic get-aways, family

holidays and contractors – to blue and white collar workers commuting in and around Grimsby and Immingham.

“We are very optimistic about our prospects for 2014 and look forward to any challenges the year may bring.”

Visit www.rapidaccommodation .com

Production boost for innovative energy device

DON’T FORGET The Business Telegraph is made available as an eBook online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk from tomorrow.

It is ideal to share with contacts, customers and suppliers.

ENERGY SAVERS: Jodi Huggett, director at 4Eco, front, and team.

A LINCOLNSHIRE business is set to expand production and create new jobs, following the successful launch of a new eco product.

4Eco, an environmental manufacturing firm based in Binbrook, launched the immerSUN II in November, and has already taken orders for nearly 2,000 units.

The environmental specialist, which has already helped tens of thousands of homeowners across the UK reduce their energy bills with the help of its original immerSUN system, recently expanded offices to cope with increased production

requirements, as reported in October.

Now it is set to grow its dedicated team to further meet customer demand.

“We’ve been delighted with the successful launch of our next-generation immerSUN,” said Jodi Huggett, director at 4Eco. “In just a few weeks, we’ve received thousands of pre-orders and announced partnerships with some of the UK’s leading electrical wholesalers and distributors, in addition to being recognised as a leader in renewable innovation by the Lincolnshire Media Business

Awards.

“We’re now looking to further develop our production team, as well as working with partners throughout Europe to help thousands more homes and businesses reduce energy bills and minimise their environmental impact.”

The principle of the immerSUN II is simple. Working in tandem with microgen technologies, such as solar PV panels and wind turbines, the innovative controller directs green energy to an immersion, storage, space or underfloor heater, rather than exporting all

self-generated energy to the grid.

By doing this, up to 100 per cent of self-generated energy can be consumed within the home, helping users save up to £250 from energy bills every year.

The new device incorporates a number of innovative user-friendly features not seen in the original model, from effective export control and an independently programmable management system, to a graphic LCD display, Ethernet connectivity, overload protection and downloadable performance data.

GTE-E01-S3

9

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

News

Seafood transport tests bring positive results G

RIMSBY seafood logistics provider PPS East is examining strong feedback from customers and tests as it seeks to establish its innovative plastic boxes as the first choice for the industry.

Having carried out many fresh fish packaging trials with their customers over the past six years, the team has found that a good percentage of fresh fish packed into reusable plastic containers and delivered on a closed loop chilled transport system, arrive at its destination at a higher quality of freshness.

This is when compared with fresh fish carried in thermal insulated boxes.

The South Humberside Industrial Estate company has introduced a wide range of reusable plastic whole fish and salmon boxes, fillet crates and plastic pallets for the hygienic and safe handling of seafood over recent years.

Kate Williamson, business development executive, said: “The temperature controlled vehicles chill the product by penetrating cold air through the plastic box walls acting as a refrigerator directly onto the product being carried.

KEEPING COOL: Fillet testing underway by PPS East. Inset, Kate Williamson.

“Fresh fish that is packed into thermal insulated type boxes and then transported on refrigerated vehicles have shown higher temperature readings on arrival.

The reason for this could be that it is largely the ice inside the boxes that keeps the fish cold and not the vehicle’s refrigeration unit. It is thought to be harder for the cold air to chill product through the

thick box walls of this type of packaging.”

Not only this, the quality of the fish could also be higher due to the fact that many of PPS’s boxes are designed with holes that allow water to drain away from the pallet, ensuring fish is not laid in melted ice or its own fluid, which can speed up bacteria growth.

“Fresh fish suppliers who are

transporting their catch in thermal insulated type boxes, palletised and loaded into temperature controlled vehicles are actually using two different types of chilling methods, which could actually be working against each other and therefore, not achieving the best results or value for money,” said Miss Williamson.

“PPS East has undertaken comprehensive box trials considering different species of seafood at various stages of processing – including whole fish, fillets and loins. These have also included supply chains transporting fresh fish by sea and road, from Scotland, Iceland and Norway into Grimsby at various times of the year.

“We have found the results to be very positive and in favour of reusable plastic fish boxes, but would be the first to acknowledge that there are additional factors to be taken into consideration when looking at advances in controlling bulk fish quality. These would include temperature of product when packed, type and amount of ice used, quality control on packing of the fish, condition of vehicle’s doors and refrigeration unit, and length of journey.”

Meet the team

Month in Review Resort brand hits Paris

FASHION: Lincolnshire brand Stella & Alf has hit fashionable Paris – in Grimsby’s Abbeygate.

The town boutique is now the fledgling label’s exclusive stockist for northern Lincolnshire, with another outlet in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, also on board.

Both are now selling items from the 20-piece initial collection, brought forward by stylist Charlotte Hay and designer Paris Hodson.

It follows a move from Barton to Cleethorpes for the duo, where the pair can now be found working on autumn/winter 2014-15 garments in a first floor studio of the Old Post Office on Yarra Road.

The switch from the Old Tile Works in Barton has also allowed the pair, who met eight years ago while studying art in Grimsby, to concentrate on design and production, removing the retail element the previous location offered.

Health kick for Saucy FOOD: Grimsby superbrand The Saucy Fish Co has won a Healthy Food Award for its best-selling Salmon with Chilli Lime and Ginger Sauce.

The inaugural awards of Health & Fitness and Women’s Fitness magazines saw the product take Gold in the Healthy Ready Meal category, beating off stiff competition from brands including Innocent and Kirsty’s.

Celebrating and sharing success

4

2

1

A Lincolnshire law firm is aiming to build on years of experience and local knowledge.

Beetenson & Gibbon, with offices on Frances Street, Scunthorpe and Town Hall Square, Grimsby, specialise in all aspects of personal injury and medical negligence, but is not the kind of firm to make cold calls in the hope of finding a case.

Solicitor Iain Ward, 30, entered the legal profession after a promising football career with Grimsby Town came to an end after a number of appearances in what is now the Championship.

1

Iain has been fully qualified for two years, working in all aspects of personal injury work and is based full time at the Grimsby office.

When asked what makes Beetenson & Gibbon stand out, he said: “We’re not like some of the firms you see advertised on TV - we offer face-toface meetings all the way through the process, which we think is essential.

“We can visit our clients and are happy meeting them here in our office, at their

3 home, at hospital - wherever is most comfortable or convenient for them.”

Iain Ward - iain.ward@bgsolicitors.com 01472 240251

Echoing his thoughts is John Tippett, senior litigation clerk.

Having taken his first legal role in 1956, at 74 he is able to draw from decades of experience.

2

He said: “I started off in a high street practice so dealt with all sorts, and have gradually specialised over the years to personal injury.

“We’re not like some companies who will take anybody on or even buy cases - if people haven’t got a case then we’ll tell them so.

“We rely on people coming in off the street, on providing a good service and recommending us elsewhere - on building a reputation as trustworthy and reliable.

“I want to help people, and if I didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t still be doing it at my age. It’s definitely been a vocation rather than a job.”

John Tippett - john.tippett@bgsolicitors.com 01724 847888

Solicitor Jo Epton, 29, is at the other end of her legal career, having been fully qualified for just over a year.

3

However, her prospects are bright, having completed a degree in Medical Sciences at Oxford - something which she says helps when dealing with medical negligence cases - and earned the Law School Prize for top marks in both the law conversion course and legal practice course.

She said: “I’ve only been qualified for just over a year, but I’ve been working in and around the legal system for some time now and deal with all

aspects of personal injury and medical negligence - I also deal with both sides of employment law.

“Because I’m a lawyer and have a keen interest in justice, I’m also studying for a Masters in human rights from the University of Nottingham.”

Joanna Epton - Joanna.epton@bgsolicitors.com 01724 847888

4

Completing the team is head of department Tim Phipps, 52.

Tim is widely recognised as a specialist in his field, as a member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Motor Accident Solicitors Society, both of

which are open only to experts, and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation for his clients.

Tim said: “I was brought up locally and went to school at Brigg Grammar (now Sir John Nelthorpe School) before going to the University of East Anglia and the law college at Chester.

“I’ve been here for 30 years now so I know what our clients see as important, and we want to continue building that reputation and establish ourselves in Scunthorpe.”

Tim Phipps - tim.phipps@bgsolicitors.com 01724 847888

www.bgsolicitors.com/personalinjury Grimsby 01472 240251 Scunthorpe 01724 847888

©LW

10

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

News

Month in Review Gateway wind farm is making good progress

OFFSHORE WIND: Good progress is being made on Humber Gateway offshore wind farm, owner E.on has reported, as it looks to the next phase of works.

The company, one of the big six energy providers, is partway through the construction of the farm – the closest to the mouth of the River Humber – having established a purpose-built base on Grimsby's North Quay for the engineering works.

It will be used for ongoing operations and maintenance throughout the life of the 73-turbine 219MW farm, once the build-out is completed, next year.

The first turbine foundation was installed in September, one of an initial phase of 24 bright yellow mono-pile base pieces now embedded in the 25sq km site, bordered by the Humber shipping channel and the Easington North Sea gas transportation pipeline, 8km off the East Yorkshire coast.

Already fabricated, the offshore substation platform will also be delivered this year, with cabling between the array of turbines also planned for the early part of this year.

Jack-up vessel MPI Discovery has been deployed for the first phase of foundation installing, with MPI Adventure likely to be used in April.

As previously reported, a total of 50 direct jobs have been created, with 15 shore-based staff working at the new site, together with 35-offshore maintenance workers.

Humber education link TRAINING: Grimsby Institute and North Lindsey College are two of five colleges in the region to join together in the creation of a Humber Energy Skills Centre of Excellence.

Working with Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, it is an early City Deal initiative, to capitalise on the emerging realisation of the area's energy estuary vision.

A £3.1-million pot has been secured to establish and improve training facilities, with £1.2-million from the LEP being topped up by the clutch of colleges.

Over a three-year period a total of 1,500 additional learning opportunities will be created.

Also part of the project are Bishop Burton College, East Riding College and Hull College.

It followed Grimsby Institute Group emerging as the lead partner in a £3.3-million Green Renewable Environment and Associated Technologies business advisory service.

The European Regional Development Fund pot will help small and medium-sized businesses get a share of the renewables industry windfall.

Race Bank bought out

News

‘Nothing can stop us from being among Europe’s best’

Praise for pilot skills programme adds to celebratory event’s sparkle A

PILOT scheme to enhance apprenticeship training on the South Bank has been praised, as the company leading the pack celebrated success.

Fabricom has continued to invest, develop and prime a workforce for current and predicted work challenges. It has been busy, building on foundations laid last year. The pilot scheme has been successful and held up nationally. It Immingham headquartered is a real achievement. It is doing Cofely Fabricom GDF Suez held its what it was designed to do, annual engineering, training and removing apprentice pinchpoints development awards at the Catch and making them more efficient. training facility, at Stallingborough, “The shutdown course has also celebrating the achievements of the been enormously well received. It workforce. has been really, really successful. It With a Formula One theme, and is not just the success of the bid we demonstrator car parked outside should celebrate, but the legacy it the venue, Alan Keegan, also will leave. A clearly defined known as the voice of Old Trafford, programme and provision of easily gave an insight into the sport he accessible pathways into industry. has close connections with.

Employer ownership of skills And the performance of the cannot be underestimated. It is £1 million Skills Enhancement absolutely crucial to the growth Centre pilot, a boost to 400 and wellbeing of the region. employees, merited a podium place, “Cofely Fabricom is able to see alongside the high-flying the big picture and that is self individuals. evident. It is all about inward Adrian Wookey, regional account investment in the workforce. It is so manager for Engineering crucial they continue to grow their Construction Industry Training own talent. They have a recognised Board (ECITB), said: “It has been development route in place, a another vibrant year. Cofely robust pathway to ensure their

A

NEW chairman has been appointed at Humber Chemical Focus, the organisation that galvanises much of the area’s heavy industry.

people are properly developed.

“It really has been a successful year. Let’s hope 2014 brings more of the same.”

Celebrations for professional career development included technical engineering apprenticeships, management qualifications and long service awards.

Yvonne Day, human resources director at Cofely Fabricom, said: “It is important we continue to

develop and invest in engineering skills for our future. It is in collaboration with ECITB, Grimsby Institute, University Centre Grimsby, the Chartered Management Institute, University of Hull and most especially Catch.

We invested there and it was a really good investment.

“The number of trainees who come out of there better beings and better engineers for our future, that is what we invest in.”

APPRENTICE of the year winner Sam Campbell said it was a “massive surprise to be nominated,” let alone to win the company’s coveted Apprentice Engineering Technician Of The Year.

The competition was said to be exceptional, with the highest of standards shown by trainees, who were assessed on a criteria which included technical ability, safety awareness and professionalism, as well as a 15-minute interview with chief executive Nigel Carlton.

Sam, 18, said: “It has not been a long three years, it has been a great three years. I have learnt a lot, and met a lot of good people.

“To the up-and-coming apprentices I would say ‘keep at it, stick at what you are doing, do a good job and you will do well’.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my apprenticeship and I am looking forward to carrying on learning and bettering myself, and hopefully repaying Cofely Fabricom by providing them with good-quality

Chris Bowlas takes over from Tony Ogden, after an exceptional five years that has seen unprecedented changes.

The recession and the removal of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward -– then a provider of 55 per cent of the funds – brought huge challenges to the Stallingborough base, with the organisation and subsidiary Catch, the beacon training facility, then merged.

Mr Ogden, who is site director at near neighbour BOC, and will remain vice-chairman, said: “We have gone through a period of massive change over quite an extended period. The volume of activity and workload at a higher level grew and because of the issues we were dealing with I took on a lot personally, just to tide us over, but it was never sustainable.

“Now we have a stable organisation, we are on a much sounder footing, so I thought it time to make some changes.

“When I started five years ago I was chair of Humber Chemical Focus, then the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership came along and I was asked to be a board member of that, and then there was the Development and Growth Board of North East Lincolnshire Council, and I was asked to chair that. To do all of that wasn’t sustainable long term.

Now, by having three people working on these various agendas rather than just myself as it was before, it has got to be better.”

Dr Bowlas, manager of BP’s Saltend Chemicals Park, on the North Bank, has been on the Humber Chemical Focus board for the past 18 months, and is familiar with the issues faced. These also included a change of chief executive, with Dr Tony Flinn appointed back in October following Dr Glyn Hughes’ decision to step down in the spring, as well as changes to the board.

Dr Flinn will take on the Development and Growth Board role with North East Lincolnshire Council, with Mr Ogden staying on the LEP. Dr Bowlas, who describes the £350 million investment by Vivergo on the 370-acre Saltend site as the

pinnacle of his career, joined BP 16 years ago, working in technical and commercial roles after completing a PhD at University of Wales.

He came here a decade ago with the intention of staying for two years, but really took to the area.

The married father-of-three described Catch as a “fantastic facility”, and wants HCF to really push the positives around the globe.

“We talk about the energy estuary, and what a great place to be,” he said. “We have got everything, access to the North Sea, the process industries, all the expertise and engineering. All the components of a fabulous area to make this a centre of excellence for renewables in the UK, and possibly Europe, and we can be right at the heart of it.

“I have been doing a lot of work in Europe about what makes successful inward investment, and it is about logistics, great training, established track record. We have all of those elements and more.

Nothing can stop us being one of the most successful industrial areas in Europe and one of the key HANDOVER: Outgoing Humber Chemical Focus chairman Tony Ogden, centre, welcomes roles of HCF is to go out and incoming chairman Chris Bowlas, as chief executive Tony Flinn, left, looks on, at Catch, advocate this region as a great Stallingborough. inward investment area.”

Meet the team

Celebrating and sharing success

with Christie Solicitors

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: Alan Keegan with the F1 demonstrator, left.

Above, Sam Campbell, winner of Apprentice Engineering Technician 2013 Award at Cofely Fabricom GDF Suez.

Super Sam keen to continue to better himself OFFSHORE WIND: Dong Energy has bought the Race Bank offshore wind farm project from Centrica in a £50 million deal.

The Danish firm, already developing out Westermost Rough from a Grimsby construction base, swooped for the 580MW site, also within the Humber corridor.

While yet to be given the full sign-off, Grimsby is likely to be at the forefront of both the build project and the long-term running of it.

Centrica, also operational in the town having realised the first wind farms off the Lincolnshire coast, has taken the project through the planning and engineering design phase, and was awaiting financial sign-off at board level. It was consented in 2012, but Centrica had held off progressing it, with the uncertainty surrounding Government support cited as the reason.

11

I am looking forward to carrying on learning and bettering myself, and hopefully repaying Cofely Fabricom by providing them with good quality workmanship Sam Campbell workmanship and doing well.”

A former pupil at Vale of Ancholme School, Brigg, the Worlaby welder has worked on many projects at the modular construction facility at Immingham for a number of key

clients.

Mrs Day said: “We celebrate every year our successes and personal achievements for training and development. This year an exceptionally high standard of skill has been achieved by our nominees.

“I would like to congratulate Sam Campbell on being chosen as this year’s winner of Apprentice Engineering Technician Of The Year. It makes me really proud that we employ such a bright young man. He has a great future ahead of him.

“All the other award winners need to be congratulated for their determination and professionalism. We are proud of our standard of employees.”

Mr Carlton said it was a “proud moment for us all to see such raw talent in the organisation,” as the accolades were handed out. Winning coach was Mark Hooton, with Rick Brown the winning mentor. Steve Wigham, of Grimsby Institute, was the winning assessor.

Geoff Christie – Partner

NEW Year’s Day 2014 saw a fresh start for two of Louth’s leading firms of solicitors.

Beetenson and Gibbon, a successful legal provider across Lincolnshire and Northern Lincolnshire since 1944, has amalgamated with Christie Solicitors, which has been expertly guided by Geoff Christie, a solicitor practising in this area of the county for many years.

Geoff established his own small firm in 2009 in order that he could offer a personal service to his clients from his then base, at the Fairfield Enterprise Centre.

However five years on, he was keen to expand the services he could offer to his loyal and growing client base.

“The really exciting part of this amalgamation

Ben Barber – Partner

Andrea Cooper – Solicitor

Joanne Kingston – Solicitor

Andrea Park – Senior Conveyancer

Ben heads up the busy civil department and specialises in civil disputes, such as boundary disputes, probate litigation, debt, housing and employment law.

Andrea is our solicitor in the family department dealing with the problems that arise from relationships breaking down.

Specialist private client solicitor with 20 years experience of dealing with administration of estates and trusts, preparation of wills and powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Member of Solicitors for the Elderly.

I have in excess of 25 years experience in dealing with commercial, residential and agricultural property matters.

is the fact that together, my new colleagues and I, will be able to offer a complete range of services, something I have not been able to deliver in the past.”

Mr Christie explained that his areas of expertise include aspects of business, property and private client work, the latter including wills, probate and the like.

However now, with the support from Beetenson and Gibbon, the whole range of legal services can now be offered to Christie

This includes divorce, living together, children and the financial matters.

Solicitors’ clients.

The new firm of Beetenson and Gibbon with Christies Solicitors is operating from 25a Northgate, Louth (above the main Post Office in the town).

For those who have dealt with Mr Christie’s former business, the familiar faces of Annie Rooney and Penny Dixon are still on hand to offer the help and assistance they have always done and the Beetenson and Gibbon staffing remains unchanged.

with Christie Solicitors 25a Northgate, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0LT www.bgsolicitors.com Louth 01507 600610 ©LW

10

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

News

Month in Review Gateway wind farm is making good progress

OFFSHORE WIND: Good progress is being made on Humber Gateway offshore wind farm, owner E.on has reported, as it looks to the next phase of works.

The company, one of the big six energy providers, is partway through the construction of the farm – the closest to the mouth of the River Humber – having established a purpose-built base on Grimsby's North Quay for the engineering works.

It will be used for ongoing operations and maintenance throughout the life of the 73-turbine 219MW farm, once the build-out is completed, next year.

The first turbine foundation was installed in September, one of an initial phase of 24 bright yellow mono-pile base pieces now embedded in the 25sq km site, bordered by the Humber shipping channel and the Easington North Sea gas transportation pipeline, 8km off the East Yorkshire coast.

Already fabricated, the offshore substation platform will also be delivered this year, with cabling between the array of turbines also planned for the early part of this year.

Jack-up vessel MPI Discovery has been deployed for the first phase of foundation installing, with MPI Adventure likely to be used in April.

As previously reported, a total of 50 direct jobs have been created, with 15 shore-based staff working at the new site, together with 35-offshore maintenance workers.

Humber education link TRAINING: Grimsby Institute and North Lindsey College are two of five colleges in the region to join together in the creation of a Humber Energy Skills Centre of Excellence.

Working with Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, it is an early City Deal initiative, to capitalise on the emerging realisation of the area's energy estuary vision.

A £3.1-million pot has been secured to establish and improve training facilities, with £1.2-million from the LEP being topped up by the clutch of colleges.

Over a three-year period a total of 1,500 additional learning opportunities will be created.

Also part of the project are Bishop Burton College, East Riding College and Hull College.

It followed Grimsby Institute Group emerging as the lead partner in a £3.3-million Green Renewable Environment and Associated Technologies business advisory service.

The European Regional Development Fund pot will help small and medium-sized businesses get a share of the renewables industry windfall.

Race Bank bought out

News

‘Nothing can stop us from being among Europe’s best’

Praise for pilot skills programme adds to celebratory event’s sparkle A

PILOT scheme to enhance apprenticeship training on the South Bank has been praised, as the company leading the pack celebrated success.

Fabricom has continued to invest, develop and prime a workforce for current and predicted work challenges. It has been busy, building on foundations laid last year. The pilot scheme has been successful and held up nationally. It Immingham headquartered is a real achievement. It is doing Cofely Fabricom GDF Suez held its what it was designed to do, annual engineering, training and removing apprentice pinchpoints development awards at the Catch and making them more efficient. training facility, at Stallingborough, “The shutdown course has also celebrating the achievements of the been enormously well received. It workforce. has been really, really successful. It With a Formula One theme, and is not just the success of the bid we demonstrator car parked outside should celebrate, but the legacy it the venue, Alan Keegan, also will leave. A clearly defined known as the voice of Old Trafford, programme and provision of easily gave an insight into the sport he accessible pathways into industry. has close connections with.

Employer ownership of skills And the performance of the cannot be underestimated. It is £1 million Skills Enhancement absolutely crucial to the growth Centre pilot, a boost to 400 and wellbeing of the region. employees, merited a podium place, “Cofely Fabricom is able to see alongside the high-flying the big picture and that is self individuals. evident. It is all about inward Adrian Wookey, regional account investment in the workforce. It is so manager for Engineering crucial they continue to grow their Construction Industry Training own talent. They have a recognised Board (ECITB), said: “It has been development route in place, a another vibrant year. Cofely robust pathway to ensure their

A

NEW chairman has been appointed at Humber Chemical Focus, the organisation that galvanises much of the area’s heavy industry.

people are properly developed.

“It really has been a successful year. Let’s hope 2014 brings more of the same.”

Celebrations for professional career development included technical engineering apprenticeships, management qualifications and long service awards.

Yvonne Day, human resources director at Cofely Fabricom, said: “It is important we continue to

develop and invest in engineering skills for our future. It is in collaboration with ECITB, Grimsby Institute, University Centre Grimsby, the Chartered Management Institute, University of Hull and most especially Catch.

We invested there and it was a really good investment.

“The number of trainees who come out of there better beings and better engineers for our future, that is what we invest in.”

APPRENTICE of the year winner Sam Campbell said it was a “massive surprise to be nominated,” let alone to win the company’s coveted Apprentice Engineering Technician Of The Year.

The competition was said to be exceptional, with the highest of standards shown by trainees, who were assessed on a criteria which included technical ability, safety awareness and professionalism, as well as a 15-minute interview with chief executive Nigel Carlton.

Sam, 18, said: “It has not been a long three years, it has been a great three years. I have learnt a lot, and met a lot of good people.

“To the up-and-coming apprentices I would say ‘keep at it, stick at what you are doing, do a good job and you will do well’.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my apprenticeship and I am looking forward to carrying on learning and bettering myself, and hopefully repaying Cofely Fabricom by providing them with good-quality

Chris Bowlas takes over from Tony Ogden, after an exceptional five years that has seen unprecedented changes.

The recession and the removal of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward -– then a provider of 55 per cent of the funds – brought huge challenges to the Stallingborough base, with the organisation and subsidiary Catch, the beacon training facility, then merged.

Mr Ogden, who is site director at near neighbour BOC, and will remain vice-chairman, said: “We have gone through a period of massive change over quite an extended period. The volume of activity and workload at a higher level grew and because of the issues we were dealing with I took on a lot personally, just to tide us over, but it was never sustainable.

“Now we have a stable organisation, we are on a much sounder footing, so I thought it time to make some changes.

“When I started five years ago I was chair of Humber Chemical Focus, then the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership came along and I was asked to be a board member of that, and then there was the Development and Growth Board of North East Lincolnshire Council, and I was asked to chair that. To do all of that wasn’t sustainable long term.

Now, by having three people working on these various agendas rather than just myself as it was before, it has got to be better.”

Dr Bowlas, manager of BP’s Saltend Chemicals Park, on the North Bank, has been on the Humber Chemical Focus board for the past 18 months, and is familiar with the issues faced. These also included a change of chief executive, with Dr Tony Flinn appointed back in October following Dr Glyn Hughes’ decision to step down in the spring, as well as changes to the board.

Dr Flinn will take on the Development and Growth Board role with North East Lincolnshire Council, with Mr Ogden staying on the LEP. Dr Bowlas, who describes the £350 million investment by Vivergo on the 370-acre Saltend site as the

pinnacle of his career, joined BP 16 years ago, working in technical and commercial roles after completing a PhD at University of Wales.

He came here a decade ago with the intention of staying for two years, but really took to the area.

The married father-of-three described Catch as a “fantastic facility”, and wants HCF to really push the positives around the globe.

“We talk about the energy estuary, and what a great place to be,” he said. “We have got everything, access to the North Sea, the process industries, all the expertise and engineering. All the components of a fabulous area to make this a centre of excellence for renewables in the UK, and possibly Europe, and we can be right at the heart of it.

“I have been doing a lot of work in Europe about what makes successful inward investment, and it is about logistics, great training, established track record. We have all of those elements and more.

Nothing can stop us being one of the most successful industrial areas in Europe and one of the key HANDOVER: Outgoing Humber Chemical Focus chairman Tony Ogden, centre, welcomes roles of HCF is to go out and incoming chairman Chris Bowlas, as chief executive Tony Flinn, left, looks on, at Catch, advocate this region as a great Stallingborough. inward investment area.”

Meet the team

Celebrating and sharing success

with Christie Solicitors

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: Alan Keegan with the F1 demonstrator, left.

Above, Sam Campbell, winner of Apprentice Engineering Technician 2013 Award at Cofely Fabricom GDF Suez.

Super Sam keen to continue to better himself OFFSHORE WIND: Dong Energy has bought the Race Bank offshore wind farm project from Centrica in a £50 million deal.

The Danish firm, already developing out Westermost Rough from a Grimsby construction base, swooped for the 580MW site, also within the Humber corridor.

While yet to be given the full sign-off, Grimsby is likely to be at the forefront of both the build project and the long-term running of it.

Centrica, also operational in the town having realised the first wind farms off the Lincolnshire coast, has taken the project through the planning and engineering design phase, and was awaiting financial sign-off at board level. It was consented in 2012, but Centrica had held off progressing it, with the uncertainty surrounding Government support cited as the reason.

11

I am looking forward to carrying on learning and bettering myself, and hopefully repaying Cofely Fabricom by providing them with good quality workmanship Sam Campbell workmanship and doing well.”

A former pupil at Vale of Ancholme School, Brigg, the Worlaby welder has worked on many projects at the modular construction facility at Immingham for a number of key

clients.

Mrs Day said: “We celebrate every year our successes and personal achievements for training and development. This year an exceptionally high standard of skill has been achieved by our nominees.

“I would like to congratulate Sam Campbell on being chosen as this year’s winner of Apprentice Engineering Technician Of The Year. It makes me really proud that we employ such a bright young man. He has a great future ahead of him.

“All the other award winners need to be congratulated for their determination and professionalism. We are proud of our standard of employees.”

Mr Carlton said it was a “proud moment for us all to see such raw talent in the organisation,” as the accolades were handed out. Winning coach was Mark Hooton, with Rick Brown the winning mentor. Steve Wigham, of Grimsby Institute, was the winning assessor.

Geoff Christie – Partner

NEW Year’s Day 2014 saw a fresh start for two of Louth’s leading firms of solicitors.

Beetenson and Gibbon, a successful legal provider across Lincolnshire and Northern Lincolnshire since 1944, has amalgamated with Christie Solicitors, which has been expertly guided by Geoff Christie, a solicitor practising in this area of the county for many years.

Geoff established his own small firm in 2009 in order that he could offer a personal service to his clients from his then base, at the Fairfield Enterprise Centre.

However five years on, he was keen to expand the services he could offer to his loyal and growing client base.

“The really exciting part of this amalgamation

Ben Barber – Partner

Andrea Cooper – Solicitor

Joanne Kingston – Solicitor

Andrea Park – Senior Conveyancer

Ben heads up the busy civil department and specialises in civil disputes, such as boundary disputes, probate litigation, debt, housing and employment law.

Andrea is our solicitor in the family department dealing with the problems that arise from relationships breaking down.

Specialist private client solicitor with 20 years experience of dealing with administration of estates and trusts, preparation of wills and powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Member of Solicitors for the Elderly.

I have in excess of 25 years experience in dealing with commercial, residential and agricultural property matters.

is the fact that together, my new colleagues and I, will be able to offer a complete range of services, something I have not been able to deliver in the past.”

Mr Christie explained that his areas of expertise include aspects of business, property and private client work, the latter including wills, probate and the like.

However now, with the support from Beetenson and Gibbon, the whole range of legal services can now be offered to Christie

This includes divorce, living together, children and the financial matters.

Solicitors’ clients.

The new firm of Beetenson and Gibbon with Christies Solicitors is operating from 25a Northgate, Louth (above the main Post Office in the town).

For those who have dealt with Mr Christie’s former business, the familiar faces of Annie Rooney and Penny Dixon are still on hand to offer the help and assistance they have always done and the Beetenson and Gibbon staffing remains unchanged.

with Christie Solicitors 25a Northgate, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0LT www.bgsolicitors.com Louth 01507 600610 ©LW

12

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

News

Huge biomass transformation taking shape at both ends of a £700m chain

News

Supply chain by numbers:

POSITIVE IMPRESSION: How Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal will look once completed. Inset below left, Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson CBE welcomes Energy Secretary Ed Davey to Drax.

●

E

NERGY secretary Ed Davey has officially opened the complex systems that will be used to handle the three million tonnes of biomass set to be received by Port of Immingham annually, at the end destination Drax.

Speaking at the launch, Dorothy Thompson CBE, chief executive of Drax, said: “Today marks the transformation not just of our power station, but of our whole business. I am enormously proud of the team at Drax. The facilities being opened are a unique feat of engineering and remarkably they have been While work continues on the £75-million delivered at an operational power station which terminal in northern Lincolnshire, with the the country depends on to deliver 7 to 8 per cent of the power we need. huge receiving silos now towering over the docks, all attention was on the Selby power “This fundamental change has implications plant, where the coal giant is continuing on a far beyond Drax and even our supply chain. rapid transformation to Sustainable biomass has a become the UK’s largest critical role in the UK’s single renewable electricity electricity mix. It is the only generator. renewable which can deliver low carbon electricity on As previously reported, new demand, at the scale the grid systems to receive, store and needs and precisely when it is distribute sustainable needed. It is also a low cost biomass and fully support renewable which will help to Drax Power Station’s first manage the expense of the converted biomass unit, as UK’s transition to a low carbon well as further units as they economy.” are converted, have been Across its full life cycle developed over recent months, biomass can deliver carbon snaking round the existing savings of around 80 per cent plant that is well into its relative to coal, according to fourth decade of power the power giant. provision.

As reported, two pellet plants The biomass conversion will eventually see three of the six generating units are being commissioned in the US, with port facilities in the Gulf of Mexico which will at the power station converted to burn sustainable pelletised wood in place of coal. The provide the bulk of the material required in a £700-million investment. Half of that figure is first unit has been running successfully one being spent at Drax, with the remainder biomass since the beginning of April, with the covering the transatlantic supply chain, with second planned for next year and the third in North East Lincolnshire at the centre of it, and 2016. Each converted unit will provide enough an estimated 75 jobs. renewable electricity to meet needs of more than one million homes.

Special rail wagons will be loaded up in

Immingham, the end destination for the 50,000 tonne vessels that will leave laden from the southern US state, to then be lugged across North Lincolnshire, and a few miles of South and North Yorkshire, to the plant, Performing the opening, Mr Davey said: “Today is a real landmark for Drax and for Britain’s energy security. Drax’s ambitious plans have made it one of Europe’s biggest

renewable generators, helping to increase our green energy supplies.

“In August we announced challenging and tough sustainability criteria for biomass, and we’ll be monitoring the sector against those standards.”

Drax is currently the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide in the UK, but conversion of three of its six generating units to biomass will

Hectic end to 2013 for renewables also saw Government support VAST: The reception, storage and transfer facillities at Drax.

CAPTURE Power Ltd, the consortium of Alstom, Drax and BOC, has been awarded a front end engineering and design (Feed) contract for its planned, state-of-the-art carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project, White Rose.

It also includes the planned development of a carbon dioxide transportation and storage solution, the Yorkshire Humber CCS Trunkline, to be undertaken by National Grid Carbon Ltd. The proposal is to feed into depleted gas chambers beneath the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast.

The long term aspiration is for the pipeline to form the foundation of a regional CCS network, potentially capturing tens of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, from the likes of the refineries, Scunthorpe’s Tata Steel and other major emitters.

The award of the contract marks a major step towards commercialisation, and the study is a two year programme of detailed engineering,

It highlights the strategic strength of the Yorkshire and Humber region as a hub for carbon capture and storage Leigh Hackett planning and financial work ahead of an investment decision.

Located on land adjacent to the existing Drax Power

Station, the proposed 426MW CCS power plant will burn coal with the added ability to co-fire sustainable biomass and meet the equivalent power needs of over 630,000 homes. Fully equipped with CCS technology from the outset, 90 per cent of all the CO2 produced by the plant will be captured.

Leigh Hackett, general manager at Capture Power, said: “We are delighted that our project has been awarded a Feed contract under the CCS Commercialisation Programme.

“It has great potential to demonstrate oxyfuel combustion CCS technology which will benefit other projects in the UK and overseas. It also highlights the strategic strength of the Yorkshire and Humber region as a hub for CCS, driving the formation of a cluster for CO2 transportation and storage.”

see its emissions reduced by around ten million tonnes at today’s levels.

The transformation was boosted in the Electricity Market Reform package, announced as 2013 came to a close, with a plan to convert the next two generating units found to be the top ranked qualifying projects out of 16 approved by Government.

Ms Thompson said: “We are pleased with the

news that the Government has provisionally ranked our two projects highest amongst qualifying projects for early Contracts for Difference. This reflects the deliverability and cost effectiveness of this important renewable technology.

“We will now participate in the next stages of this process, which will conclude with the award of investment contracts in spring 2014.”

Two pelleting plants are being established in Mississippi and Louisiana, together with a new port facility at Baton Rouge, from where 50,000 tonne vessels will embark on a 5,000 mile trans-atlantic journey. ● Once completed, Immingham’s reception facilities will span 11.5 acres, and represent the latest fullyautomated bulk-handling terminal. It will be capable of storing up to 100,000 tonnes of wood pellets, with four storage silos having a total capacity of 168,000 cubic metres, equivalent to more than 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Continuous ship unloaders, around 1.2km of conveyor systems, road and rail loading facilities and extensive safety systems are all part of the package that should be handed over by contractor Graham by the end of this year. ● A total of 200 specially-designed British-built rail wagons have been ordered to carry the biomass pellets from the ports of Immingham, Hull and Tyne, with Immingham providing the lion’s share once commissioned. At 18.9m long with top doors stretching 18.2m and bottom doors of 3.7m, each supersize wagon has a capacity of 116 cubic metres allowing a biomass load weighing 71.6 tonnes. Its volume is almost 30 per cent bigger than any freight wagon currently used in the UK. ● Once on site at Selby, conveyors capable of carrying 2,800 tonnes of biomass an hour, will transfer it into vast 50m high, 70m wide chambers, that have been specially inflated and then coated, from where it will be crushed into little more than sawdust, and blown into the generating units, where it will be gone inside two seconds. ● It is all part of the plan to have Drax at 50 per cent renewable fuel, from which it provides 7 to 8 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs. The remainder is made up by coal, again the bulk of which is delivered via rail, from Immingham.

UP THEY GO: The new silos at Port of Immingham.

Pictures courtesy of David Lee Photography.

for regional carbon capture the lawyers for business Experience and business knowledge to provide tailored solutions. Local and national client base from micro business to blue chip. City law firm expertise without the city cost.

Contact

Tel: 01472 262626

New Oxford House, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HE

www.wilkinchapman.co.uk

OPEN: Energy Secretary Ed Davey officially starts the unloading process for the first wagon of biomass at Drax.

LEADING IN LAW IN LINCOLNSHIRE

13

12

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

News

Huge biomass transformation taking shape at both ends of a £700m chain

News

Supply chain by numbers:

POSITIVE IMPRESSION: How Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal will look once completed. Inset below left, Drax chief executive Dorothy Thompson CBE welcomes Energy Secretary Ed Davey to Drax.

●

E

NERGY secretary Ed Davey has officially opened the complex systems that will be used to handle the three million tonnes of biomass set to be received by Port of Immingham annually, at the end destination Drax.

Speaking at the launch, Dorothy Thompson CBE, chief executive of Drax, said: “Today marks the transformation not just of our power station, but of our whole business. I am enormously proud of the team at Drax. The facilities being opened are a unique feat of engineering and remarkably they have been While work continues on the £75-million delivered at an operational power station which terminal in northern Lincolnshire, with the the country depends on to deliver 7 to 8 per cent of the power we need. huge receiving silos now towering over the docks, all attention was on the Selby power “This fundamental change has implications plant, where the coal giant is continuing on a far beyond Drax and even our supply chain. rapid transformation to Sustainable biomass has a become the UK’s largest critical role in the UK’s single renewable electricity electricity mix. It is the only generator. renewable which can deliver low carbon electricity on As previously reported, new demand, at the scale the grid systems to receive, store and needs and precisely when it is distribute sustainable needed. It is also a low cost biomass and fully support renewable which will help to Drax Power Station’s first manage the expense of the converted biomass unit, as UK’s transition to a low carbon well as further units as they economy.” are converted, have been Across its full life cycle developed over recent months, biomass can deliver carbon snaking round the existing savings of around 80 per cent plant that is well into its relative to coal, according to fourth decade of power the power giant. provision.

As reported, two pellet plants The biomass conversion will eventually see three of the six generating units are being commissioned in the US, with port facilities in the Gulf of Mexico which will at the power station converted to burn sustainable pelletised wood in place of coal. The provide the bulk of the material required in a £700-million investment. Half of that figure is first unit has been running successfully one being spent at Drax, with the remainder biomass since the beginning of April, with the covering the transatlantic supply chain, with second planned for next year and the third in North East Lincolnshire at the centre of it, and 2016. Each converted unit will provide enough an estimated 75 jobs. renewable electricity to meet needs of more than one million homes.

Special rail wagons will be loaded up in

Immingham, the end destination for the 50,000 tonne vessels that will leave laden from the southern US state, to then be lugged across North Lincolnshire, and a few miles of South and North Yorkshire, to the plant, Performing the opening, Mr Davey said: “Today is a real landmark for Drax and for Britain’s energy security. Drax’s ambitious plans have made it one of Europe’s biggest

renewable generators, helping to increase our green energy supplies.

“In August we announced challenging and tough sustainability criteria for biomass, and we’ll be monitoring the sector against those standards.”

Drax is currently the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide in the UK, but conversion of three of its six generating units to biomass will

Hectic end to 2013 for renewables also saw Government support VAST: The reception, storage and transfer facillities at Drax.

CAPTURE Power Ltd, the consortium of Alstom, Drax and BOC, has been awarded a front end engineering and design (Feed) contract for its planned, state-of-the-art carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project, White Rose.

It also includes the planned development of a carbon dioxide transportation and storage solution, the Yorkshire Humber CCS Trunkline, to be undertaken by National Grid Carbon Ltd. The proposal is to feed into depleted gas chambers beneath the North Sea off the East Yorkshire coast.

The long term aspiration is for the pipeline to form the foundation of a regional CCS network, potentially capturing tens of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year, from the likes of the refineries, Scunthorpe’s Tata Steel and other major emitters.

The award of the contract marks a major step towards commercialisation, and the study is a two year programme of detailed engineering,

It highlights the strategic strength of the Yorkshire and Humber region as a hub for carbon capture and storage Leigh Hackett planning and financial work ahead of an investment decision.

Located on land adjacent to the existing Drax Power

Station, the proposed 426MW CCS power plant will burn coal with the added ability to co-fire sustainable biomass and meet the equivalent power needs of over 630,000 homes. Fully equipped with CCS technology from the outset, 90 per cent of all the CO2 produced by the plant will be captured.

Leigh Hackett, general manager at Capture Power, said: “We are delighted that our project has been awarded a Feed contract under the CCS Commercialisation Programme.

“It has great potential to demonstrate oxyfuel combustion CCS technology which will benefit other projects in the UK and overseas. It also highlights the strategic strength of the Yorkshire and Humber region as a hub for CCS, driving the formation of a cluster for CO2 transportation and storage.”

see its emissions reduced by around ten million tonnes at today’s levels.

The transformation was boosted in the Electricity Market Reform package, announced as 2013 came to a close, with a plan to convert the next two generating units found to be the top ranked qualifying projects out of 16 approved by Government.

Ms Thompson said: “We are pleased with the

news that the Government has provisionally ranked our two projects highest amongst qualifying projects for early Contracts for Difference. This reflects the deliverability and cost effectiveness of this important renewable technology.

“We will now participate in the next stages of this process, which will conclude with the award of investment contracts in spring 2014.”

Two pelleting plants are being established in Mississippi and Louisiana, together with a new port facility at Baton Rouge, from where 50,000 tonne vessels will embark on a 5,000 mile trans-atlantic journey. ● Once completed, Immingham’s reception facilities will span 11.5 acres, and represent the latest fullyautomated bulk-handling terminal. It will be capable of storing up to 100,000 tonnes of wood pellets, with four storage silos having a total capacity of 168,000 cubic metres, equivalent to more than 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Continuous ship unloaders, around 1.2km of conveyor systems, road and rail loading facilities and extensive safety systems are all part of the package that should be handed over by contractor Graham by the end of this year. ● A total of 200 specially-designed British-built rail wagons have been ordered to carry the biomass pellets from the ports of Immingham, Hull and Tyne, with Immingham providing the lion’s share once commissioned. At 18.9m long with top doors stretching 18.2m and bottom doors of 3.7m, each supersize wagon has a capacity of 116 cubic metres allowing a biomass load weighing 71.6 tonnes. Its volume is almost 30 per cent bigger than any freight wagon currently used in the UK. ● Once on site at Selby, conveyors capable of carrying 2,800 tonnes of biomass an hour, will transfer it into vast 50m high, 70m wide chambers, that have been specially inflated and then coated, from where it will be crushed into little more than sawdust, and blown into the generating units, where it will be gone inside two seconds. ● It is all part of the plan to have Drax at 50 per cent renewable fuel, from which it provides 7 to 8 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs. The remainder is made up by coal, again the bulk of which is delivered via rail, from Immingham.

UP THEY GO: The new silos at Port of Immingham.

Pictures courtesy of David Lee Photography.

for regional carbon capture the lawyers for business Experience and business knowledge to provide tailored solutions. Local and national client base from micro business to blue chip. City law firm expertise without the city cost.

Contact

Tel: 01472 262626

New Oxford House, Town Hall Square, Grimsby, DN31 1HE

www.wilkinchapman.co.uk

OPEN: Energy Secretary Ed Davey officially starts the unloading process for the first wagon of biomass at Drax.

LEADING IN LAW IN LINCOLNSHIRE

13

14

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Chemicals

Chemicals

IT experts on track to complete new system for international company T

HE EXPERTISE of a Cleethorpes company has been harnessed to speed the operations of an international freight forwarding firm.

can count on without interruption.

We have installed everything it needs to make that happen, and we can monitor it all from our HQ in North East Lincolnshire.”

He said the work, won in November, had been completed in Vixsoft, of Grimsby Road, the UK before Christmas, leaving Cleethorpes, has been asked to just Europe to complete in the new deploy a service through nine of year. the company’s locations in the UK The work has involved expansion and half a dozen in Europe. of capacity, enhanced connectivity, “This is a round-the-clock fibre-to-cabinet capability, lease company operating around the lines, broadband services and globe, with offices on just about “failover” devices, which means every continent,” explained Vixsoft that in the event of a problem, managing director Kevin Drinkall. service immediately switches to a “The nature of the company’s parallel system, and users can’t business means it needs to have even see there’s been a problem. secure and robust systems that it Then everything had to be routed

to the company’s European HQ, which is in the UK. “Delivering a robust and secure system calls for the successful combination of elements which work together to deliver the necessary service,” he said.

Kevin’s keen to point out that Vixsoft, which also has offices in Canada and Sweden, isn’t just available to work for national or international companies – but that the technology it works with is also available to smaller firms in the local and regional business community.

“Although we have bases in three countries, we are still a small company, and as such we can identify with the needs of smaller

UPLIFTING FUTURE: Harlequin employees with their new truck, sourced from BJB.

Firm gives furniture specialists a real lift A

SCUNTHORPE firm’s search for a new reach truck for its warehouse has delivered not one but two, thanks to the involvement of Grimsby materials handling firm BJB Lift Trucks.

with planned service schedules and thorough examinations to keep their materials handling equipment both legal and in top condition.”

And Harlequin managing director Ray Nolan said: “We have been really impressed with the Harlequin Office Furniture professional proactive approach Specialists, of Scunthorpe’s Dunlop BJB Lift Trucks have shown Way, were attracted by BJB Lift towards meeting our needs. Our Trucks’ approach to customer old reach truck was returned to us service when they inquired about not only working, but also purchase of a new Nissan truck – refurbished. It’s nice to see a local and were delighted when BJB staff firm that shares our ethics of going not only sold them a new one, but that extra mile to achieve customer also were able to refurbish the old satisfaction.” one, delivering the bonus of twice As providers of office furniture to the resource for the warehouse. a number of major site service and Niki Hale, of BJB Lift Trucks, modular building specialists said: “We are supporting Harlequin throughout the UK, Harlequin is

WELL DONE: Nick Sands, production manager at Cristal Pigments, congratulates Paul Wright, Fabricom Projects Engineering Centre construction manager, with Richard Worsley, maintenance manager at Cristal.

experiencing sustained growth and expansion, explained Ray. “Having an additional reach truck has enabled us to cope with bulk and container deliveries and increase our core product, which is the supply of furniture and equipment for modular buildings and construction sites.

Harlequin’s expansion has seen them employ additional staff, three of whom have come through the warehousing and storage courses run by BJB Lift Trucks’ Train2Work division. The accredited training with Train2Work has given the new employees a head start in the vast warehouse operated by Harlequin.

Director Fiona Teesdale said: “We have been trading for more than 23 years and have about 40 staff.

Being able to source new staff with the appropriate qualifications isn’t always easy, so having new employees that have recently undertaken warehouse-related training has been a big help. BJB Lift Trucks have been very proactive in suggesting ways we can further enhance and develop our employee training, especially on the reach trucks.”

Both companies voiced their good wishes to all their customers for 2014.

For more information on BJB Lift Trucks Limited, call 08701 258907 or visit www.bjblifttrucks.co.uk and for more information on Harlequin Office Furniture call 01724 271494 or visit www.harlequinofficefur niture.co.uk

DATACENTRE READY: Vixsoft expertise is now underpinning the European operation of a global freight company.

Contractor competence

is Cristal clear on site

IMMINGHAM engineering giant Cofely Fabricom has been named as contractor of the year for Cristal Pigment UK Ltd in 2013.

The company has a ten-strong permanent team on the 160-hectare site, pictured right, at Stallingborough, Europe’s largest titanium dioxide production plant.

GDF Suez’ health safety environment and quality director, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in achieving this award. Not only does the award indicate recognition of our good work by an important client but also signifies the hard work and dedication from our employees that goes into maintaining the

Cofely Fabricom carries out projects and maintenance work in various areas.

The award from Cristal recognises the employees’ commitment to health and safety excellence; including their positive participation in Cristal’s own health and safety awareness scheme.

Kevin Copley, Cofely Fabricom

continued level of safety awareness required to keep everyone safe at work.”

Contractor competency is key on the South Bank, home to several top-tier Control of Major Accident Hazard sites, Cristal being one. It uses a chloride process, in which chlorine reacts with titanium-bearing ores in a high-temperature process.

companies,” he said. “We’re large enough to be able to source the very latest technology from major manufacturers, but small enough to be approachable by even one-man businesses locally, so clients can be assured that they can speak to the same person every time they call us.

“In a global economy there’s an increasing tendency for personal contact to be lost, and people miss that.

“So much can be achieved through a telephone call or face-to-face meeting, and at Vixsoft we like to keep that option open for our clients.”

15

14

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Chemicals

Chemicals

IT experts on track to complete new system for international company T

HE EXPERTISE of a Cleethorpes company has been harnessed to speed the operations of an international freight forwarding firm.

can count on without interruption.

We have installed everything it needs to make that happen, and we can monitor it all from our HQ in North East Lincolnshire.”

He said the work, won in November, had been completed in Vixsoft, of Grimsby Road, the UK before Christmas, leaving Cleethorpes, has been asked to just Europe to complete in the new deploy a service through nine of year. the company’s locations in the UK The work has involved expansion and half a dozen in Europe. of capacity, enhanced connectivity, “This is a round-the-clock fibre-to-cabinet capability, lease company operating around the lines, broadband services and globe, with offices on just about “failover” devices, which means every continent,” explained Vixsoft that in the event of a problem, managing director Kevin Drinkall. service immediately switches to a “The nature of the company’s parallel system, and users can’t business means it needs to have even see there’s been a problem. secure and robust systems that it Then everything had to be routed

to the company’s European HQ, which is in the UK. “Delivering a robust and secure system calls for the successful combination of elements which work together to deliver the necessary service,” he said.

Kevin’s keen to point out that Vixsoft, which also has offices in Canada and Sweden, isn’t just available to work for national or international companies – but that the technology it works with is also available to smaller firms in the local and regional business community.

“Although we have bases in three countries, we are still a small company, and as such we can identify with the needs of smaller

UPLIFTING FUTURE: Harlequin employees with their new truck, sourced from BJB.

Firm gives furniture specialists a real lift A

SCUNTHORPE firm’s search for a new reach truck for its warehouse has delivered not one but two, thanks to the involvement of Grimsby materials handling firm BJB Lift Trucks.

with planned service schedules and thorough examinations to keep their materials handling equipment both legal and in top condition.”

And Harlequin managing director Ray Nolan said: “We have been really impressed with the Harlequin Office Furniture professional proactive approach Specialists, of Scunthorpe’s Dunlop BJB Lift Trucks have shown Way, were attracted by BJB Lift towards meeting our needs. Our Trucks’ approach to customer old reach truck was returned to us service when they inquired about not only working, but also purchase of a new Nissan truck – refurbished. It’s nice to see a local and were delighted when BJB staff firm that shares our ethics of going not only sold them a new one, but that extra mile to achieve customer also were able to refurbish the old satisfaction.” one, delivering the bonus of twice As providers of office furniture to the resource for the warehouse. a number of major site service and Niki Hale, of BJB Lift Trucks, modular building specialists said: “We are supporting Harlequin throughout the UK, Harlequin is

WELL DONE: Nick Sands, production manager at Cristal Pigments, congratulates Paul Wright, Fabricom Projects Engineering Centre construction manager, with Richard Worsley, maintenance manager at Cristal.

experiencing sustained growth and expansion, explained Ray. “Having an additional reach truck has enabled us to cope with bulk and container deliveries and increase our core product, which is the supply of furniture and equipment for modular buildings and construction sites.

Harlequin’s expansion has seen them employ additional staff, three of whom have come through the warehousing and storage courses run by BJB Lift Trucks’ Train2Work division. The accredited training with Train2Work has given the new employees a head start in the vast warehouse operated by Harlequin.

Director Fiona Teesdale said: “We have been trading for more than 23 years and have about 40 staff.

Being able to source new staff with the appropriate qualifications isn’t always easy, so having new employees that have recently undertaken warehouse-related training has been a big help. BJB Lift Trucks have been very proactive in suggesting ways we can further enhance and develop our employee training, especially on the reach trucks.”

Both companies voiced their good wishes to all their customers for 2014.

For more information on BJB Lift Trucks Limited, call 08701 258907 or visit www.bjblifttrucks.co.uk and for more information on Harlequin Office Furniture call 01724 271494 or visit www.harlequinofficefur niture.co.uk

DATACENTRE READY: Vixsoft expertise is now underpinning the European operation of a global freight company.

Contractor competence

is Cristal clear on site

IMMINGHAM engineering giant Cofely Fabricom has been named as contractor of the year for Cristal Pigment UK Ltd in 2013.

The company has a ten-strong permanent team on the 160-hectare site, pictured right, at Stallingborough, Europe’s largest titanium dioxide production plant.

GDF Suez’ health safety environment and quality director, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in achieving this award. Not only does the award indicate recognition of our good work by an important client but also signifies the hard work and dedication from our employees that goes into maintaining the

Cofely Fabricom carries out projects and maintenance work in various areas.

The award from Cristal recognises the employees’ commitment to health and safety excellence; including their positive participation in Cristal’s own health and safety awareness scheme.

Kevin Copley, Cofely Fabricom

continued level of safety awareness required to keep everyone safe at work.”

Contractor competency is key on the South Bank, home to several top-tier Control of Major Accident Hazard sites, Cristal being one. It uses a chloride process, in which chlorine reacts with titanium-bearing ores in a high-temperature process.

companies,” he said. “We’re large enough to be able to source the very latest technology from major manufacturers, but small enough to be approachable by even one-man businesses locally, so clients can be assured that they can speak to the same person every time they call us.

“In a global economy there’s an increasing tendency for personal contact to be lost, and people miss that.

“So much can be achieved through a telephone call or face-to-face meeting, and at Vixsoft we like to keep that option open for our clients.”

15

16

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Business Support

Businesses must have eyes on legal changes 2

014 MIGHT have only just begun, but there are a number of impending legislative changes that will affect employers and employees alike in the next few months.

Small businesses, with 10 or less employees, will be able to consult directly with employees rather than employee representatives.”

The next date to look out for is April 6. Under the Children And Families Bill, the right to request Each year sees changes and flexible working has been extended amendments to existing to all employees who have more employment legislation, and 2014 is than 26 weeks’ continuous no exception, says David Buckle, employment. Currently, flexible partner and head of employment, working can only be requested by at Wilkin Chapman Grange employees who have children Solicitors. under the age of 17 (18 if a child is disabled) or who are carers. For He said: “January will see a employers, the statutory process number of changes coming into for considering flexible working effect concerning the Transfer of requests will be replaced with a Undertakings (Protection of duty to deal with the request in a Employment) Regulations 2006 reasonable manner.

(TUPE) which are a result of the Gover nment’s recent consultation April also sees an increase in the on TUPE. statutory rates of pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and “The changes include TUPE sickness. The Enterprise And consultations which involve more Regulatory Reform Act 2013 than 20 redundancies will also be able to satisfy the requirements for introduces an early conciliation process for potential claimants in consultation on collective redundancies, meaning the two employment tribunal claims. processes can run in parallel.

Claimants will need to lodge

EYE ON THE DATE: David Buckle, of Wilkin Chapman Grange Solicitors, warns employers of impending changes in lesislation. details of their claim with ACAS, which will then provide both parties with the opportunity to start a conciliation process. Also, the Act gives tribunals the power to impose financial penalties against employers if there are aggravating features in breaches of any employment rights.

David adds: “The changes to employment law are not just limited to the first few months of the year. There are more changes scheduled for the Equality Act

2010, auto-enrolment pensions and a new approach to managing sickness absence, through the Health And Work Service.”

To help employers keep abreast of the changes, Wilkin Chapman Grange is hosting an HR For Small Businesses seminar on February 6 at its Grimsby offices. The seminar will help employers look at ways to manage their HR workload and navigate employment law.

Details at www.wilkin chapman.co.uk/site/events

Directors must follow vital advice or face action DIRECTORS who fail to make it clear they’re signing contracts on behalf of a company are being warned that they could find themselves personally liable for its contents – with significant financial implications.

A recent Court Of Appeal hearing found that a director hadn’t made it clear he was acting for a company when he signed a letter, and was therefore personally liable.

Bridge McFarland Associate Solicitor Mike Searle said: “The recent Court Of Appeal decision in Hamid v Francis Bradshaw Partnership (2013) serves as a reminder. In this case, the Court Of Appeal ruled that an individual was a personal party on the grounds that he had signed a contractual letter bearing the company's trading name but without any reference to the limited company.

“There was nothing in the letter which referred to the limited company by reference to its registered name – the one registered at Companies House. The other party to the contract had no knowledge of the link between the trading name and the limited company.”

The court therefore held that the signatory became the contracting party as he had not made it clear that

VITAL ADVICE: Bridge McFarland Associate Solicitor Mike Searle. the contract did not bind him personally.

Mike says there are two important lessons from the Appeal Court hearing.

“First, company law requires that certain ‘disclosures’ are made on company documentation.

Letterheads, invoices, websites, etc must contain

certain details to identify the company (such as the company’s name, registered office address and its company registration number).

“Failure to comply with this law could result in both the ccompany and every director in breach being liable to a fine.

“Secondly, as with the case of Hamid, directors could find themselves personally liable for obligations in a contract if they have not made it clear that they are signing on behalf of the company. This could have significant financial ramifications for the individual concerned.

“ Here in the Commercial Department at Bridge McFarland, we can provide Company Law advice and assist in the drafting of commercial contracts to ensure that such mishaps are avoided,” he added.

Their website can be found at www.bmcf.co.uk

GTE-E01-S3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

17

News

£2.5m pot will improve business support offer M

ORE business support is heading to this region. The Humber Local Enterprise Partnership is to launch a Business Growth Hub this year after being awarded £2.5 million as part of the Hull & Humber City Deal.

“We are delighted that our bid for this competitive funding has been successful so we will be able to help more businesses to find support and advice. This is one of several important measures we have won through the Hull & Humber City Deal that will support growth in the Humber.”

The Growth Hub will be The Growth Hub will free for businesses to access. create new business support It is designed to be a advisers, located with comprehensive and partners around the region, impartial source of who will be tasked with information for businesses. helping businesses to find In addition, the funding the advice and funding they will also pay for a require. programme of business The programme, which has support activity, which will recently been part of the be delivered by partners to consultation for the Humber run alongside the Growth Strategic Economic Plan, Hub, designed to fill the gaps will also include a web portal in support identified by which will bring together businesses. local and national business Now the funding, which support initiatives in one has been awarded from the place to make it easier for Gover nment’s Regional Humber businesses to access Growth Fund via Lancaster them.

University, is secured, the Lord Haskins, chairman of LEP is working to develop a detailed project plan, setting Humber LEP, said: “One of out the details of the the most common issues additional support that will raised by businesses is that be available to Humber the business support businesses. landscape is confusing, and there is no single place to go The programme is now being finalised, with to find out what is on offer.

Month in Review Employment event aid RECRUITMENT: More than 1,000 people aged between 16 and 24 are to be invited to a special event focusing on helping them find future employment.

Jobcentre Plus will run North East Lincolnshire Youth Hub between 10am and 4pm on Friday, February 7, working in partnership with Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.

Ahead of that, businesses are being urged to support it, sending representatives to meet and help. Call Lorraine Alexander on 01472 622244, or email lorraine.alexander@dwp.gsi.gov.uk for details.

MORE HELP HERE: Lord Haskins, speaking at an engagement at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe. implementation beginning in March.

Lindsay West, chairman of the LEP’s SME Support Committee, said: “The programme is aimed at filling the gaps for business support and helping businesses navigate the support that is out there to help them grow.

“We have had really good feedback on our bid and we would like to thank our partners and all those who have inputted during meetings or at our

consultation events.”

With E-Factor already established in North East Lincolnshire, a spokesperson for the LEP stressed the role of “filling the gaps”, not replicating what is already in the market.

She said: “The business advisers, for example, will sit at existing partner offices, so will be adding extra capacity rather than opening anything new. It can run alongside and link in with E-Factor.”

The zombies are leaving us THE number of “zombie businesses” in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East – those only able to pay the interest on their debts – is continuing to drop, falling from 5 per cent in August to just 2 per cent in December, according to research by R3, the insolvency trade body.

William Ballmann, regional chairman in Yorkshire and partner at national law firm Gateley LLP, said: “A lot of attention has been given to so-called ‘zombie

businesses’, who are among the chief beneficiaries of the relatively benign trading environment in the last few years.

“While we have seen ‘zombie business’ numbers fall and stabilise both nationally and in our region, there hasn’t been a corresponding rise in corporate insolvencies.

Encouragingly, many struggling businesses will have used the unexpected grace period between recession and recovery to

put their house in order, allowing them to spring ‘back to life’.

“However, our research also shows thousands of businesses moving beyond ‘struggling but surviving’ into potentially dangerous territory.”

The largest proportion of businesses having to negotiate payment terms with creditors is located in this region. Nationally 96,000 businesses say they would be unable to repay debts if there was a small increase in interest rates.

Students’ artwork brightens brochure STUDENTS at Bottesford’s Frederick Gough School were tasked with providing artwork for Scunthorpe burger giant OSI’s latest environmental brochure.

Design skills were put to the test for the Eco-Management & Audit Scheme document, giving the team that supplies McDonald’s with millions of beef patties a chance to gain and understanding as to how the younger generation perceive the environment.

As well as gift vouchers for the best entries, a donation was also made directly to the school. The finalists will work with the school on how to spend this money on ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNS: Kelly Grimwood, left, environmental manager for OSI in Europe, and Gary Drane, right, general manager of the Scunthorpe site, are pictured with, from left, first place environmental Alice Fletcher, second place Yuensuet Wong and third place Brook Charlesworth. improvements.

When business and life matters Beetenson and Gibbon bridge the M180 and can help you build and grow both as a business and individually.

With established bases in Northern Lincolnshire and the Humberside areas two major industrial centres Grimsby and Scunthorpe, Beetenson and Gibbon are well placed to serve you and your business and provide comprehensive legal advice tailored to the specific needs of business in the region.

In addition to general commercial advice, property development and employment advice Beetenson and Gibbon are at the forefront of the development of business, employment and commercial resolution services through BG Resolution the firm offers an alternative to expensive legal proceedings and have within their ranks qualified mediators and arbitrators who can advise on a comprehensive route to the settlement of outstanding disputes not simply on litigious action before the Courts.

With strong community links Beetenson and Gibbon have also developed their personal and pastoral legal services and can assist you in meeting the requirements of your legal needs both as an individual and as families and can also assist in the provision of legal services on behalf of employers to their employees should you wish to create a Legal Assistance Employee Scheme.

For a discussion about any of the matters or to instruct Beetenson and Gibbon please contact us on 01472 240251. Referring matters to either Ben Barber or Mr William King or in their absence contact our Office Manager Jo Moorhouse with the details.

solicitors

www.bgsolicitors.com ©NM

18

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Ports & Logistics

Fertiliser contract will enable firm’s growth P

D PORTS is to spend £500,000 refurbishing a 68,000ft warehouse at the Port of Howden at the start of a ten-year contract with Helm Fertiliser.

Helm will operate a blending and bagging facility at the port, where it will handle 50,000 tonnes of material a year from Europe and North Africa, making this the company’s UK hub.

PD Ports will provide the stevedore service for this new agreement, and will start work on the first ship early this year.

Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports’ managing director (bulks and port services) said: “We are delighted to have signed a long-term agreement with Helm, which will provide a huge boost to the volume of traffic through the port.

“This new partnership also provides an excellent opportunity to expand the range of activities undertaken at the port as well as further secure its long-term future and provide additional employment opportunities once fully operational.”

Howden was chosen by Helm to consolidate its imports based on its location and closeness of rural regions such as Lincolnshire, as well as the excellent transport links to and from the port.

Having previously imported fertiliser in bulk only for onward distribution, Helm will make a significant investment in a state-of-the-art blending and bagging machine that will be one of the first of its type in the UK. This will enable Helm to add further value and greater efficiencies in its supply chain by bagging fertiliser on-site before onward distribution.

The machinery is capable of ensuring a precise mix of product, complemented by the first rotary

GREAT OPPORTUNITY: PD PORTS is to spend £500,000 at the Port of Howden. screening system, to remove dust and oversized particles, ensuring the size, quality and consistency

of the final product. It will also be capable of applying coating and micro-nutrients to keep up with

developments in fertiliser coating technology and crop requirements.

Grimsby logistics company helps ease the load for town hospice

DEVELOPMENT LAUNCH: Fundraiser Jane Whenham-White, second left, celebrates with members of staff at St Andrew's Hospice, following the news of the go-ahead for a redevelopment of the facility. Inset, Tim Burgess and Dianne Clark. Right, the first load on its way.

GRIMSBY’S St Andrew’s Hospice is now able to undergo vital redevelopment work without the worry of where to store its charity shop stock and a range of office furniture, thanks to storage and logistics experts ACS&T. Preparation for the building work for the hospice site is underway, and while it is fantastic news for St Andrew’s, the former St Nicholas Nursery which is owned by the hospice – used as a holding space for donated charity shop stock – needed to be completely cleared to allow the redevelopment to commence.

As a result, Dianne Clark, retail development manager for the Peaks Lane centre, found herself faced with the predicament of either finding an alternative location to store both furniture and stock, or risk losing it altogether.

“It has taken the hospice over three years to build up

this supply of donations and the last thing I wanted was to see it all go to waste,” she said. “Local storage companies I contacted were unfortunately unable to provide us with storage free of charge and, as a charity that is largely run on donations,

we simply did not have the funds available to pay to store the items.

“It was an extremely difficult dilemma to find ourselves in, as, whilst the donations are very valuable to the hospice, as soon as there is a cost against them, their value is significantly reduced.”

In a last ditch effort, Dianne launched a Facebook appeal

calling for assistance, to which Tim Burgess, operations development manager at ACS&T, responded.

He said: “ACS&T are pleased to be able to offer our services to help such a worthy cause as St Andrew’s Hospice. We have the ability to provide a professional haulage and storage solution totally free of charge, which will help the hospice with the invaluable work they do.”

Two collections by the company did the job.

Dianne said: “The funds raised from the hospice shops are one of the few consistent sources of income we receive here at St Andrew’s and we’re so grateful to ACS&T for donating the use of free storage facilities, as well as their time, to help us.

“Such a generous contribution enables us to continue providing expert palliative care and support services to all of our patients and their families.”

GTE-E01-S3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

19

News

Month in Review Civic award could land for college entrance

REFLECTING ON THE ROLE: Andrew Jamieson. Inset, an artist’s impression of the Able Marine Energy Park.

Catapulting towards green energy targets A technology and innovation centre for the offshore renewables industry has now been set up. The multi-million-pound project, initially a target for the Humber, was devised by the Technology Strategy Board. The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult) may be in Glasgow, but Grimsby and the wider Humber is a key focus, with the team welcoming Able Marine Energy Park’s development consent, and the burgeoning offshore operations and maintenance activity in North East Lincolnshire.

Here in his words, Andrew Jamieson, chief executive, outlines the task.

T

HE Catapult programme comes from the UK Government approaching innovation in a way that hasn’t been done for many years. It recognises that we have a world-class domestic industrial base, small and medium-sized businesses and academia. But historically we have not been good at joining up the parts to realise their full potential.

I head up the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, helping the UK seize the opportunity to lead the world in offshore wind, wave and tidal electricity production. In the process we will generate substantial economic growth, jobs and exports, and help the country increase low-carbon, affordable generation.

The ORE Catapult is a critical element of a shared vision in which Government, industry and the supply chain all have vital roles to play. It is one of seven sectors to help the very best UK businesses, scientists and engineers build on research and development – transforming ideas and early stage work into viable products and services. There is a need to learn commercial lessons from other sectors, such as the offshore oil and gas, aerospace

and automotive industries, and deliver consistent, joined-up thinking to provide investor confidence and maximise installed offshore renewable energy capacity and the resulting economic, social and environmental benefits.

We are a wind-battered island, so clearly offshore renewable energy is one of the key tools for the UK to meet its carbon reduction targets. But the Government is clear: Today’s cost of offshore power needs to be reduced substantially, by approximately 30 to 40 per cent by 2020 in the case of offshore wind.

Twenty years ago, we led the world in the development of onshore renewable energy technology. A failure to invest in the industry at that time meant that other countries overtook us and to this day they dominate the global market.

The UK has the world’s largest targets for offshore wind. That affords us the first mover opportunity to lead the world in offshore renewable energy technology deployment and know-how, potentially creating an industry that will not only generate tens of thousands of jobs in engineering, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and operations services, but also contribute many billions of

pounds to the UK economy in taxes and exports, possibly of the electricity itself, but particularly of the technologies and know-how that go with it.

We have a massive opportunity to build a world-leading capability, just as the oil and gas sector has done.

Renewable energy is relatively new, with challenges around costs, and that applies particularly to offshore.

Solving this is achievable by allowing innovation to thrive – focusing on common standards, scale of manufacturing and delivery.

The ORE Catapult works closely with academia and industry to de-risk innovation and have it adopted more quickly. We are creating a centre of excellence with deep technological and engineering expertise, and are recruiting more than 100 experienced engineers and technologists over the next couple of years.

We will not be issuing capital grants, but will provide leadership, access and connectivity, engineering and technical expertise, to assist the growth and development of technical solutions.

I’m clear we have a huge role to play in enabling the entire UK offshore renewables sector to realise its full economic potential. For more details, visit www.ore.catapult.org.uk

CONSTRUCTION: The impressive new entrance building at Grimsby's Franklin College has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for the 2014 Civic Trust Awards.

Designed by Hodson Architects of Cleethorpes, and built by town firm Jembuild, the extension was brought forward with the street scene, and particularly the neighbouring church, in the mind's eye.

Architect James Lockwood is delighted with the initial recognition, having been first appointed on the project last year.

Having just served its first term, it has provided a single point of access and information for all students, staff and visitors, and includes an open plan ground floor, reception areas, finance office and interview rooms.

Winners will be unveiled at a gala dinner in Blackpool in March.

Bloom and billet mill STEEL A Scunthorpe company is auctioning valuable equipment from the disused Tata Steel bloom and billet mill in the town.

CJM Asset Management, of Dunlop Way, is auctioning processing and finishing equipment on instructions from the steel giant.

Items include Davy United Hi Primary & Secondary Reversing Blooming Mills, Davy-United Billet Mill Stands - Roughing, Intermediate and Finishing; Bloom Shears, Bloom & Billet Straighteners and Dust Extraction Plant.

The sale will close on February 6.

Viewing can be undertaken on January 23, January 28 and February 4.

9 AWARDS ONE FANTASTIC NIGHT

Craven Park Stadium

2014

Thursday 6th March

Recognising local businesses, committed to the development of renewable energy in the Humber To nominate your business, visit: www.hulldailymail.co.uk/renewablesawards Hosted by

Headline sponsor

20

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Business Solutions

A burning desire to be very best in the region A

LIFETIME’S experience in the fire and safety industry has been added to Scunthorpe-based Northern Fire And Safety as part of a continuing development strategy.

Brigg man Paul Armstrong, who has spent 25 years in sales and operation roles for a market-leading company in the industry, is looking forward to bringing his experience to bear for his new employer as its general manager for sales.

He said: “I am excited to be working with a progressive and forward-thinking company with its eyes fixed firmly on growth.

Northern Fire and Safety is continuing to make major strides in its specialist area, and I am looking forward to being part of that development.”

He said he was convinced there was a great deal of potential for the BAFE-accredited company to grow its client base.

“Development of business, along with the potential offered by the area becoming the UK’s green energy hub, will be our foundation for accelerated growth,” he added.

Company managing director Barrie Holden said: “Paul’s appointment is a milestone in Northern Fire And Safety’s planned development.

“Now we want to broaden our client base. Paul’s experience in

WELCOME ABOARD: Paul Armstrong, left, newly-appointed general manager (sales) at Northern Fire And Safety with company MD Barrie Holden. dealing with all types of companies, from small businesses to multinationals, will help us to realise that ambition.

“We aim to be the premier fire and safety company in the region. I have no doubt Paul will be able to help us work towards that goal.

Certainly his experience will be a valuable addition to our friendly, customer-focused team.”

Northern Fire And Safety is a BAFE-accredited provider of fire protection products and services in Lincolnshire, South and East Yorkshire and North

Nottinghamshire. It is part of Fire Protection Centre Ltd, one of the UK’s pre-eminent stockists, distributors and online retailers of fire protection and life safety products.

Their website is www.norther nfireandsafety.co.uk

Exciting times are ahead for flourishing area

DON’T FORGET The Business Telegraph is made available as an eBook online at www.grimsby telegraph.co.uk from tomorrow.

It is ideal to share with contacts, customers and suppliers.

THE year ahead holds a great deal of promise for the economy of northern Lincolnshire, predicts the owner of a South Bank-based consulting company.

Chris Parrott, of CR Parrott Consultants Ltd, believes that whilst the planning decision about the Able Marine Park was a hugely significant milestone, it isn’t the only reason for companies to enter 2014 – and northern Lincolnshire – with a positive feeling.

And the announcement of enhanced assisted area status, only two days before Christmas, means small firms in a number of areas will be able to get 30 per cent grants for growth projects that create jobs – rather than the 20 per cent available until now.

“All of this means that opportunities are opening up, and will open still further. The approaches we’re receiving from clients and potential clients are a sure indicator that companies are looking for ways to maximise them,” says Chris.

“A considerable amount of invaluable work has been done in the background to bring us to this point. The Able Marine Park is an obvious example, but also of importance is North Lincolnshire’s Local

POSITVE OUTLOOK: Northern Lincolnshire has better prospects now than it has had for years, believes Chris Parrott, of CR Parrott Consultants Ltd. Development Framework, due to be finalised shortly. It will signpost development for the next decade, since it will define which areas can be used for housing and industry, and is likely to include the council’s vision for Lincolnshire Lakes development – which is also of major importance for the area.

That means that the real work starts now, he says.

“Over the last few years we have been through some

very difficult recessionary times, but we are hopefully leaving that behind. Now we must harness the potential offered here and the increasing confidence of decision-makers, and convert that to firm and positive decisions about the way forward for business, for jobs and for the economy in general.

“Furthermore, it is important that the potential is highlighted for companies not only in this

country but also abroad. We have a great deal to offer, and we mustn’t let any chances slip away.”

Chris said clients were contacting his company at both its original Scunthorpe premises and newly-opened offices at Europarc, Grimsby.

“Both offices are actively representing clients looking to maximise their opportunities,” he said. “We are applying our expertise in RGF funding, project

management, consultant engineering and building consultancy on their behalf, and are ready to do it for new clients also.

“I’m sure this is the beginning of a busy and productive period from which the northern Lincolnshire economy will emerge stronger and with better prospects than it has had for years. We live in exciting times,” he added.

Visit www.crparrott.co.uk for more

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

21

corner

Home town boy makes partner at leading firm G

RIMSBY-born solicitor Ed Atkin has been promoted to partner at Wilkin Chapman Grange, as he takes the lead of an eight-strong team of residential property specialists in the town.

Mr Atkin, pictured, who has nearly a decade of experience in dealing with both commercial and residential property matters, graduated in law in 2001 in Wolverhampton, completing his legal practice course at the College of Law in York in 2003.

He is now based at the firm’s St Mary’s Chambers in West St Mary’s Gate.

He said: “I am very pleased with the promotion and am looking forward to helping the residential property department grow further.”

The department is described as

“thriving,” underlining the recent upturn in the market.

His appointment makes it a total of 46 partners within the town-headquartered business, with a total of 310 staff across nine offices in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.

Julia Whittaker, chief executive, said: “We are delighted to make Ed a partner – this is a reflection of his commitment and hard work since joining the firm.

“His practical knowledge and specialist experience will ensure that his clients, both old and new, continue to receive a first class legal service.”

Educated in Humberston, at both the village’s primary and comprehensive schools, the keen footballer married Kate last year, and has two boys, Cian, five and Ethan, one. They live in New Waltham.

WELCOME: David Smith, left, brought on board by Paul Horton.

Client manager with experience

Consultant’s qualifications draw on experience YEARS of experience managing and empowering people, married up with recently earned qualifications to add credence to a passion, has seen former hotelier Lesley Nowell launch her own human resources consultancy.

Last year she brought a decade of co-ownership of the Wortley House Hotel in Scunthorpe to an end, selling her stake in the venue as she gained her degree in Human Resources Management.

Now as principal consultant in Lesley Nowell HR, she is redressing the work-life balance while following one of the most rewarding elements of a career in leisure and catering.

“I have always owned my own business, and as such have been managing and recruiting people for the last 25 years,” she said. “It is something I enjoy doing and when I sat back and thought about what I wanted to do, one of the main things was motivating and encouraging people, and seeing them succeed, and going on to bigger and better things. I like to think I am a great talent spotter, and I decided I wanted to share this business knowledge with other people and go out there by myself.”

Already, Mrs Nowell, who is married to Rob, a serving police officer, with three children and a fourth grandchild on the way, has worked for a global charity and Samsung, as

DAVID Smith has joined Paul Horton Financial Services as a private client manager.

The former Barclays employee has worked in the industry for 23 years, undertaking a number of roles connected with wealth management.

He joins the team at Caistor while working towards chartered level of financial planning, in line with a personal goal and the business benchmark.

Paul Horton, who heads up the firm, said the bulk of his career spent dealing in high net value client management, would be advantageous in the role.

He said: “With a growing and ageing population there has never been a more important time for clients to have access to financial advice and support. David will therefore take on the role of private client manager, and be responsible for the increased demand we are experiencing.

“As auto-enrolment draws ever closer I expect there to be a huge demand for advice and consulting with businesses, and want to ensure that we are well positioned to meet this.

“I am pleased to welcome David on board and with his knowledge and experience I am sure he will enhance our service in establishing strong client relationships in his role.”

HR addition KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Lesley Nowell. part of a change management programme for the blue chip electronics giant.

As well as the degree, she also holds a City and Guilds teacher-training certificate, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development.

“It was really good to put the situations I have worked through in perspective,” Mrs

Nowell said of her studies. “I have lots of experience and it is good to back it all up with the qualification.

“I am really keen to expand my portfolio in to Scunthorpe and northern Lincolnshire,” she said.

For more information visit www.lesleynowell.com

Premier trainer is recognised IMMINGHAM accountancy trainer Nick Craggs has been named BKN Bookkeeping Awards Accountancy Tutor Of The Year.

The accolade recognises work done through an online forum to assist those learning the ropes in business finance, over the course of a year.

Mr Craggs, who works for Premier Training on Queens Road, said: “It was quite a surprise to win. I was quite

Career

chuffed with it, considering there was a lot of stiff competition.

“I as very happy when I got down to the final three.”

Help involves solving technical issues and aiding work to gain qualifications.

Rose Crockett, managing partner, said: “Nick had done a lot to get in the top three, and it is fantastic for him to actually win. It is a really good achievement and we are all

really proud here at Premier Training.”

Launched in 1998, the company, previously in South Killingholme, now employs 17.

It is a key delivery partner for the Association Of Accounting Technicians, a primary focus for the team, providing privately funded training for individuals and companies. It specialises in delivering the complete syllabus through fully supported home study.

PROUD: Rose Crockett, with Nick Craggs.

FORRESTER Boyd Chartered Accountants has appointed Chantelle Ellis as trainee human resources professional.

Grimsby-bor n Chantelle, pictured, a Sheffield Hallam University English language and literature graduate, joins the team in the South St Mary’s Gate office.

She will be studying for the Chartered Institute of Professional Development’s MSc in Human Resource Management while working alongside the fir m’s human resources manager, Lesley Morrison.

Lesley said: “Chantelle is a welcome addition to the HR department and her presence will enhance our offering internally and to clients of the firm.”

Chantelle, who had already completed an internship, said: “This new role will give me the opportunity to gain an insight into the practical aspects of human resource management while studying for a chartered professional qualification. To work while learning for such a prestigious firm is a real privilege.”

22

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Training

How walking an elderly person’s dog can help!

T

ACKLING youth unemployment and walking a pensioner’s dog might seem impossible ways to save money for the NHS – but that’s exactly what’s going to happen when they’re brought together by pioneering work in North East Lincolnshire.

those jobs – and build a business, allowing the elderly to live more independently for longer whilst generating employment opportunities.

“We are working with a group of NHS specialists to make that happen sustainably for the future,” said Neil at CERT’s base in Immingham’s Margaret Street.

“We’re putting together a project Working with NHS experts, Immingham-based CERT Training that attacks the problems and allows the building of businesses.”

Ltd is to help with business CERT’s role as part of the start-ups for jobs that can support management board is to act as a older people in their own homes conduit between service users, for longer, and mean they don’t young people looking for business need expensive NHS services. opportunities, and the 300 or so CERT director Neil King community interest organisations explained: “This is really who might be able to help – like innovative work. The NHS knows Foresight, created in a very small that there are lots of things about way but now offering services to an individual’s health over which thousands of people with they have no control – but can disabilities in the Grimsby area. eventually lead to a call on their services.

He said becoming a supplier to the NHS was a complicated “They’re pump priming this project with a little money so they business, but that CERT could simplify the process by creating can avoid spending much larger sums in the future, which will also documents that related only to help reduce pressure on hospitals. specific items relating to very specific services, and by offering “This is about someone elderly business start-up advice and who’s living at home, but can no funding. longer manage to walk the dog or “We’re part of a group working look after the garden, for example.

A series of small problems like that on a really interesting and exciting process for this area. We’re can soon add up to create a need working hard to create something for residential care.”

But the ‘light bulb’ moment is the that’s sustainable for the future.”

Visit www.cert-ltd.co.uk or suggestion that young people without work could help to tackle www.foresight-nelincs.co.uk

PERFECT FIT: Social enterprises like Foresight, which operates in Grimsby and Scunthorpe to support people with disabilities, are a perfect fit for the work being done by Immingham-based CERT and the NHS to prevent people needing NHS care. Here, volunteer Steven Blake works on gym equipment watched by Foresight’s Paul Silvester.

Diary

Cinema rolling on with great business venture P

ARKWAY Cinema is looking forward to this year to help firms in North East Lincolnshire plan for a commercially-successful future.

The Cleethorpes cinema is increasingly turning its assets to an alternative use as a corporate and presentation venue for companies.

And with the announcement of the Government’s green light for the Able development at North Killingholme, demand which was already rising in 2013 can only grow faster in 2014 and beyond, believes manager Andrew Cooper.

“We welcome the comments by North East Lincolnshire Council’s leader Chris Shaw about the development of the Humber doing for this area what North Sea oil did for Aberdeen,” he said.

“More and more firms have found that we have the perfect venue for doing presentations to specialised audiences, and we look forward to lots more finding out what an asset we can be to them as well.”

With the ability to host groups of up to 310, thanks to its flexibility, allied to a stage for panel discussions and what Andrew believes has to be the best

PROJECT PROJECTION: Andrew Cooper hopes many companies will be able to project their success into 2014 and beyond with the help of Parkway Cinema.

audio-visual offering in the area, he is convinced that the Parkway is the best conference facility available.

“We have the technicians to support all kind of presentations, running from memory sticks or client laptops, with slides presented on cinema screens and high-quality sound to match,” he said.

“All our screens are

soundproofed, so companies need have no fear that what they’re talking about will be overheard, and when presentations are finished we have a dedicated area where clients can take advantage of our catering options, and discuss what they’ve just seen and heard.

“I’d urge anyone looking for a different and effective venue for any kind of conference to come and

visit us – a location they might not have thought of at first,” said Andrew. “People are invariably very impressed with what they see, and immediately see how well it could work for them.”

For more information contact Andrew for a consultation on 01472 204085, email conferencing@ parkwaycinemas.co.uk or visit www.parkwayconferencing.co.uk

GTE-E01-S3

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

23

Commercial Vehicles

Under the skin of your wheels

by the all-conquering Ford Transit. As a rule you get a high driving position and a prodigious load area on the back while the larger models are usually offered in a bewildering array of derivatives with short and long-wheelbase, varying payloads and numerous cab or load bed options. Specify the combination that best suits you.

Don’t be overawed by the levels of choice in the modern commercial vehicle market. Your local dealer will make short work of explaining the ins and outs of the product ranges while offering comprehensive aftersales back-up. All of which leaves you free to keep on trucking.

DEFY CONVENTION

MAZDA6 Tourer 150ps se Diesel * per month

£209

Mazda Contract Hire

MAZDA6 saloon 150ps se Diesel * per month

£199

Mazda Contract Hire

Thanks to ingenious SKYACTIV Technology, Mazda6 delivers outstanding CO 2 emissions as low as 104g/km and an impressive 72.4mpg^ from a 2.2-litre 150ps diesel engine. No wonder SKYACTIV Technology was awarded the What Car? Ultra-low carbon award. But carbon isn’t the only thing that’s ultra-low.

Even with a high level of spec as standard, you get low monthly payments from £199* and with BIK from only £55^^ per month it’ll feel like a pay rise versus driving one of the competitors in the segment. Having collected Fleet World and Fleet News awards for Best Upper Medium Car, Mazda6 isn’t the obvious choice, it’s the smart choice.

Order today at Nunns of Grimsby.

MAZDA6. DEFY CONVENTION. Nunns of Grimsby

Altyre Way, Hewitts Avenue, Grimsby DN36 4RJ 01472 711907 www.nunns–mazda.co.uk

WINNER Best Upper Medium Car

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda6 range: Urban 36.2 (7.8) – 60.1 (4.7).

Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9) – 83.1 (3.4). Combined 47.9 (5.9) – 72.4 (3.9). CO2 emissions (g/km) 136 – 104.

TURNS OUT YOU CAN BUY GOOD LOOKS

*All monthly figures exclude VAT. Offer available to business users for orders received between 01.01.2014 and 31.03.2014. £199 (exc VAT) figure is based on a Mazda6 Saloon 150ps SE Diesel, without Metallic paint, on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 6 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. £209 (exc VAT) figure is based on a Mazda6 Tourer 150ps SE Diesel, without Metallic paint, on a non-maintenance contract hire package over 36 months, 10,000 contract miles per year. Advance payment equal to 6 monthly payments is payable followed by 35 monthly payments. Excess mileage charge applies if contract mileage is exceeded. For full terms and conditions and specification please refer to the Mazda Contract Hire Master Agreement and your local dealer. All quotations are subject to availability, status and agreement. Free Metallic paint is only available in conjunction with Mazda Contract Hire offer and applies to selected models only. Guarantees may be required. Terms are unavailable to existing customers under specific end-user terms with Mazda Motors UK Ltd. Details correct at time of publication and may vary, e.g. if list price changes. Mazda Contract Hire Limited does not offer tax advice to individuals: company car drivers should consult their accountant on their tax position. Contract hire by ALD Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, Oakwood Park, Lodge Causeway, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JA. Models shown with monthly payment: Mazda6 Saloon 150ps SE Diesel. OTR £21,995. Mazda6 Tourer 150ps SE Diesel. OTR £22,795. Models shown feature optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). ^Mpg figures shown are combined. ^^BIK values are at 20% rates based on a car with non-Metallic paint and are valid from 1 April 2013. On the road prices include 20% VAT, number plates and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. Test drives subject to applicant status and availability.

It is a cut-throat world out there with every marque scrambling to get the upper hand, but before you decide who’s product is best for your business there’s the little matter of identifying the type of commercial vehicle that most closely fits your requirements.

In the best crocodile-wrestling traditions, we’ll start with the smallest – namely, the car-derived van sector. As the title suggests, these are vans that share their underpinnings with cars. There are those that closely resemble their people carrying cousins, with the back seat bench combined with the boot to form the load area, and then there’s the more van-like “hi-cube” versions, with wider, higher load bays. All offer car-style driving positions and handling, with compact dimensions making them ideal for limited-load urban usage.

Next-up the pick-ups, these four-wheel-drive load-luggers have experienced a dramatic surge in popularity recently with business users taking a shine to their versatility. A pick-up can be a rugged workhorse during the week and thoroughbred family transportation on weekends.

Finally, the models that first spring to mind when we think of commercial vehicles – the panel vans. Here there are two rough categories again. The smaller of the two is comprised of MPV-sized vehicles and the larger, your traditional panel vans, is typified

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

R

EGISTRATIONS for all commercial vehicles are firmly on the up, with light commercials in particular flying off the forecourts.

24

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Major renovation project with pedal power at the heart of it A

THREE-storey Georgian villa in the centre of Grimsby is to become a new cycling shop, following the success of Scartho’s Cycle Mode.

opportunity in terms of the market and the popularity of cycling coming through. People really have been inspired by the Olympics, and Tour de France – both Bradley Wiggins’ win and the fact it is coming to The independent retailer, Yorkshire this year. owned by Guy Kemp, managing “We are seeing a lot more director of Lincs Design people turning to cycling as a Consultancy, will have a high way to keep fit, many going street presence come the back to a bike for a first time in spring, as sensitive works to restore the listed building to its a long while. There is also competition, a lot of charity former glory begin.

It will also see the creation of riding and challenges, as well a Grimsby office for Mr Kemp’s Louth-based development business, reached via a passage to an enclosed courtyard on the birth site of one of Grimsby’s greatest sons. John Whitgift, who went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, was born there in 1530.

Latterly the base of Bates and Mountain, before the law firm’s move to another building of note, The Old Courthouse on Guy Kemp Brighowgate, it will soon be home to two floors of different discipline cycles, assembly and as people wanting to better repair facilities, as well as themselves. dedicated rooms for male and “Scartho has been fabulous. female clothing, featuring The support has been immense, separate changing facilities. and as a result of that we want The Scartho shop will also be to take it to the next level and retained. offer more variety. It will give Mr Kemp, who has secured us more space to do just that.

Regional Growth Funding for “We now have a fantastic the Lincs Design Consultancy freehold property in the centre aspect from the North East of Grimsby, which are few and Lincolnshire Councilfar between nowadays. It is controlled Growing the great to be involved in.”

Humber pot, said: “We saw an

The support has been immense and as a result we want to take it to the next level

The building, on Bethlehem Street, sits on the boundary of the new shared space area of the town centre, with cycling boosted further by the facilities at the neighbouring train station.

Mid-March is the target opening, with a slight step out into the wider sports market with triathlon equipment also to be stocked.

“We want to be open for the spring season,” said Mr Kemp, who is making a feature of six safes that have been discovered in the rooms, several of which are being opened up to their original lay-out. On the Lincs Design Consultancy front, a firm that is actively helping other bidders with capital investment plans, Mr Kemp said: “We have been looking for an office presence in Grimsby for some time. We want to continue to develop our client base and improve our service to existing clients.

“We have some major applications coming through at the moment in terms of Grimsby and Immingham, we work closely with the legal profession and the local authority on the planning side, so it will be an ideal professional office environment with meeting facilities.”

Lincs Design Consultancy currently employs eight people and that should grow to 10, with Cycle Mode going from four to seven.

RARE OPPORTUNITY: Guy Kemp outside what will become a flagship Cycle Mode shop in Grimsby.

Left, the interior and exterior of Cycle Mode in Louth Road, Scartho, where the success has led to the decision to take the prime town centre location.

For Professional Services, Properties, & News - www.scotts-property.co.uk Offices in Hull & Grimsby

www.scotts-property.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @ScottsProperty 01472 267000

ESTATE AGENTS SURVEYORS AUCTIONEERS LETTING AGENTS

ESTABLISHED 1920

25 GTE-E01-S3

We have the complete package...

• Independent survey & valuation advice • Freehold purchase advice • Commercial property valuation • Rent review/lease renewal • Boundary disputes • Commercial ratings appeals

incorporating

KEELBY

CLEETHORPES

YARBOROUGH ROAD

A good opportunity to purchase this

GRIMSBY

HIGHGATE

(We are offering part only of the property shown in the photograph).

EXCELLENT GROUND FLOOR OFFICE SUITE WITH CAR PARKING. Lying in a prominent position, at the corner with St. Peter's Avenue, these are first-class premises, fitted with GCH system, alarm and security shutters and, subject to the usual consents, are suitable for a number of uses. Briefly comprising excellent reception office (approx. 700 sq ft), private office (approx. 100 sq ft), store (approx. 200 sq ft), kitchen and w.

Residential Development Site, in the popular Village of Keelby, with its good range of local shops and amenities. The site extends to just over half an acre and has full Planning

Permission

for

5

executive-style detached houses.

Full plans can be viewed within our Grimsby Office. AN EXCELLENT

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.

NOW REDUCED. We are offering to let a first floor office suite with car parking. Occupying the upper floor of this detached building, the office suite lies in a convenient position, and is little more than half-a-mile from the Town's main business centre. It includes 4 separate offices, totalling approximately 775 sq ft (71.9 sq m). There are five car parking spaces in the rear car park for the occupiers of this office

CHANTRY LANE

A semi-detached office building close

total there are 7 offices over two storeys. It has on-site car parking for 5 vehicles. Smartly refurbished and well worthy of viewing.

(COMMERCIAL

AVAILABLE

D).

LET

ON

FREEHOLD PORTFOLIO

CLEETHORPE ROAD

£99,950

GRIMSBY

WELLOWGATE

TO

-

REDUCED TO £6,000 pa

GRIMSBY

GRIMSBY

EPC

FLEXIBLE LEASE TERMS.

£108,000 NO "CHAIN" REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED £99,950

(We are offering part only of the property shown in the photograph) TO LET a ground floor shop unit comprising approximately 625sqft of retail space with ancillary kitchen/staff room and toilet facilities. Previously trading as a Hair Salon, this is a smartly-presented unit and should prove ideal for a variety of uses. It currently has A1 use class, and is available on flexible lease terms, although our Client would prefer a minimum of a three-year tenancy on a full repair and insuring basis. (Commercial EPC - C). AN EXCELLENT UNIT.

Centre,

with ancillary storage at rear. In

3-storey premises comprising a ground floor shop/office approx 260sq ft, storage of approx 195sq ft and a workshop to the rear comprising approx 380sq ft. In addition, there are residential uppers over 2 floors comprising 2 self-contained flats. Each flat is smartly appointed offering 1 bedroomed accommodation. One of the flats is currently let at a passing rent of £400PCM (Dec 2013). (EPC for both flats - D). AN IDEAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY. FREEHOLD.

OXFORD STREET

Town

ft of modern office accommodation

AN EXCELLENT MIXED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT PROPERTY. A WELL PRESENTED LOCK-UP SHOP TO THE FRONT OF THE GROUND FLOOR. TO THE REAR AND FIRST FLOOR IS A SELF CONTAINED TWO/THREE BEDROOMED MAISONETTE. It is situated on the main arterial road between the town centres of Grimsby and Cleethorpes - this location has always maintained a good demand. A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY.

GRIMSBY

the

VERY REASONABLY PRICED FIRST FLOOR OFFICE SUITE WITH CAR PARKING. IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE.

GRIMSBY ROAD

A 3 storey unit - ground floor commercial unit, approx 730sqft with residential above.

The ground floor is currently configured as a fast food outlet (planning use classification A5). with residential accommodation over 2 storeys. Commercial comprises main sales approx 250sq ft, kitchen approx 210sq ft, prep room approx 155sq ft with storage approx 110sq ft. Residential accommodation comprises living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. Concreted yard to the rear. (Commercial EPC - D, Residential EPC - F). AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY. FREEHOLD.

to

suite. (Commercial EPC - F). A

CLEETHORPES

GRIMSBY ROAD

OFFICE SUITE, REFURBISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD, AVAILABLE TO RENT.

RENT £8,000 pa

A PORTFOLIO OF 4 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

GRIMSBY

LADYSMITH ROAD

comprising approximately 1300 sq

RENT £4,500 pa

CLEETHORPES

EPC - D). AN EXCELLENT

RENT £9,000 pa

GRIMSBY

ABBEY ROAD

Newly refurbished to an excellent standard, this ground floor office suite, located in a prominent position, on the corner of Victoria Street and Pasture Street, within Grimsby Town Centre. Offering modern office accommodation, with disabled access, automatic lighting in communal areas, and a modern GCH system amongst some of the benefits. It has male, female and disabled w.c. facilities and kitchen facilities. (COMMERCIAL

c. (EPC - E).

Offers Around £350,000

GRIMSBY

VICTORIA STREET

A Ground Rent investment portfolio comprising a mixture of 8 x 99 year leases and 36 x 999 year leases.

Located within Grimsby, the details and addresses are available upon request.

£80,000 GRIMSBY

YARBOROUGH ROAD

This will be of interest to Landlord Investors:

FIVE PROPERTIES IN GRIMSBY, CURRENTLY LET on Assured Shorthold tenancy agreements and providing an income of £20,540 per annum. Presenting a yield of 7.34% at the asking price. They are situated in: St. Michael’s Road, Ravenspurn Way, Frederick Street and Milton Road in Grimsby.

AN IDEAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY AT £280,000

£150,000

CLEETHORPES

GRIMSBY

This is a two-storey workshop/store measuring approx 16ft x 12ft 6 internally. This could prove suitable for residential conversion (subject to necessary consents and approvals being obtained). It already has individually metered water and electricity supply, gas meter and a concrete tiled roof. Located to the rear of 325 Brereton Avenue, it fronts onto Lestrange Street, in a popular and established position. (EPC - E).

A block of 4 lock-up garages which are accessed via a driveway on Dover Street, off Earl Street, close to Lord Street, and the Town Centre. All of the garages are currently let at £6 per week rent for each garage.

Managed through Jackson, Green & Preston, tenancy details are available upon request. FREEHOLD.

OFFERS AROUND £25,950

REDUCED TO £14,000

BRERETON AVENUE

DOVER STREET

REDUCED

GRIMSBY

ABBEY WALK

A superb investment opportunity to purchase these 3, well presented properties comprising of 1 ground floor flat and 2 x 2 bedroom houses, in this favourable letting area on Ladysmith Road. All 3 properties are well presented, decorated in neutral colours and feature modern kitchen units and uPVC DG, with the flat and one of the two bedroomed houses having GCH, a garden and secure off-road parking. They are currently let on Assured Shorthold tenancies with a combined income of £1,015pcm (£12,180pa) equating to an 8.3% yield on the asking price. A SUPERB INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY.

GRIMSBY

VICTORIA STREET

CROMWELL ROAD

SOLD

LET

LET

LET

SOLD

A large lock-up shop unit plus excellent first floor office accommodation totalling over 1,000 sq ft. Separate GCH systems to both ground and first floor. Potential to covert the first floor offices into two full self contained flats (architect plans drawn up). (Commercial EPC - E). AN

Smartly presented semi-detached SHOP currently used

A well-located two-storey commercial premises, just off Osborne Street, in Grimsby Town Centre, which has recently been refurbished & redecorated. It currently has A1 Use Classification for shops, post office and hairdressers etc, but could suit a variety of uses (subject to change of use approval). Retail area of approx 41sq m & having wc facilities, two further office/storage rooms & a kitchen on the first floor. GCH system, partial uPVC DG, & security roller shutters to the front window and door. EPC - F

Immediately available to let, this is a useful retail premises, previously utilised as a mobile phone shop, and located close to the heart of Grimsby Town Centre.

It has a maximum frontage of 20ft 9in, and a depth of 17ft 3in, and comprises approximately 270sq ft of retail space. In addition there is first floor storage, hallway, lobby, w.c., and kitchen.

An excellent opportunity to purchase 16 brick constructed

NOW LET

NOW LET

NOW SOLD

IDEAL INVESTMENT/DEVELOPMENT.

RENT £5,500 pa

19 West St Mary’s Gate, Grimsby Tel: 01472 311 113

as a hairdressing salon, however, suitable for a number of uses. Retail area comprises 25sq m with ancillary store, staff facilities, w.c. and 3 further treatment rooms

WELL POSITIONED IN GRIMSBY TOWN CENTRE.

on the first floor. uPVC DG and GCH.

NOW SOLD

www.jacksongreenpreston.co.uk

NOW LET

ALEP

lock-up garages and a warehouse/store. Accessed via a driveway off Cromwell Road, the secured gated site has an approximate area of 640 sq m. AN EXCELLENT

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY.

48a St Peter’s Avenue, Cleethorpes Tel: 01472 311 119 ASSOCIATION OFLEASEHOLD ENFRANCHISEMENT PRACTITIONERS

26

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

Commercial Property

Carpet firm rolls out expansion plans with showroom addition “It is a slow process, but it will be a full interior refurbishment of the building, with the first two floors going to be a new showroom.

“The warehouse will be Parkside Carpets has operated exactly as it is now, acquired the former this is not a relocation, it is Whiteheads men’s outfitters expansion, and it could premises in Cleethorpe Road, possibly create some more jobs. just a hall, stairs and landing It is certainly one of the things fitting away from the we need to consider.” warehouse it currently Changes to the shop’s fascia operates from off Orwell Street. are currently with North East The second generation Lincolnshire Council’s business has thrived for 20 years hidden from general view planning department, with flats considered for the second by the street it is now becoming part of, and hopes to floor.

The building became capitalise on the regeneration available following the move to of Freeman Street.

Scartho of the previous At the helm now is Tom business, under the ownership Woolliss, son of Tom and of Mike Stanford, in late 2012.

Maggie Woolliss who first “It will hopefully help bring launched the business in the more people to the area, mid-Eighties. especially with Freeman Street Mr Woolliss Jnr said: “We having the regeneration works. saw a great opportunity. We It is a big opportunity as have always gained customers thousands of people pass every through word of mouth, the day. It is one of the busiest best way, but the main road roads in town,” said Mr position will hopefully give us a lot more exposure, and bring Woolliss.

Tom Woolliss Snr started as in more business.

an apprentice carpet fitter with Lees when he left school, going on to work for Binns. As a self-employed carpet fitter in the mid-Eighties, he and wife Maggie took a stall on Freeman Street Market, before opening Parkside at the junction of Wellington Street and Rutland Street in the summer of 1988.

Taking the name from the proximity to Grant Thorold, it moved to the current location in February 1994.

Now as it clocks up 20 years in situ, Mr Woolliss Jnr is looking forward to what the venture could bring. “We are a small family business and this is a long-term investment for us. People like coming here because they like the service, and that’s what we pride ourselves on. This part of the town is a little hub for independent retailers. It is a good location to be in for home improvement,” he said, “It is a real community of pointing out the likes of people, and we all do business Stevensons’ furniture and bed together. It is nice to keep it operations, FWC furniture, local.”

Expressions and Elegant Lighting.

As previously reported,

EXPANSION UNDERWAY: Parkside Carpets’ Damian Hotson, left, and Tom Woolliss, looking forward to completing the conversion of the former Whiteheads shop in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, below.

www.pph-commercial.co.uk

01724 282278 or648888 01472 267513 01482

INDUSTRIAL N. KILLINGHOLME

SCUNTHORPE

Surplus Offices & Warehouse Lancaster Approach REF 9807SI/1

Self-contained industrial premises of 110.63 sq m (1,191 sq ft) approx. ● Benefiting from fitted office accommodation, workshop/ stores, kitchen and WC. ● Popular industrial location. ● Available for immediate occupation. ●

Surplus space available as a whole or in part.

Offices 145.19 sq m ( 1,563 sq ft) Warehouse 951.83 sq m (10,245 sq ft) ● Parking and yard area ● May Sell ● EPC Rating E. ● ● ●

£4,750 PAX TO LET

OFFICES/INDUSTRIAL GRIMSBY

BY NEGOTIATION

INDUSTRIAL

NEW

47A Newdown Road

INDUSTRIAL SCUNTHORPE

Detached Industrial premises.

Approx. 594.02 sq m (6,392 sq ft).

Extensive yard area to the front. ● Good frontage to Ladysmith Road. ● Excellent purchase opportunity. ● EPC Band E. ● ● ●

£120,000 FOR SALE

RETAIL/OFFICE GRIMSBY

RETAIL INVESTMENT GRIMSBY

Substantial engineering facility.

●

Adjacent to Port of Immingham

●

Approximately 5,694.25 sq m (61,293 sq ft)

●

Mixture of offices, workshops and stores

●

Including craneage and parking

●

EPC Band E.

£199,000 FOR SALE/TO LET ON APPLICATION

OFFICES BRIGG

RETAIL

ON APPLICATION TO LET

West Coates Road

Modern detached showroom/workshop and office accommodation with large forecourt/parking. ● Prominent location overlooking the A180. ● Total accommodation of 1,811.51 sq m (1 9,491 sq ft) approx. ● Lease term until 17th August 2019 rent of £58,500 pa. ● EPC Rating C. ●

£20,000 PAX FOR SALE

First Floor Origin 4, Genesis Office Park

Modern prestigious office accommodation of 473.6 sq m (5,098 sq ft) approx.

Excellent specification including a range of partitioned offices, meeting room, kitchen and IT area. ● Raised access floor, comfort cooling, energy saving PIR lighting and solar water heating. ● Prestigious Europarc location with good road access to the A180/M180. ● ●

£695,000 TO LET

53 Wrawby Street

Double fronted retail premises situated in a prominent location immediately upon the junction with Cross Street and the pedestrianised section of Wrawby Street. ● Separate self-contained one bedroomed living accommodation. ● Available upon a new Lease. ●

£62,500 PAX TO LET

The Region’s Award Winning Commercial Property Agent

REF 9856SR/1

●

REF 9082SO/1

Office/retail premises Very close to pedestrianised High Street. ● Approx. 349.22 sq m (3,759 sq ft). ● 6-8 car parking spaces at the rear. ● Available on a new Lease ● EPC Band E ●

REF 9793SR/1

1 Gilliatt Street REF 9740SI/1

Food manufacturing premises available either as a whole or as two individual units. ● From 274.61 sq m (2,956 sq ft) to 867.82 sq m (9,339 sq ft) approx. ● Rare opportunity to purchase food manufacturing premises close to Grimsby Dock. ● EPC Rating D.

FOR SALE

●

NEW

4 - 6 Trinity Street ●

●

FOR SALE

REF 9764SO/1

GRIMSBY NEW

REF 9788SI/1

01724 282278 or648888 01472 267513 01482

Kings Road/Middleplatt Road

Former Kingsway Tyres, Ladysmith Road

Detached office building with good yard/parking.

Approx 146 sq m (1,571 sq ft). ● Partly constructed workshop. ● Approx. 260 sq m (2,800 sq ft). ● Approx. 0.2ha (0.5 acre) in total. ● EPC Rating D ●

REF 9816SI

www.pph-commercial.co.uk

INDUSTRIAL/OFFICES

NEW

NEW

48 Newdown Road

TO LET

W'HOUSE/OFFICES IMMINGHAM

REF 8054SO/1

SCUNTHORPE NEW

Meanwells Kitchens And Bedrooms has relocated just up the road to Lockhill in another home improvement investment.

REF 9498SO/1

A

GRIMSBY carpet business is embarking on a major expansion as it takes on a prominent new showroom.

£10,000 PAX

GTE-E01-S3

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

27

Commercial Property

Town agency welcomes uplift G

RIMSBY-headquartered Lovelle Bacons’ commercial department is reporting its highest level of activity since before the recession, with more than 40 lettings completed last year alone.

Most interest has been for small shops, yards and stores, which has outstripped the supply and is now impacting on the larger units.

The number of viewings has also increased and is in line with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) statistics, with the professional body having recently outlined a 15 per cent increase in interest from would-be tenants of shops, offices and factories.

While the lion’s share of this growth was seen in London, all areas of the country saw something of an uplift.

Lucy Croft, pictured, of Lovelle Bacons, has seen the lettings side of commercial property struggle, although is pleased that a rise in the number of lettings to new start and existing businesses appears to be more than a blip. She said:

improving the appearance of the properties, but is making the area an attractive proposition for new businesses and customers alike.”

Although activity is still subdued at a headline level, the results of the latest RICS report are consistent with the signs of recovery that has been visible in much other recent economic news flow, such as growth factors being better than anticipated, and inflation dropping.

This is in line with the opinion of Simon Rubinsohn, the RICS chief economist, who said: “It has been well publicised that the commercial property sector across much of the country has been “Hard work and the need to be struggling since the onset of able to demonstrate the the credit crunch. London has benefits of an occupied been something of an property to the landlords has exception, but at long last, seen dreary properties turn there are some green shoots into smart places where beginning to sprout in other customers want to shop and parts of the UK. It is still early visit. In turn this has improved days and the rental outlook the area surrounding looks challenging both in some newly-opened fresh businesses localities and some sub-sectors. and has spurred potential However, the generally better tenants to open up alongside. numbers on tenant demand are “After a long time, I am at last an encouraging pointer to the seeing activity that is not only future.”

tes turner evans stevens

ENERGY SURVEYS COMMERCIAL

At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets TO LET RETAIL UNIT GROUND FLOOR 166 HIGH STREET, SCUNTHORPE ●

Prominent visual location to High Street. National, regional and local traders in close proximity.

TO LET COMMERCIAL LAUGHTON ROAD, BLYTON COMMERCIAL ●

Popular village location on the A159 connecting Scunthorpe to Gainsborough.

At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets Set within a small refurbished complex of retail and offices with ample on site parking.

Main retail area 105.97 sqm (1140 sq At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets ft). Secondary retail 15.75 sqm (169 At the centre of North Lincolnshire’s Commercial and Industrial markets Unit includes main retail/office area and sq ft) plus ancillary and rear loading. ●

●

●

●

Fixtures and fittings (fashion related) include if required.

●

New lease available.

kitchen extending to 36.97 sqm (397 sq ft) plus WC and parking. ●

Available on a yearly tenancy at competitive rent.

RENT £8,495 PER ANNUM

RENT £60 PER WEEK + VAT

FOR SALE INVESTMENT COTTAGE BECK ROAD, SCUNTHORPE

FOR SALE/TO LET RETAIL/OFFICE UNIT 11 LANEHAM STREET, SCUNTHORPE

●

●

●

●

●

●

Located to the east of Scunthorpe within a large and long established industrial and commercial trading estate.

Close to the arterial Brigg Road with Tata Steelwork's main entrance approx. 50m distance.

Unit is fully income producing and let to Jacobs LES Ltd a large electrical engineering concern.

Unit extends overall to approx. 213.62 sqm (2298 sq ft) includes workshop, offices and ancillary.

Large site which extends to approx. 2500 sq ft (0.6 acres) hardcored and fenced.

Passing rent £10,500 per annum.

* Planning consent for 3 x 2 bed flats/retail on the ground floor with designated communal areas * Approx 263.3 sqm/2833 sqf On 3 levels * Rear loading access from Strand Street * Freehold * EPC Rating F

CLEETHORPES

Large selection selection of of Large further properties further properties available available

* 2 x adjoining units available, either separately or as one * From 870 sqft to 1800 sqft ground floor sales * Plus first floor 2nd sales/ancillary of 2368 sqft total * Suit a variety of uses * New lease available * EPC R ating C

PRICE £55,000

RENT from £15000 p.a.x.

GRIMSBY

GREAT GRIMSBY BUSINESS PARK LOUTH

Fiskerton Way

Units 9 & 10, Nottingham Court

TO LET

TO LET

TO LET

* Period office building in 5 offices on 2 levels * Approx 1029 sqft/95.6 sqm * Character accommodation, opposite potential off-road parking, available separately * Close to Victoria Street North/Westgate, EPC Rating F

* High Specification office accommodation * Approx 690 sqft/64 sqm * Air conditiioning/central heating, Double glazing, category 2 lighting * Designated parking, New Lease available

Ph ase 2 * 2 X 2,000 ft²/ 186 m² units * High eaves * Available on new lease terms, by negotiation, Suit a variety of uses, subject to consents.

RENT £5,500 p.a.

GRIMSBY

RENT £5,500 p.a.x.

NEW MARKET HALL

Site, Railway Street

Units 13-15

RENT £8500 p.a.x.

GRIMSBY

102-104, Victoria Street

FOR SALE

TO LET

TO LET

* Former motor trade sales pitch * Workshop/office and LPG facility * Overall site approx 0.64 acres/0.25 hectares (SSTS) * Suit alternative uses subject to appropriate consents * EPC Rating E

* Flexible retail space available, all with separate entrance doors and traditional shop fronts * Approx 602 sq ft/56 sq m (max) * Suitable for a variety of uses, available on a new lease * EPC Rating C

* Spacious first floor office suite, Approx 182 sqm/1958 sqft (net NUFA) * Arranged as large general office, meeting room and 5 further offices, plus ancillaries and toilet provision * Town centre location, New lease available. * 6 MONTHS RENT FREE

PRICE £250,000

RENT By Negotiation

RENT £7,000

GRIMSBY

CLEETHORPES

GRIMSBY

76, Durban Road

23, Alexandra Road

TO LET

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

* Ground floor sales approx 302 sqm/3240 sqft * Deep return frontage, Security shutters * Approx. 221 sqm/2278 sqft; first floor secondary sales, plus ancillaries * Rear loading access and on street car parking

* FISH & CHIP SHOP/RESTAURANT WITH LET FLATS OVER * Sea front location with 24 inside/out covers * 2 flats producing £1040 pcm * Conservation area location * On street parking, EPC Rating E

* Lock up shop premises/hair salon * Approx 169 sq ft/15.7 sq m * Plus WC off * Fully equipped hair salon/suit alternative uses, subject to consents * Long leasehold interest

RENT £15,000 p.a.x

PRICE £280,000

PRICE £15,500

●

Total area approx 688 sq ft plus ancillary.

●

Rear double garage/store.

Prominent corner location on very busy road.

●

Close to the M180 motorway and contiguous with wharfs on the navigable River Trent.

●

Main retail area approx. 53.41 sqm (574 s ft).

●

Store rooms and ancillary accommodation.

Trentside is purpose built and comprises of 7 units in a fenced and gated estate.

●

Side loading plus 1 parking space.

The tenant EPR operate the adjoining power station.

●

Ideal wide variety of trade.

●

Possible flat by negotiation.

RENT £6,750 PER ANNUM

www.paul-fox.com/commercial

FOR SALE

81-83, Freeman Street

●

32 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe www.paul-fox.com/commercial

Units 20-21, Nottingham Court * 2 units, approx 946 sq ft;/88 sqm * High eaves approximately 5.8m/18ft * Forecourt parking * Available for early occupation

Modern shop front serving open plan area.

Located on the well established Flixborough Industrial Estate.

Contact John Contact John Knight Knight Tel: 01724 870520 Tel: 01724 870520 32 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe

LOUTH 13-15 St Peters Avenue TO LET

Accommodation over two floors.

●

PRICE £149,500

RENT £3,750 p.a.x. each unit

PRICE £50,000

●

TO LET GROUND FLOOR RETAIL UNIT 70 MARY STREET, SCUNTHORPE

Lease until 2016 rent £16,000 per annum.

TO LET

●

FOR SALE INVESTMENT 5 TRENTSIDE, FLIXBOROUGH

●

Units 23, 25, 26, Nottingham Court * Three units now available * Approx 946 ft²/88 m² * High eaves approx 4.25/14ft * New leases available,Incentives available by negotiation * Rent per unit in year 1

Town centre position in popular retail and office location.

PRICE £69,950 VERY COMPETITIVE RENT

●

LOUTH

106, Cleethorpe Road FOR SALE

●

PRICE £139,950

●

CHARTERED SURVEYORS & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

GRIMSBY

18, Cleethorpe Road

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL

LOUTH 01507 602264 GRIMSBY 01472 362020 LINCOLN 01522 511665 MABLETHORPE 01507 473476 SKEGNESS 01754 766061 SPILSBY 01790 752151 SUTTON ON SEA 01507 441166 WOODHALL SPA 01526 354111 www.tes-property.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk

All aspects All aspects of of commercial property commercial property dealt with

dealt with

GRIMSBY

57, Freeman Street

GRIMSBY

NEW MARKET HALL

307, Laceby Road

Unit 21

TO LET

TO LET

TO LET

* Lock up retail unit, Takeway/A5 consent * Approx 1234 sq ft/114.7 sq m, PVCu shop front and security shutter * Access/loading door to the rear * First floor storage 400 sq ft;/37 sqm * 12 month licence available, Rent by negotiation for a food use

* Ground floor formr doctor's surgery/optician's * Approx 632 sqft/58.7 sqm * Extensive double glazing and gas fired central heating * Shared on site parking, Available on a new lease * Suit alternative uses, subject to consents.

* Prominent bijou unit close to New Street entrance * First floor storage and ancillaries * Sales area approx 420 sq ft/39 sq m * Suit a variety of uses, available on a new lease * EPC Rating D

RENT £100 p.w. exclusive of outgoings

RENT IRO £8,000

RENT £7000 p.a.

LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING ESTATE AGENCY GROUP

28

www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/business and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

GTE-E01-S3

LAISTER’S Last Word

News

BY DAVE LAISTER

2014: Year of the staunch defence

WELL DONE: Thomas Faulkner receives his Overall Apprentice of the Year award from Mark Evans.

Tata’s ‘to-the-tools’ mentality saluted A

shops.

PPRENTICES with Humber- association with HETA and the side Engineering Training As- apprentice scheme. sociation normally spend “We recruit apprentices to be the their first year in the work- future of the organisation,” he told the

However, as HETA instructor Andy Booth explained at the recent annual awards presentation, technical apprentices at Tata Steel have just 14 weeks before they go out to work on the Scunthorpe site.

“The apprentices start in September and from January the technicians are training in the site’s own facilities, under supervision from Tata staff and HETA,” he said as he named Matthew Graham as Technical Apprentice of the Year.

“This meant that, although choosing the winner was a tough decision, we had feedback from the site as well as from within HETA.” All 33 apprentices who started at Scunthorpe in 2012 received their VRQ and Key Skills Certificates from Mark Evans, Tata Steel’s engineering director for long products, who said he was very proud of his company’s

said the Tata Steel apprentices had done remarkably well in just 16 months.

“Being young engineers carries a lot trainees. of responsibility,” he said. “Every time you get in a car, on a plane or train, “We need to utilise our employees to cross a bridge or go through a tunnel it make profit and to have a stable is people like you who are responsible business, so we think about how your for the safety of these things. skills can be effective within the company.

“We want people who care, not people “In difficult times, it would be easy to who can’t be bothered. Everything is about co-operation and support. cut apprentice numbers, but if we did that our business wouldn’t have a “The world needs steel and it is future.” important that you get things right.

Mr Evans said that what is expected The work you do at this site generates of young employees is team work, not income for Tata Steel, so don’t just technical skills. underestimate your importance to the “You have had a year here, so you are industry.” a team within HETA and you will be Mr Evans presented Matthew finding it is the same in your working Graham with his award, together with environment.

Joshua Burns, who was named Tata “You’ve chosen an excellent career in Electrical Apprentice of the Year and Jacob Hammond, who won the which you will learn valuable skills and continue to improve. We value your Mechanical Apprentice award. skills and believe that HETA supplies Instructor Grant Edmonds then us with competent and capable young announced the Overall Apprentice of employees.” the Year Award, which went to Thomas Faulkner.

HETA general manager Eric Collis

Scunthorpe broadband service takeover REGIONAL wireless internet service provider Quickline Communications is taking over the internet customer base of Diamond-net.

The project was set up in 2012 by North Lincolnshire Homes for people living in Scunthorpe to gain access to fast, affordable broadband.

John Anderton, from the social housing provider, said: “Due to the growing demand for the service and the need to deliver a consistently high standard of service for more and more customers, we have

taken the commercial decision to transfer the service to local broadband provider Quickline Communications.

“We are reassured that this decision is in the best interests for our customers and will result in further improved services, such as online customer accounts to manage bills and view usage, a variety of payment choices, 24/7 technical helpline, priority data transfer for applications, internet telephone services and

catch-up TV.” As reported in Business Telegraph recently, Hull-based Quickline is engaged in a high-profile marketing campaign to win customers on the South Bank, with Grimsby IT specialist LCS involved.

Steve Jagger, managing director of Quickline, said: “We are delighted with this new opportunity as it takes Quickline another step closer to becoming the largest footprint long distance wireless internet

provider in the UK. “As an independent wireless internet service provider, we have privately invested in our own technology since 2007.

“We are able to provide an excellent service and keep overheads and customer costs under control.

“By working with wireless internet service providers around the UK, the Gover nment’s 2015 broadband target can be achieved.”

WE’RE fighting back, not taking it lying down, and I love it!

With AA Gill joining the previously mentioned Sacha Baron Cohen and Skint to seemingly line up and give the good folk of northern Lincolnshire a kicking, we are starting to atone for their errors, stereotypes and lazy generalisations.

First there was former captain of industry Frank Flear OBE DL’s excellent open letter in response to Gill’s go at Grimsby and Cleethorpes in The Sunday Times.

I wanted to stand up and applaud the former seafood executive after reading his repose.

It is one thing for junk TV or Hollywood to poke a finger, but I have no doubt that The Sunday Times – glossy magazine to boot – is a favourite of many a company director and his wife/ her husband.

The subliminal anchoring of that negative message somewhere in the grey matter could be one day cut loose whenever an inward investment decision, or expansion looms. We were the unfortunate choice for an Anytown piece on drunk tanks, and my only wish was that the former alcoholic, who ironically goes by the AA initials of the famous help group and self-styled fourth emergency service, hadn’t decided to road-test one.

Then I discovered another industry operator had ensured a more immediate retort, via the newspaper’s online comments section.

“Ouch !!” began Simon Dwyer, managing director of Seafox Management Consultants and a long-standing player in the

Humber Seafood Group. “Not quite factually correct for an area hosting the UK’s largest port complex by tonnage (60 million tonnes), processes the majority of the UK’s seafood consumption hosting brands like Young’s, Saucy Fish and Morrison’s – imports seafood from more than 20 countries worldwide – powers 25 per cent of the UK, leading the UK’s offshore renewable bonanza ... as for Cleethorpes – the best fish and chips anywhere!!”

You can feel the pace, and the hammering the keyboard took, as it was no doubt tapped out with barely a breath between start and finish.

Just as I thought we were done, away from the mainstream came Property Week. Just before Christmas, a piece was published about the UK’s ports, airports and rail freight. Only it omitted Grimsby & Immingham, the UK’s biggest port by tonnage as slammed home

by Mr Dwyer to The Sunday Times. I was delighted to see Grimsby property professional Lawrence Brown seek to restore the balance, as shown in full below.

I sense that previously, we might have let all this go, and wallowed in self pity for a while. But now, there’s a distinct feeling we’ve got something worth fighting for, and we are. As the lyrical genius’ behind Cheryl Cole wrote: “Anything that’s worth having, is sure enough, worth fighting for.

Quitting’s out of the question when it gets tough, gotta fight some more. We’ve gotta fight, fight, fight, fight fight for this love.”

RIGHT TO REPLY: Lawrence Brown’s spirited reminder.

Feat of engineering was a faux pas IT SEEMS a simple space bar may have the potential to send offshore wind farm engineers’ pulses racing … if they believe everything they read in a newspaper.

Thirty five six megawatt turbines, written 35 6MW turbines, became 356MW turbines in an article ran in the Telegraph last month. Now that could turn the cost debate on its head, and no doubt every boggled manufacturer, too.

A perfect example of how a business writer can get too technical (slap on the wrist there) and the old adage, that to assume makes an ass out of u and me, when it came to deciphering it. But with imminent deadlines a call had to be made. I’m guessing if it had

been 78 3MW turbines it may have been understood better, but the sequential numbers perhaps threw a spanner in the works, while creating a monster turbine 59 times the size of anything yet built.

I’d like to assure those that spotted it – in the Dong Energy piece about confirming investment in Royal Dock, that we do care about accuracy, but in putting together a daily newspaper with far fewer people than many imagine, mistakes can happen.

We’ve now settled on 35x6MW being the most appropriate way to put such detail down.

Like the offshore wind industry that is a decade old in these parts, we’re still learning, albeit 116 years on.

MAKE CONTACT: Email: dave.laister@gsmg.co.uk Twitter: @davelaister / @HumberBizEd LinkedIn: BusinessTelegraph