Business mag april 2017

HULL&EAST RIDING

April 2017

visit hulldailymail.co.uk

SIEMENS: GENERATING LOCALTALENT PAGES8-9

INTERVIEW: WARMTHON MYARCTICTREK PAGES18-19

HILTONDOUBLETREE:

FEATURE: WHYHULL’S LIKEABUDHABI PAGES22-23

STAYINGPOWER Sky’s the limit as the region’s biggest event space is taking shape

2 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 3

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

4

8

contents 14

PAGE 4: Award-winning firms working in harmony PAGE 6: Region helping more women into manufacturing PAGE 8: Siemens factory director’s hopes for training PAGE 10: Tiger Events’ ideal venue at KCOM Stadium

18 00 22

PAGE 11: An entrepreneur putting passion into business PAGE 12: The DoubleTree Hilton Hotel is taking shape PAGE 14: How renewables is putting Hull on world map PAGE 15: Window display specialist is turning heads PAGE 16: The law firm that’s ripping up the rule book PAGE 18: KRL’s George Baker on fundraising icy trek PAGE 22: A senior partner at PwC likens Hull to Abu Dhabi

EDITORIAL CONTACT

ADVERTISING CONTACT

DEBBIE HALL Business Reporter

SONIA WILLIAMS Business Media Adviser

TELEPHONE 01482 315278

TELEPHONE 07790 586839

EMAIL

EMAIL

d.hall@hulldailymail.co.uk

sonia.williams@hulldailymail.co.uk

11

15

4 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

PROFILE: COBUS

Award-winning technology firms working in harmony to offer exceptional service Cobus Communications Group and KRL Group pride themselves on providing bespoke solutions to customers

T

wo well established, well respected and award-winning technology firms, Cobus and KRL, are working together to introduce and provide their customers with an enhanced product range.

Telecoms firm Cobus Communications Group and Copier and print specialists the KRL Group are building on their combined foundations, shared goals, reputation for exceptional customer service and strong technical expertise through their own engineering and support teams to help their customers by introducing the very best of what each can offer.

It was only a matter of time before these two powerhouses decided to work together after Cobus MD Michael Smith and KRL MD George Baker quickly identified that they shared many of the same values both in business and outside of the business.

Both are highly respected and recommended in the region and across the UK and pride themselves on providing the right solution, from a myriad of proven and available options, that best meets their individual customer’s needs and not simply box shifting like some others.

As the relationship developed, it was soon identified that both organisations serviced many of the same customers, with Cablepoint on Sutton Fields being one of them.

Cobus has provided support to Cablepoint for several years by maintaining its existing legacy telephone system and providing telephone line rental and call savings of over 45 per cent, totalling savings of many thousands of pounds over the term.

Cobus has just received the order to replace the telephony solution due to the customer wanting additional system

Cobus Communications Group COBUS Communications Group is the region’s largest and most successful independent provider of telecom services with a customer base of more than 1,000 spreading across the whole of the UK. In 2016, the group celebrated its 25th anniversary and most successful trading period to date after continuous growth over 24 months.

Impressive figures show turnover increased by 24.77 per cent and even more impressive is the reported increases to the bottom line net profit that’s seen a combined increase of 72.73 per cent over the same period.

Cobus has always valued the importance of the fundamental key elements in business and significant investment has been made back into quality staffing and training, infrastructure and equipment, as well as the company fleet of vehicles

MILESTONE: Cobus staff mark the firm’s anniversary.

Established Since 1991 to ensure that customers continue to receive excellent levels of service

growth and features to help its business operation.

KRL also provides the best business solution for Cablepoint, by understanding what they require and tailoring their needs to make the best out of the latest technology in printing and copying. A bespoke aftersales training plan ensured staff at Cablepoint understand and can utilise the key features of the copier.

Michael Smith, Cobus managing director, said “George and I share many of the same positive business values and work ethics that are unfortunately often overpromised and underdelivered by less reputable providers.

“Both organisations have passed the quarter-century mark and are extremely careful about whom they choose to recommend and partner with to protect their respective brands and strong reputations.

“I’ve known George for several years and we are both passionate about our

and support.

Cobus is proud to have secured long-term contracts with big names such as Beal Homes, The Humber Bridge Board, Victoria Plum and AAK but also recognises the importance of the smaller client and ensure the same impressive, and unequalled, high levels of delivery across all business sizes and sectors.

commitment to customer service and delivering a quality product at a competitive price with unrivalled support.

“For these reasons and our passion for helping with charitable causes we found it a natural fit and find working together a very easy and enjoyable experience.”

Mr Baker said: “Both our companies have the same outlook – providing our customers with outstanding levels of customer service that has allowed us to go from strength to strength for the past 30 years.

“For all our customers’ relationships have been built on trust, recommendations, support and exceptional service, with many companies choosing to do business with us both for these reasons.

“As MDs, we both are accountable and actively involved in the day to day running of our businesses ensuring these high expectations are always met.

Both Michael and George are believers in “giving back” with both heavily

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 5

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

KRL Group COPIER and print specialists the KRL Group, headed up by managing director George Baker, has also long surpassed the quarter-century milestone and, like Cobus, is another locally established and owned business.

KRL provides leading edge copier, print and scan technology and works with some of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Samsung, Konica Minolta, Kyocera and Ricoh, to provide customers with an excellent product with support to match.

To ensure this service is maintained, it continues to invest in new resources for its sales and support teams. This enables the company to offer its customers the best QUALITY IS KEY: George Baker, quality, without loss of MD of KRL. quantity.

In fact, due to securing larger contracts and companies wanting to deal with a business where communication is key are the reasons why last year KRL Group’s turnover topped £3m, which was up from £2.3m the previous year.

KRL Group is used to dealing with all types of businesses and industries and for more than 30 years has been business printer and copier specialists focusing on reducing costs, improving efficiency and increasing profitability.

Its range of products and services include managed print services, document management and software and apps that can enhance and improve business printing systems.

SHARED GOALS: Cobus MD Michael Smith, left, and KRL MD George Baker.

● Join the hundreds of businesses

choosing Cobus for its telecommunication services, benefitting from massive savings and great service. To see how much you could save, send a copy of your telephone bills by email to costcomparison@ cobus.co.uk or call 01482 225666

● Choosing the right photocopier is crucial

for any business. Whether you are looking to rent, lease or purchase a photocopier for your business with the latest brands, KRL has the right solution for your business needs. Call KRL on 01482 657007.

Cablepoint Customer testimonial

involved in charity events, sponsorship, the local community and good causes.

George has recently challenged himself both physically and mentally by being part of a team led by former BBC presenter Helen Fospero, on an Arctic trek that saw them cross-country ski, sled with huskies and try ice swimming in temperatures reaching minus 20 degrees.

It was all to raise money for the UK’s largest children’s charity Barnado’s. To date they’ve raised more than £13,000, with support still coming in.

Michael’s next challenge, and his biggest to date, will see him run a marathon on the iconic Great Wall of China with Paul Spence, founder of Cobus’s charity of the year – PAUL For Brain Recovery. Not only running in high humidity and temperatures of around 30 degrees but also tackling steep ascents and descents and running up 5,164 steps, this arduous course will challenge him harder than ever before.

To donate, visit uk.virginmoney giving.com/Cobus-China-Marathon

KARL Hendrickson is operations manager at Cablepoint, which has been established for over 20 years and works with both Cobus Communications and KRL. Karl said “We pride ourselves on dealing with local, well established, likeminded companies that are on our doorstep.

“We have worked with Cobus and KRL for many years and have built up a great working relationship.

“They are reliable and have both saved us significant spends while improving service levels and response times compared with our previous suppliers.”

‘GREAT WORKING RELATIONSHIP’: From left, George Baker, of KRL, Karl Hendrickson, of Cablepoint, and Michael Smith, of Cobus Communications.

6 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

FEATURE: WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING

How women in the Humber region are helping address the shortage in Stem skills LEADING THE WAY: Paula Cullen, left, and Kirsty Clode, who were shortlisted in the Northern Power Women Awards for Small Business of the Year and Mentor of the Year respectively.

Paula, representing WiME partner Airco Centre of Excellence, won her category.

Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering has been held up as an excellent example of good practice to a Westminster panel

A

panel from Westminster has heard about the positive impact a Hull initiative is having on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) skills gap in education.

Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) project, designed to encourage women to consider a career in manufacturing and engineering, has been held up as an “excellent example” of good practice.

It was put forward to the Government’s Science and Technology Committee, for its “Closing the STEM skill gap” inquiry.

The Science and Technology Committee has repeatedly received evidence that the UK is facing STEM skill shortages, often in key growth sectors such as big data.

Following the submission of written evidence in January, the committee requested further oral evidence to examine what measures organisations, businesses, schools and universities, as well as individuals, have taken to close the STEM skills gap, evaluating its effectiveness.

This oral evidence session was given by WiME chair Kirsty Clode at the Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, held at Birmingham NEC. MPs were told how the initiative is working alongside the private sector in the Humber region to try to encourage more females to consider STEM subjects and engineering careers, in order to try to address the gender and diversity gap.

Ms Clode said: “The House of Commons’ Science and Technology Committee recently received evidence that UK industry is facing STEM skill shortages.

“I’m really pleased that the WiME team has been invited to meet members of the

committee and discuss how the initiative in the Humber is working to close the STEM skills gap.”

WiME recently held an open day at Hull Guildhall as part of the City of Culture Women of the World festival, which showed it was going from strength to strength, according to Ms Clode.

“Our most recent event was a huge success with more than 300 women visiting to explore employment opportunities, with 15 local employers, in the engineering and manufacturing sectors in the Humber.”

Rebekah Shepherd, HR manager at Siemens, said: “There are real prospects for women in manufacturing and engineering and we need to work together to encourage more females into the industry.

“Through the WiME project, we are aiming to readdress the balance by breaking through the barriers of misconception and stereotyping to illustrate the diversity that an engineering career can offer.

“Those who wish to make a difference, who are curious and innovative can help solve problems that are important to society.”

Councillor Helena Spencer, portfolio holder with responsibility for equalities and diversity at Hull City Council, said: “I am delighted that the work of Green Port Hull and the WiME initiative has been recognised by the Government as an example of good practice.

“Local companies are keen to break down barriers and encourage more women into these industries, and the work being done in the city is leading the way in addressing the gender gap in engineering careers.”

search 1000s of jobs online now. jobs.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 7

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

CAREER PATH: Siemens packing operative Chloe Barnett, 18, attended Hull's Women into Manufacturing and Engineering first careers open day in 2016. After meeting employees from Siemens and finding out more about the day-to-day processes, she applied for a role and was taken on in January.

Careers event proved a great way to find out about Siemens roles THE WiME initiative has proved a fruitful recruitment route for Siemens.

Four months after the opening of the company’s manufacturing facility at Alexandra Dock, Siemens was again showcasing future employment opportunities at the careers open day aimed at women and held at Hull Guildhall earlier this month.

Packing operative Chloe Barnett, pictured, 18, attended WiME’s first careers open day last August, where she met Siemens’ employees and found out more about the day-to-day processes.

She applied for a role and was taken on in January.

She said: “Working at Siemens, my dad heard about the first WiME event through a few colleagues who were going along to do presentations.

“He encouraged me to go along, as Siemens strive to recruit more female employees.

“At the time, I was coming to the end of an apprenticeship in customer services and fancied a career that was more physical and hands-on.

“The WiME event really opened my eyes to the types of roles that are out there.

“Although I had an idea about what Siemens does, it was great to have the different roles explained in more detail.

“I was also given the opportunity to see and feel the fibreglass and moulds that are used to create turbine blades. I thought they’d be heavy and dirty, but they’re actually the opposite.

“After my apprenticeship came to an end, I applied for a role and was fortunate to be taken on as a packing

operative. I’m really enjoying learning something new.”

Rebekah Shepherd, Siemens HR manager, said: “Despite the many opportunities out there in manufacturing and engineering, women are still underrepresented in these industries.

“When we undertook our recruitment drive in Hull, we saw this significant shortage first-hand.

“For example, out of more than 20,000 applications we received for jobs at our Hull facility, only 7 per cent were from women.

“The first WiME event was a huge success for us. We received an increased number of job applications after meeting women at the event, and also recruited Chloe as a result.

“We also felt it was a valuable way to communicate the type of work we do.”

Green Port Hull aims to promote East Yorkshire as a world-class centre for renewable energy, creating wealth and employment. The Port of Hull’s prime location in relation to the offshore wind opportunities in the North Sea means the region is perfectly placed to capitalise on the UK’s offshore wind industry.

Visit www.greenporthull.co.uk for more information about WiME.

“

The first WiME event was a huge success for us Rebekah Shepherd, of Siemens

Now taking summer bookings on all cars, people carriers, 8, 12, 15 and 17 seaters

Call the car and van specialists today Hull Depot: 01482 330 660 or 01482 330 662

www.readyrentacar.co.uk

8 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

JOURNEY HOME: Siemens factory director Jason Speedy with Blade after its recent return from Queen Victoria Square, below.

Picture: Peter Harbour

INTERVIEW: JASON SPEEDY

‘We need a pipeline of manufacturing and engineering and talent’ H ull’s memorable Blade sculpture, the subject of so much debate – “Is it art? Is it a piece of engineering?” – and so many selfies has been and gone from the city centre.

While the striking 75m wind turbine blade is settled into its new home as part of a sculpture trail around the Green Port Hull site, others of its kind are already fulfilling the task they were created for – generating power.

The first Hull-produced components for use in an offshore wind farm set sail on January 5 on a special jack-up ship, Sea Challenger, her destination being the Dudgeon offshore wind farm, off the Norfolk coast.

Jason Speedy, director of Siemens’ blade factory at Hull’s Alexandra Dock, said: “Recent months have seen so many exciting milestones, including generation of electricity to the National Grid from the Dudgeon offshore wind farm – the first to be supplied with wind turbine components pre-assembled and loaded out from Hull.

“Another major landmark is very much in sight. Within weeks, we will supply the first made in Hull blades to the Race Bank wind farm.”

Mr Speedy spoke at the 2017 Humber Renewables Awards, for which Siemens was the headline sponsor for the third year.

The event, held at The Deep, helped to shine the spotlight on the people keeping the Humber region at the forefront of the growing renewables sector.

Mr Speedy reflected on his company’s achievements so far, as it moved from project phase to “business as usual”.

He said: “We have seen the successful delivery of a comprehensive skills

The director of Siemen’s wind turbine blade factory talks to Debbie Hall about his hopes for the development of a local workforce skilled in the renewables industry

programme for hundreds of staff, involving secondments to our sister factory in Aalborg, Denmark, and training at a new ‘blade school’ established in partnership with Hull College Group.

“There has been the opening of the blade factory – two months ahead of the original timescale – and production of the first

OPENING DAY: Business secretary Greg Clark and Fiona Wright at Siemens’ Alexandra Dock factory.

blade, coinciding with the inauguration of the factory by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP. “Then there was the first shipment of wind turbine components from the newly constructed harbour at Alexandra Dock.”

Mr Speedy said a personal highlight of his year was the company’s involvement in the scheme, Pathway Plus.

“This project is working with colleges, employers and training providers in the Hull area to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities,” he said.

“We have agreed to be the trial partner for the Pathway Plus Employability Pathway. The aim is help these young people develop the skills needed to progress into the world of work.

“We currently have eight students who are joining us for weekly work experience, during which we offer them the chance to try working in different roles around the site.

“We will also look to offer some of these young people employment opportunities after their successful completion of an internship.”

The energy sector for the Humber continues to be the single biggest influence on the local economy, maintaining and creating thousands of jobs and opening up a wealth of opportunity for local people and businesses, according to Mr Speedy.

“The Humber has powered the national

economy for decades and we are now a leader in the renewable energy sector,” he said.

“We have major players in wind power, biofuels, waste to energy, and other forms of renewable power generation.

“Together, we have a great green energy story to tell.”

Mr Speedy said there was a wealth of amazing people in the area, Siemens having witnessed this first-hand with more than 23,000 applications for the roles it has advertised.

“The key focus in this area must be on skills,” he said. “We need to breed a pipeline of engineering and manufacturing talent.

“Businesses must engage with our schools, colleges and universities to build a curriculum and courses that develop the skills that we businesses need, and not a purely academic view of the world.”

One of the key contributions in this area was the Ron Dearing University Technical College, set to open in Hull in September, with five major businesses from the region, including Siemens, working together to define the curriculum and projects.

“Renewable energy has rapidly become a major sector of the region’s economy, with exciting prospects for further growth,” said Mr Speedy.

“However, to realise that potential, renewable forms of energy generation must be cost-competitive, as well as good for the planet today and for generations to

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 9

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

EFFICIENT: Above, blades are manufactured at the Alexandra Dock factory before being transported to wind farms on jack-up ship Sea Challenger.

come. This means innovation is another key topic we must address.

“In the offshore wind industry we recognise the imperative to continually drive down the costs of the energy we produce.

“As an example, in 2012, the Government set a target for the offshore wind industry to achieve a cost goal of £100 per megawatt hour by 2020.

“We exceeded that target, with a cost of £97 per megawatt hour in 2016, four years ahead of target.

“Everything we have done in Hull contributes to the lowering of costs and ultimately, household bills.

“One of the key reasons we chose to invest in Hull is the proximity to the vast offshore wind farms in the North Sea. “Moving huge turbine components is very expensive and the closer manufacturing and pre-assembly is to the wind farms, the lower the logistics costs and the faster the turbines can be installed and the power generated, to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

Siemens and partners such as DONG Energy were working to industrialise a form of energy generation that was still in its relative infancy, said Mr Speedy.

“We are playing a key part in innovating the future of an industry in which the UK is already a world leader.”

Mr Speedy spoke of the “amazing people” who have already been employed by Siemens, about 800 of them, 97 per cent of whom live within a 30-mile radius of the city.

“Everywhere around the site you hear the unmistakable Hull accent,” he said.

“Our colleagues from Denmark, Germany and elsewhere helped to make this happen, but the people of Hull are doing it for themselves, with an enormous sense of pride.

“A further 100 permanent staff are

Making sure you comply with employment law developments Advertisement Feature

A

pril usually brings longer days and employment legislation. This year is no different, with the implementation of gender pay gap reporting and the apprenticeship levy.

Gender pay gap reporting In an attempt to remedy the disparity in pay between genders in the UK, the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 will come into force on April 6.

These regulations require relevant employers (private or voluntary sector organisations with 250 or more employees) to take a snapshot of their relevant employees’ pay at a particular date each year.

The employer should then

Lewis Couth, senior solicitor in the employment team at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors explains changes in employment law this year

publish the information on its as well as on a specific Government website.

Although the first publication deadline is not until April 4, 2018, the reports will be based on the pay data snapshot as at April 5, 2017, so it is important for relevant employers to take steps to ensure that they have the methodology in place to comply with the new system.

Apprenticeship levy From April onwards, large employers will have to pay 0.5 per cent of their annual wage

bill towards the cost of apprenticeship training.

Employers will have 24 months to spend the apprenticeship funding made available via a digital account

system (DAS). The intention is that the levy will be reported via the PAYE process along with income tax and national insurance contributions.

There is a £15,000 allowance, which means that employers with an annual wage bill of less than £3m will not pay the levy.

The Skills Funding Agency has published draft rules and guidance for levy-paying employers, which set out the requirements for an apprenticeship along with the employer’s obligations in relation to apprentices.

Preparation will be the key to complying with these new provisions. ● If you need any help with this,

please call Lewis Couth on 01482 398398, email lewis.couth@ wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit www.wilkinchapman.co.uk

employed by our suppliers at Alexandra Dock and recruitment of up to a total of 1,000 people will continue as the site becomes fully operational.

“In this area we need to look towards innovation to help drive us forward.

“The Industrial Strategy Green Paper recently published by Government references the fact that we are on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution, where digital technologies will be a key enabler for businesses.

“In this regard we are supporting the University of Hull and other capable partner organisations to develop an innovation concept for our sector.”

10 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

PROFILE: TIGER EVENTS

Premier choice for big events KCOM Stadium is the top-flight location for conferences, business gatherings and launches

T

he KCOM Stadium is the premier venue for conferences and business gatherings in Hull, and with big plans in place to hold major events for 2017 City of Culture celebrations, you should make the stadium your next event destination too.

There are such great spaces to use for many events, from corporate meetings and exhibitions to seminars and networking sessions.

The stadium provides the perfect backdrop for everything from a new product launch to team-building sports events for your staff.

An established part of the Hull business scene – it is due to host a number of events as part of Humber Biz Week 2017 – the KCOM is ready to welcome your company event, with the capacity to hold a small meeting to a major exhibition or a training day, with fine dining available to make it an even more pleasurable experience for your delegates.

And with 20% discount now available on room hire in April, May and June, when catering is provided, there is no better time than to plan your business package with the helpful team at the KCOM. The variety of rooms can accommodate

IDEAL VENUE: A Chamber of Commerce EXPO lunch at the Circle Suite at KCOM Stadium. meetings, lunches and dinners, from ten to 450 people.

The nine conference rooms provide the facility for conference organisers to arrange seminars and syndicate groups for the largest conferences.

All rooms have natural daylight, air conditioning and complimentary wi-fi access.

The Circle Restaurant and the 28

executive boxes on the second floor all overlook the pitch with impressive views of the 25,000-seater stadium.

The stadium has 1,000 free car parking spaces, a dedicated conference reception and is furnished to the highest specifications in order to provide a setting to match the prestige and importance of your event.

The conference and events team have a philosophy of offering a bespoke service to all of its clients and they believe it is this personal service that sets the KCOM apart from other venues.

At Tiger Events, there have been year on year increases in the number of exhibitions hosted.

The ground-floor hospitality suites cover more than 750sq m, giving clients the chance to spread out and showcase the quality of their stands, to get their product and brands message out to the public.

From food to franchise fairs, having on-site electrical services and health and safety managers ensures all exhibitions are productive and active for the public to enjoy the day, and for the hosts to get as much out of the events as possible.

With ample on site free parking, it makes

your exhibition easy to plan, and even easier to get to.

Dining with Tiger Events could not be a finer experience. The head chef works with local suppliers to ensure all ingredient are fresh and of the best quality.

With the vast range of events hosted by the KCOM, most menus are bespoke to each client’s specified requirements, making the stadium stand above the rest when it comes to food choices.

The team will cater for everything from a small buffet to a lavish four-course meal, to suit your needs.

With major refurbishment planned over the next 18 months, the KCOM Stadium should be on everyone’s list when planning an event in the East Riding, as great motorway and rail connections make it an easily accessed prime site.

The KCOM also has very close links with all the major hotel providers, so can not only offer day rates but overnight preferential rates, dependent on each client’s budgets. ● To book your next event at the KCOM Stadium, call Tiger Events on 01482 358327, email sales.events@hulltigers.com or visit www.hulltigerevents.com for more details.

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 11

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

PROFILE: TRUESTART COFFEE

Entrepreneur: ‘Trust your gut and always love what you do’ Helena Hills, founder and chief executive of TrueStart coffee, reveals why start-up businesses in East Yorkshire are destined to fail without the passion to succeed

I

t’s easy to have a good idea. Good ideas are ten a penny. The difference between a good idea and a successful business is passion, ambition, a certain fearlessness, a lot of soul searching and a little insanity, according to Helena Hills, the founder and chief executive of TrueStart coffee.

The innovative Bristol-based coffee company, which sells performanceenhancing coffee that provides a natural pre-workout caffeine boost, has made headlines around the world since it was launched in 2014 by Helena and her husband Simon; growing beyond its creators’ wildest dreams.

But, like all success stories, it hasn’t been easy.

Helena, who recently shared her insights at a “How to start and grow your own business” seminar at Hull University Business School, admits the couple have faced a steep learning curve.

“I think Simon and I have always had that entrepreneurial nature,” says Helena, a former software saleswoman and endurance sport enthusiast.

Simon’s pre-start-up life was as a project manager for a national construction company “Before TrueStart we would go to car boot sales on a Sunday morning,” she says.

“We’d each have a £10 budget and see what we could buy and then sell on Gumtree for the most profit.

“We did have a business before TrueStart. Simon once built a cat tree for our Bengal cat, Kooga, because we couldn’t find one we liked online.

“When people started saying, ‘Ooh, we like that, where did you get it from?’ the little light went on saying, ‘we might be on to something here’.

“We started selling them online at www.koogatree.com and it just took off.

“It paid for our house in Bristol, but it was never something we were prepared to give up our jobs and throw ourselves lock, stock and barrel into.

“It wasn’t that one thing we were passionate about.”

INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS: Helena Hills and husband Simon.

That one life-changing idea came two years later when Helena realised her pre-run coffees each morning weren’t giving her the pick-me-up she was craving.

From that one flash of inspiration came TrueStart, a performance coffee brand that is taking off internationally and has landed Helena a shelf-load of inspirational women awards.

“I don’t think I know anyone who hasn’t had a good idea,” says the effervescent entrepreneur. “Good ideas are ten a penny.

Everyone has had at least one fantastic idea, but turning it into something real is something else entirely.

“I think you need courage to take that next step and I think you need that network around you – and I know this sounds cheesy – that will support you to follow your dreams.

“If the people around you don’t want you to go against the grain and take any risks then you’re never going to achieve anything.

“My first bit of advice is to cut the negative people out of your life and

surround yourself with positive people who will push you forward and encourage you to make the hard decisions.”

Since launching two years ago, TrueStart’s revenues have increased exponentially.

Earlier in March, the company first beat its previous record month revenue in one day; then, within the space of three days, TrueStart achieved the same revenue as it did in the whole of last year.

The world is obviously waking up to the TrueStart’s caffeine hits.

Along the way the company has sponsored a host of adrenaline pumping international cyclists, tri-athletes and Armed Forces extreme sports teams – all competitors who share what Helena describes as her “core values”.

But what are her tips for any fledgling businesses out there in Hull and East Yorkshire? What has she learned from her rapid rise and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

“One thing you’ve got to understand early on is the consequences of not doing something. You have got to understand how you will feel if you don’t act, the prospect of not feeling fulfilled and constantly thinking ‘what if ?’

“The second thing is asking ‘what is the worst thing that could happen if I fail?’ Is it really that bad?

“We have a great example in TrueStart. I was trying to work out when I should leave my job.

“Simon had already left his to fundraise and we were living with his parents in Birmingham; I was commuting to a job in London; we were trying to move to a house that wasn’t ready in Bristol.

“But when we sat down and thought ‘what is the worst thing that could happen?’ it was the business could fail, we could lose our house and we could end up

living with our parents while we got back on our feet again.

“Well, we were already doing that, so the realisation grew that the worst thing that could happen was the situation we were already in. So why not go for it?”

Other start-up tips that Helena is keen to dispense include road testing everything on a small scale first. Both KoogaTree and TrueStart were launched with basic, one-page websites that tested whether there was a demand for their products before any major investment was funnelled in.

“A great idea isn’t a great idea until someone is willing to put their hand in their pockets and pay for it,” says Helena.

“One of the most important aspects of launching any new business is making sure you know what your core values are.

“Everything springs from that, from staff hires to building a company culture and a loyal customer base.

“We have a really intense culture and we want people who absolutely buy into that,” says Helena. “I read once that ‘sane people quit’. I think you have to be a little insane and obsessed with what you do to make it happen.

“It can’t be about the money. It’s got to be because you love what you do.”

Don’t be scared to reach out to mentors for advice, she says – established entrepreneurs are often more than willing to give a hand-up to fellow strivers.

Finally, always trust in your gut. If it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t, says Helena.

“You shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she says. “We’ve been on a massive learning curve. I don’t have regrets but I never stop learning. I think that’s the best way to do it.” ● Visit www.truestartcoffee.com for more information.

12 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

PROFILE: DOUBLETREE HILTON

Sky’s the limit as the region’s biggest event space is taking shape

MAI-E01-S2

LOOKING AHEAD: Director of sales Helen Symonds, left, and general manager Sarah Whitfield at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel site.

Pictures: Jerome Ellerby

The construction of the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Hull city centre is moving on apace. Debbie Hall looks at what it offers for organisers of large conferences and exhibitions

I

t has been called a milestone in the regeneration of Hull city centre. The development of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is moving on apace and changing the skyline of Ferensway as the building begins to shape up.

The £25m four-star hotel is due to open in November and Sarah Whitfield, general manager, is looking forward to providing the largest conference and events venue for miles around.

“We will be able to host 1,000 people theatre-style, or 750 banquet-style, in our pillar-free flexible event space,” said Mrs Whitfield, who managed the Hull Marina Holiday Inn for ten years before taking on this new role.

“Our venue will be the largest event space in Hull and East Yorkshire, and one of the fifth biggest in the Hilton UK portfolio.

“We will be providing a much needed new venue for event planners looking to host large conferences and exhibitions in East Yorkshire.”

The next nearest venues to offer facilities of this size are in Leeds and Manchester.

Being developed on the site of the former Lexington Avenue nightclub, the hotel will have 165 bedrooms and will include a branded restaurant, a bar/lounge and a rooftop bar and fitness facilities.

There will be car parking on site.

Mrs Whitfield, who is joined at the helm

by Helen Symonds, director of sales, said: “We have started the recruitment search for our senior management team, and will eventually employ a team of 100-plus people, all passionate about the hospitality industry.

“Guests will be able to enjoy a warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in, and then settle into a guest room with a sumptuous bed and comforts including complimentary wi-fi, a smart TV, air conditioning and ergonomic workspace.

“Our corner-room suites will offer a living area with a sofa, a private bedroom, beautiful city views, and cozy bathrobes and slippers.”

Bookings began for the hotel before the first pile was driven on site, with “massive demand” reported from companies who had previously had to look outside Hull for conference events.

The history of DoubleTree hotels is around redevelopments and refurbishments, with only two new-builds

GRAND: An artist’s impression of how the new hotel will look. in the UK – one in Lincoln and the other now being built in Hull.

Planning permission for the city hotel was granted in July 2015.

Hull City Council owned the nightclub site, which it sold to Lexington Avenue Leisure to facilitate the hotel scheme.

The remainder of the site was acquired privately by Lexington.

Council leader Councillor Stephen Brady was on site when the piling work began last November.

He said at the time: “This is a milestone in the regeneration of our city centre.

“The DoubleTree by Hilton brand will attract more visitors and business users to stay in the heart of our city, and the impressive conference facility will do likewise.”

Developers at Lexington completed acquisition with Lincoln-based Brayford Hotels, which is constructing, and will own and operate the hotel under a franchise

arrangement with Hilton International.

Mrs Whitfield said: “I love Hilton and the DoubleTree brand, and it will fit really well into Hull.

“The fact the hotel is on the site of the former LA’s, which I dare say everyone has a memory of, adds to the history of the site.”

Remedying what she called a “shortage” of hotels in the city, Mrs Whitfield said she was confident more brands would come in the wake of Hull 2017 and Hilton’s arrival.

“I think what this hotel is going to do is almost act as another catalyst.

“Hull is in the spotlight and we have started to grow, and I think that was the catalyst for things like the DoubleTree hotel to come to Hull.

“I think it will bring forward other things.

“People should not just see it as a hotel, they should see it as help to bring more people to Hull and for those visitors to find

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 13

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

out things about Hull that we always knew about but have kept secret.”

Mrs Symonds said she was looking forward to bringing large-scale events to the conference centre.

“With the size of the conference centre, it means we will be able to target and bring more large-scale events into Hull that the city has never had before.

“It will mean we can bring large-scale exhibitions and provide a big conference space to Hull.

“That is the most exciting part for me.”

The promise of 100 new jobs is being seen as another major boost provided by the hotel development.

“This is really positive for the area, and there is a great opportunity for Hull people,” said Mrs Whitfield.

The manufacturer of the DoubleTree by Hilton’s modular form, CIMC, is based in China and was the construction company behind the first modular hotel at Bristol Airport, developed under the Hampton by Hilton brand.

CIMC’s innovative modular technique significantly reduces the time taken for construction by manufacturing and assembling portions of the hotel, including guest rooms and hallways, in China, before transporting them to the final site for assembly.

14 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

INTERVIEW: TIM RIX

Putting Hull on the world map Recognising the opportunities the emerging renewables sector presented for his business, Tim Rix has also gone out of his way to help ensure the entire Humber region is feeling the benefits

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Tim Rix is presented with his award for Renewables Champion

by Jason Speedy at the Humber Renewables Awards.

Picture: Kate Woolhouse

B

eing named a renewables champion is not something that happens every day. The accolade bestowed on Tim Rix, managing director of shipping and logistics firm JR Rix and Sons, at the recent Humber Renewables Awards 2017 was something he was not only delighted and honoured to receive, it also tickled him, too.

“I find it somewhat amusing that a guy like me, who has a business selling so much fossil fuel, is standing before you winning a green champion award,” Mr Rix told the awards gathering at The Deep.

“I have learnt over the past four years that it can be very dangerous to put your name forward and volunteer, especially for your time.

“In my case, I became vice-chairman of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), chairman of the City Leadership Board and chairman of the Green Port Growth Fund.

“There is a common theme running through all these boards and that is the promotion of the area for the renewables industry.”

The LEP promotes the Humber region as the UK’s Energy Estuary, and business engagement with it, helped by a £23m Regional Growth Fund aimed at “growing the Humber”.

Mr Rix said: “I am very pleased to report that all this money has been spent with local companies, creating local jobs, and

there is a further allocation available very soon to continue helping local businesses.

“The City Leadership Board is about delivering Hull’s ten-year plan, which we are already four years into, and which is to make Hull a ‘green energy city’. It gets Hull on the map as a worldwide visitor destination and looks after the interests of the local population.

“At least now we are permanently on the BBC weather map – a small step, but a major win.”

At the launch of Hull 2017, the BBC director general Tony Hall pledged that the city would be marked on every local and national weather forecast map.

“Green Port Growth is all about getting this area ready for the challenges it will face with the arrival of the renewables industry.

“This is funded by £26m of Regional Growth Fund money, again much of which has already been committed to this cause.”

Mr Rix, who received his Humber Renewables Champion award from Jason Speedy, Siemens’ Hull blade factory director, said there had been some “truly transformational” moments for the area in the past four years, including the announcement by Siemens of its intention to build the state of the art turbine blade manufacturing facility, delivering 1,000 jobs.

“It was a great moment for me to be at the factory opening, having worked with so

“

Hull has now been reported about in every continent of the world – some change from a few years ago Tim Rix

many people to see it from drawing board to completion,” said Mr Rix. “At last, something was built that created new jobs. It was great news for Hull – delivered early, delivered under budget and, for Siemens, a readymade flexible workforce right on their doorstep.”

Gaining City of Culture status for 2017 was a main objective of the city plan, he said.

“In Martin Green (chief executive and director of Hull 2017) we got the right person to run and organise it and Hull has now been reported about in every continent of the world – some change from a few years ago,” said Mr Rix. “Also, there are the programmes that Green Port runs to get people into work, whether as apprentices, or those who have been out of work for many years, or indeed to get women into the workforce.

“This new industry must create good jobs for local people. The challenge is to upskill the workforce to meet the demands.”

Mr Rix said people must now step up to the challenges ahead and put themselves forward to promote the area and its benefits.

“We cannot just leave this job to our local councils and elected representatives.

“This is our time, let’s make sure we grab it. Both banks of the Humber must unite and work as one.

“Never has this area had such an opportunity to step out of the shadow of 40 years of economic decline as it does now, with the opportunities offered by the renewables industry and, particularly, offshore wind.”

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 15

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

A window into retail success CJ DISPLAY LTD Experts in innovative displays can give your business an edge

T

he visual appeal of a window display is paramount. Not only does it represent the nature of the business within, it also means the difference between someone being compelled to stop to take a look (and calling in to find out more), or walking by.

CJ Display Ltd, a long-established, family-run firm, has the solution for you when it comes to creating an attentiongrabbing retail display for your business.

The company was formed by managing director Chris Fleming out of a desire to ensure that window displays provide the perfect reflection of the professionalism of the companies they reflect.

“With many years’ experience in the design, supply, and installation of innovative and compelling displays, we have grown and become experts in the field,” said Mr Fleming.

“CJ Display treats all customers like family. We look to develop not just a unique service, but also build an ongoing relationship.

ATTENTION-GRABBING: A display created for Fine & Country estate agents.

“You can always look to us for advice and guidance on visual communication.”

The Bilton-based company works extensively across the UK and is now looking to promote its services closer to home, in the Hull and East Riding area.

A specialist in cable and rod display equipment, CJ Display offers a range of innovative display options, tailored to meet individual clients’ needs with a focus on attracting customers and increasing sales.

“Our aim is to give the best customer service, accompanied by the best product for our clients’ needs,” said Mr Fleming.

“We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our service, from initial contact to final sign-off. We pride ourselves in not only developing customers, but also establishing long-term relationships.”

No matter what your requirements are, whether this is new signage, window displays, internal refurbishment, office

furniture or digital media, CJ Display has a solution for you.

From the early days of acrylic poster holder displays to the latest in LED light pockets, CJ Display has always been at the forefront of innovation in the field.

Mr Fleming’s son, Joe, has recently joined the business as the next generation to lead its progression.

Mr Fleming said: “Our professionals work with you directly until you are completely satisfied with the final results.

“We provide a full service including design, visuals for approval, and office floor plans so you receive nothing less than comprehensive solutions from a team that pays great attention to detail.”

CJ Display believes its friendly and relaxed attitude helps to develop trust, reliability and confidence, which has resulted in many customer referrals.

“A large amount of our work comes from recommendations, which we pride ourselves on.

“From one-off office refurbishments to multiple roll-outs, we also complete extensive work for Nottingham Building Society and other large companies.” ● CJ Display Ltd is at 54 Main Road, Bilton, HU11 4AR. It is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Out-of-hours appointments are available on request.

Call 01482 812472 or email info@ cjdisplay.co.uk

CJ Display Ltd

16 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

PROFILE: rradar

rradar ripping up the rule book A new breed of law firm for clients and legal advisors who live in the real world

R

radar is a place where, if you truly want to make things happen, we can give you the chance to do so. We’re a new breed of law firm, based in East Yorkshire with offices in Leeds and Glasgow.

We work with our clients, educating them and enabling them to anticipate and avoid potential problems, using cuttingedge technology and legal talent. We don’t tell people what to do – we show them how.

Why rradar is different Rradar is a place where different really works. Rradar has been created and designed by the people who work there.

Young and fast-growing, we offer all our employees the opportunity to shape the company and play an active role in their own destiny.

Working in partnership with clients, guiding them and educating them, is a completely new approach and it’s one that needs bold and innovative minds. That’s why we don’t just employ lawyers – we hire programmers, photographers, graphic designers, writers and video animators to maximise brand exposure and get our message across.

It’s safe to say that you’ve probably never worked at a firm like rradar before. rradar’s founder Gary Gallen was formerly one of the top criminal and regulatory solicitors in the country.

However, he was convinced that there was a better way to deliver legal services for people and business.

Gary set up rradar aiming to help people run their businesses and organisations more successfully every day, giving them the education, resources and help they needed not just to deal with problems once they had happened, but to stop them happening in the first place.

Business partnerships Every law firm needs powerful connections and rradar is no different. We’ve forged strong relationships with world-leading insurance companies, brokers and clients, based on our ability to give clients what they are looking for in as efficient and effective a way as possible.

When AXA, one of the world’s largest insurers were looking for a partner to provide the legal services section of their new Management Liability Policy, they picked rradar to work with them.

They recognised that we shared their innovative outlook on customer service and exemplary quality. We gave their MLP top quality legal services, one of the key

DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY: rradar takes an innovative approach to working in partnership with clients and employees for a better service. elements it needed to become a truly first-class product, and it now provides cover to nearly 50,000 organisations.

Rradar’s prospects are copper-bottomed by multiple retainer relationships and contracts to supply services for 5-10 years.

Our corporate clients are located right across the UK, in every sector and range from big brand-name businesses and blue chip companies to SMEs and start-ups.

Working for rradar will give you the chance to cut your teeth on some of the most challenging and noteworthy cases the legal world has to offer.

Grace As you’re doubtless aware, artificial intelligence is already a major part of the business landscape and we’ve put ourselves ahead of the curve by launching a new Virtual Assistant, known as Grace, probably the world’s first customer-facing automated legal assistant. It uses cutting-edge cognitive computing combined with bespoke coding and content designed in-house by our own technology, design and legal teams and machine learning capability in close partnership with IBM Watson, a major

world-leading technology company.

Grace will expand its knowledge to cover wider legal and business advice over the coming months. It will take on the burden of routine enquiries and will become a steadily more valuable asset to the company’s ability to deliver first-class legal services and of everyday practical use by all our clients.

Rradar is a place where the future’s happening now – a place that’s fast-moving, modern and exciting to work.

New premises and growth As a company, we’ve expanded at an incredible rate. In 2013, the workforce was 10 but by the end of 2017, we aim to have more than 150 staff working for us.

Because of this, in summer 2017, rradar (which is currently spread over two and a half buildings on the outskirts of Hessle, will move to a purpose-build state of the art headquarters in Hull. The three-floor building will be fitted out using the latest thinking in design and workplace efficiency, with a view to making it as satisfying as possible to work at rradar.

But it doesn’t stop there. We’re opening four more offices around the UK to operate alongside our company HQ and our offices in Leeds and Glasgow. We want to make sure we have the right people on board for our journey into the future.

Join us Company Job Vacancies We’re looking for people who share our vision and want to join the cutting edge of the legal services revolution. The roles are: Business Crime & Regulation Team – 2 – 3 years’ post-qualification experience Business Crime & Regulation Team, Specialising in H&S – 5+ years post-qualification experience Employment Solicitor Litigation & Dispute Employment Solicitor Litigation & Dispute – High Value Team – 5+ year post-qualification experience Litigation & Dispute – High Value Team – 1 – 3 years’ post-qualification experience Many more roles are becoming available all the time company-wide. ● If you think that you’ve got what it takes to become a valued member of our team, write to 13 Waterside Business Park, Livingstone Road, Hessle, East Yorkshire, HU13 0EG, or call 0800 9556111.

Visit www.rradar.com Email recruitment@rradar.com

18 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

Regus survey reveals pushand-pull factors affecting flexible working decisions

W

hat are the benefits of working flexibly? Many are well documented – a healthier lifestyle, avoiding the commute, a better work-life balance.

But what about avoiding boring colleagues or those fellow workers with unpleasant habits?

According to a new survey from Regus, the workspace provider with a centre in Savile Street, Hull, these “push� factors are highly influential when it comes to deciding how and where we work.

With the option of flexible working now a right for anybody who has served 26 weeks or more for an employer, professionals are presented with more control over their working patterns.

And it seems that, for many, working flexibly provides a much needed escape from less agreeable office companions.

Over a third (35 per cent) of UK professionals agreed with the statement that “flexible working means I don’t have to put up with colleagues’ unpleasant personal habits�.

And 31 per cent agreed that “flexible working allows them to avoid boring colleagues�.

Aside from offering a welcome bolt-hole, the lifestyle benefits of flexible working were reiterated by respondents – 41 per cent identified flexible working as a key factor in enabling them to eat more healthily, and 71 per cent stated that they have more free time to get out and meet people – whether professionally or socially.

SPACE TO SUIT YOU: Regus at Norwich House in Savile Street, Hull city centre.

Richard Morris, UK chief executive, Regus, said: “Under traditional working structures people spend more time with colleagues than they do with their own family. “Such an environment will always result in mismatches of personality and behaviour which, over time, can potentially hamper workplace harmony and productivity. “Clearly, the freedom to work flexibly is providing professionals with the chance to focus on their own performance and wellbeing. “It is important for employers to recognise both the pull and push factors affecting employees’ flexible working requests and to devise working patterns that enable individuals to produce their best work on a consistent basis.�

ďŹƒ

MAI-E01-S2

INTERVIEW: GEORGE BAKER

Warmth of friendship got George through icy Arctic trek

Exhausted but jubilant, Hull company boss George Baker tells Debbie Hall about his charity trek in the Arctic Circle

I

t was one of those moments when, relaxed by a glass or two of wine, he put his name forward for a trip that was to test every fibre of his being.

George Baker decided to go one step further than offering sponsorship to TV presenter Helen Fospero when she announced she was going to lead a trek in the Arctic in aid of Barnardo’s.

Mr Baker was at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards last November when host Ms Fospero asked for support from the firms in attendance.

He set himself the challenge of a lifetime by signing up for the Finland adventure himself.

Thus, the boss of east Hull print solutions company KRL Group found himself one of an intrepid group of trekking novices bound for the frozen north earlier this month. “It was my birthday the day we set off,� said Mr Baker. “It was certainly the first

time I’d spent a birthday like that, and not something I’d usually do. “If I have got away on my birthday before, it will have been to a five-star hotel and not to a hut with bunks and a group of other people. “But we did celebrate it, and I did get a birthday cake.�

The trip was organised by Discover Adventure and the itinerary included cross-country skiing, showshoe walking and husky sledding, all based around the unspoilt region of Kuusamo, in northeastern Finland.

Mr Baker said: “The first thing we saw when we came out of the airport was the Northern Lights – people book trips specially for this and never get to see them. “We were really staying in the wilderness and it wasn’t so much the cold that struck me but the amount of snow. “When you were walking in the soft stuff, it was deep as the height of a man.�

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 19

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

COLD UP NORTH: George Baker, left, managing director of Hull company KRL, completed a fundraising Arctic trek with TV presenter Helen Fospero.

When it came to cross-country skiing, which Mr Baker was a complete novice at, he said he found it exhausting.

“It was difficult and there were a number of tumbles. You used a lot of energy getting back up again.

“They took us down to a frozen lake and there had been a smattering of new snow, which wasn’t as easy to move around on as the ice.

“The next day was trekking in snowshoes and that was extremely exhausting as you were sinking so deep and lifting your legs so high to get through it – most of us were suffering with that one.”

The biggest scare of the trip came when the trekkers each set about building a quinzee – a type of igloo – which they were planning to sleep in.

“One of the girls had hers collapse in on her and it wasn’t funny at all.

“We had to dig her out and she was a bit upset for a while.

“They decided the consistency of the snow wasn’t right for us to be able to sleep in them.”

Mr Baker thought the day for husky sledding would be the “easier” of the pursuits.

“I was totally and utterly wrong,” he said. “It was the worst day for me.

“The dogs just run and head for a gap without thinking about the sled behind them.

“The ideal working temperature for the dogs to work in is between -20 and -10, but it was hovering around -10 and the dogs were getting hot and one of them had a fit.

“It was on the sled of the husky farm

manager and they took it off and put it on my dog set, but it had another fit.”

In taking the dog off again, the remaining huskies set off with the sled, and Mr Baker ended up having to trek for another three miles.

Mr Baker is only too pleased he undertook training for three months before the trip in preparation.

“I don’t think I would have got through it without that,” he said.

But what delights him even more is the response to his fundraising endeavours – he set himself a target of £3,000 and found the total on his return was more than £4,500, donated by local businesses and wellwishers.

“I feel quite humble about it really,” he said. “I am amazed people have donated so much money.”

Altogether, the Arctic venture has raised more than £11,000 for the children’s charity.

“You think people are your friends, but you don’t actually realise how much they are behind you.

“It makes you feel good about yourself that you have done it and that there have been so many generous donations – even from people from the past who you have not seen for a while.

“It has been quite emotional really.

“Everyone has played a part, including the staff of KRL. It has been a team effort.”

Mr Baker said: “I’ve invited all the Arctic team up to this year’s Business Awards.

“We all got along extremely well – maybe it was the fact we were all in the same boat – you couldn’t have been with better people.”

20 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

STAFF STORIES

HULL PARTNERS SEEING THE VALUE OF BEING INVOLVED IN THE ARTS

MAI-E01-S2

HOST CITY: WORD ON THE STREET.

GENERATION OF CULTURE.

Shaun Marshall, Box Office and Tourist Information Assistant, said: “Since January it’s been non-stop. We’re seeing large numbers of visitors from out of town, most of whom say they’re visiting on the strength of the City of Culture status alone. We keep running out of maps! Hull has rediscovered its confidence, shows are selling out, museums are busy and pubs and restaurants are packed, and it’s only March. The team can’t wait for what the summer has in store.

Bring it on!”

Helping to share the city’s compelling story and showcase its rich cultural heritage.

Nina Hanney, a third-year History of Art student, Hull 2017 volunteer and gallery assistant at Lines of Thought said: “The Lines of Thought experience has been pivotal for me: it has given me the confidence to speak in public, which will be invaluable when I start training to be a teacher later this year, and on a personal level it has brought to life just how much I love art.”

TAKING IT ALL IN. GOOD, ISN’T IT? Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Hull 2017 is providing a national and global platform to showcase the cultural offer of our areas, as well as the opportunity to promote the city and wider East Riding as a mustsee tourist destination, a sector vital to both economies and one which we are keen to grow.”

Photo: The Blade © Tom Arran

KEEPING THE UK CITY OF CULTURE CONNECTED.

Photo: In With A Bang © Patrick Mateer

Hull 2017 is a once-in-ageneration opportunity to transform perceptions of Hull and tackle head on some of the serious economic and social issues it faces. This would not be possible without the significant investment made by public and private sector partners to support this incredible year of arts and culture. But partner support for the programme doesn’t stop with funding; it’s where it begins.

From staff choirs, poetry competitions, sculptures and mobile recording studios, the partners of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 are embracing the thrilling programme that has wowed thousands, and they’re already seeing the benefit.

Hull 2017 Executive Director Fran Hegyi said: “Our partners are proud to work alongside us to

deliver this incredible year and we are delighted by the level of commitment and participation their teams are having. We’re seeing more and more creativity and connection with the arts programme which is fantastic for Hull 2017 but also adds real value to the partnerships as engagement with arts and culture is proven to be good not only economically but also for health and wellbeing.”

As a long-standing supporter of cultural events and organisations in Hull, KCOM is working hard to help make 2017 a success.

As well as working alongside the Hull 2017 team to ensure the infrastructure behind many of the spectacular events and installations is in place, KCOM’s helping to spread the word about the fantastic shows, exhibitions and festivals happening throughout the year through exclusive content on its website.

The year as UK City of Culture is also a key milestone in the delivery of a huge cultural capital programme being led by Hull City Council, as part of City Plan, to energise and stimulate the local economy in order to create jobs and further investment.

KWL was responsible for the discreet demounting of street lighting columns and removal of street furniture to allow the 75m-long art installation, Blade, to move through the city and into Queen Victoria Square.

Those employees involved are justifiably proud of their role in contributing to an inspirational event that received national and international coverage for the city.

DRINKING IN THE CULTURE.

Discover more

hull

CULTURE: BUILT ON IT, REPAIRED

BY IT, MAINTAINED FOR IT.

.co.uk Photo: © Josh Moore

Duncan Macintyre, Yorkshire Water’s Project Advisor for Hull 2017, said: “Water is a huge part of Hull’s identity and we’re committed to investing in it.

We’re launching four community projects in the city this year, one for each season. Our first, ‘Untold Stories’, has seen a huge response, with over 75 stories already captured!”

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 21

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

CONNECTING COMMERCE TO HULL. From port tours for school children, hosting artists recording the sounds of a bustling working port, to the installation of iconic Dead Bod at Humber Street Gallery, ABP have thrown themselves right into this amazing year.

Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP Humber, said: “We’re extremely proud of our city and after a great start to the year we’re exploring more options to bring our port history and culture to life.”

ARE YOU AN ARTIST OR AN ENGINEER?

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AND DELIGHT.

Green Port Hull is deeply proud to support Hull 2017 as a Major Partner. Working alongside Siemens to support Blade has been an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and has given the people of Hull and visitors to the city a unique opportunity to take a close-up look at a world-class wind turbine blade manufactured right here in the city, representing the rich potential and successful future of our region.

P&O Ferries showed their support in season one with a Made in Hull-themed mini cruise which showcased a multitude of local musical and comic talent.

P&O Ferries Hull Port Manager Sally Booker said: “We’re all so proud of our Made in Hull mini cruise. We’ve employed people in Hull for more than 50 years so this was a wonderful event to celebrate the culture of one of the greatest maritime cities in the world.”

WE’RE PIONEERS. ALL OF US. Having been a part of Hull for the last 160 years, Smith & Nephew’s support for Hull 2017 equates to supporting the city where their employees live and work.

Katie McGrory, Supply Chain employee and Hull 2017 volunteer, said: “When I started working at Smith & Nephew I was impressed by the friendliness of my colleagues and the city in general. I wanted to put something back into the community, so I became a volunteer. I’ve found the support network brilliant and love being a part of something big.”

HULL CULTURE, IT’S IN OUR DNA. Sewell Group have grabbed the Hull 2017 year and are making the most of it with a staff choir, joining in with Challenge Hull, and participation in John Godber’s new Hull film ‘The last laugh’, not to mention the Spanish Civil War. Sewell Group Managing Director Paul Sewell said: “This is more than just being a sponsor, it’s about pride and engagement both within our company and our city.”

Photo: Humber Street Gallery © Tom Arran

Photo: In With A Bang © Tom Arran

PUTTING CULTURE AT THE HEART OF REGENERATION. THE WINDS ARE CHANGING FOR HULL’S FUTURE. STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD. Local family-owned business Arco are behind the eye-catching uniforms worn by Hull 2017’s 4,000 volunteers. The Arco team worked tirelessly to design and deliver the bespoke uniforms, which have become one of the most recognisable symbols of Hull’s year as UK City of Culture so far. Arco is also the leading safety company in the UK, and this expertise was reflected in their support of In With A Bang, the fireworks display which kick started the year on January.

BUILDING A CREATIVE NEW CULTURE FOR HULL. Performing for the first time in April, staff have been fine tuning their vocal chords in the MKM Hull choir, one of a number of creative cultural activities they decided to do to mark their involvement in Hull 2017.

Alice Thomson, MKM employee and Hull 2017 volunteer, said: “I’m proud to work for such a wellknown Hull company and one that is able to be a Major Partner.

Being part of the volunteer team has been really rewarding.”

ALL THIS CULTURE IS CREATING A HEALTHIER HULL. INNOVATION? THAT’S US. BP have supported arts and culture in the UK for more than 40 years, and were one of the first companies to pledge their support to Hull 2017.

The partnership has brought programmes such as the BP Cultural Visions Lectures Series to the city, and this summer, the BP Big Screens – live outdoor broadcasts of ballet and opera from the Royal Opera House – will come to Hull for the first time.

NHS Hull CCG has worked with the Hull 2017 team on a range of imaginative and diverse events to reach into communities and change lives.

Sue Lee, Associate Director of Communications and Engagement at NHS Hull CCG, said: “We have been full of pride to see such a fantastic start to the year and we are also looking at how we can take full advantage of the positive health and social impact of arts and culture events during the year.”

Siemens’ partnership with Hull 2017 has been bold and dramatic in its backing of Nayan Kulkarni’s much talked about major art installation Blade, in Queen Victoria Square.

Chris Sarel, Group Lead at Siemens, said: “It’s been fantastic supporting Children’s University, the excitement and enthusiasm of the children when they saw Blade demonstrates the wider reaching social impact of Hull 2017.”

Photo: Humber Street Sesh 2016 © Tom Arran

Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director, said: “Being a Hull 2017 Major Partner reflects our deep commitment to playing our full part in the city realising its rich potential. As well as enabling many thousands of people to enjoy a wonderful array of artistic and cultural experiences, Hull 2017 is acting as a powerful catalyst for significant investment and transforming Hull’s image and reputation.

2017 is creating the platform for a fabulous future for our great city.”

22 Wednesday March 29 2017

KINDRED SPIRITS: Abu Dhabi and, below, Hull.

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2

INTERVIEW: IAN PLUNKETT

Why our city could be the spiritual twin of Abu Dhabi Ian Plunkett, office senior partner at PwC in Hull, has lived and worked in both cities and says they share a great entrepreneurial culture and a fiercely proud nature

I

t sounds unlikely but, evidently, Hull has quite a lot in common with Abu Dhabi. Ian Plunkett was keen to draw the comparison while speaking about his role as office senior partner at PwC in Hull, a position he took over on January 1.

“I spent four years in the Middle East and, for the last two years, ran PwC’s assurance business based in Abu Dhabi,” said Mr Plunkett, who is married to Lucy and has three children, Ava, 15, Lola, 12, and William, eight.

“It was a fantastic experience and life-changing for me and my family.

“For Lucy, it was more difficult to make that transition. She’s a Yorkshire lass who had never lived outside the county, never mind the UK, so she probably made the biggest sacrifice.

“We loved living there. It’s a conservative, tolerant and modern city and, in our opinion, a more authentic Arab city than Dubai with its glitz and glamour.

“We had a wonderful time and left with a heavy heart.”

He said: “It’s a lot like Hull in some ways.

“It has a great entrepreneurial culture and a fiercely proud nature to the people who hail from the city.

“There is a slight suspicion of outsiders, but when you communicate to them you are there for the duration and interested in them in the long-term, if you really put time into investing in those relationships, you get your rewards.

“That was certainly my approach in Abu Dhabi and it’s my approach in Hull.”

An experienced audit partner, Mr Plunkett, who hails from Leicester, has spent 25 years working in the North of England and in London, with his stint in the Middle East being completed in 2015.

His expertise is in providing assurance, accounting, governance and financial reporting advice to listed, large private and government clients in the UK and overseas.

From his base at Humber Quays in Hull, with views from his office being enviable but possibly not of Abu Dhabi standard, Mr Plunkett leads PwC’s large private

business practice in Yorkshire.

He said: “As a company, we have been privileged to be in this city for many, many years and our market position at the large private business end and large listed end is strong and continues to be so.

“There may be a perception that we were less focused on fostering growth in the medium market, but that has been more of a perception than a reality since we arrived.

“I wanted to make sure we were much more deliberately focused on reaching that market.

“Medium-market businesses are the bedrock of our economy in the Humber region and what we are seeing with many of these companies is, as they get more successful, they inevitably need that deeper expertise we are able to access for them.

“It might be advice on raising funds to expand, or on some of the more complex compliance hitting businesses at the moment around pay, governance and so on.”

PwC’s investment in Hull has seen 20 new staff hired since last autumn, bringing the marina-side office complement to about 85 people.

“Our market position will always mean we are associated with some of the most eye-catching deals,” said Mr Plunkett, highlighting the recent sale of the 3i Group plc and LDC stakes in Hull-based MKM Building Supplies to Bain Capital Private Equity, as a typical example of those transactions.

“As an audit partner, I am working directly with private businesses here such as William Jackson’s, Young’s and MKM – all proud local businesses employing significant numbers of local people and all very successful in their own right.

“I spend a lot of time with Bondholders and with Humber Local Enterprise Partnership talking to them.

“My role has an internal pastoral element to it as well. We have an incredible mass of talent under one roof and it’s my job to make sure people are happy, motivated and being developed and

MAI-E01-S2

Wednesday March 29 2017 23

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE: Ian Plunkett, office senior partner, PwC in Hull.

acquiring the right skills to be fully engaged with their clients and the local market.”

In this City of Culture year, the firm will be concentrating efforts on its community outreach.

Mr Plunkett said: “As part of an annual event PwC runs across the UK, where the staff have a day of charitable activity, we are going to be working in Hull with the homeless community, which is being recognised by the City of Culture (the

The SAMSUNG multifunction range of printers

voices and talents of the city’s homeless people are forming part of a major Hidden Voices exhibition for Hull 2017).

“We are going to be doing a range of things with them, both from a practical point of view and some fundraising as well.

“Being an important employer and part of the fabric of the business community, we also make sure we are connecting with the local community.”

Mr Plunkett said: “We are very focused on City of Culture in terms of making sure we are playing a full part in raising the profile of the city.

“What we are planning to do is run our own events here, and taking advantage of the fantastic spotlight that is on Hull.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“It’s a region that’s reinventing itself and has lots to offer around the digital agenda and engineering assets, the Energy Estuary and transport logistics.

“It’s a massive opportunity to be in the shop window.

“From a personal point of view, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time in Ferens Art Gallery and I am looking forward to the awarding of the Turner Prize later this year in Hull.

“I enjoyed seeing Blade in the city centre. I was as shocked as anyone else to see it arrive. It was a logistical feat to get it in under cover of darkness.

“It was a great symbol as well. One of the huge areas of the city to promote is we have one of the largest offshore wind farm developments on our doorstep and that investment around the supply chain by Siemens is fantastic.

“Blade has had the sort of publicity that has led people to find out more about what it symbolises.”

Mr Plunkett has high hopes for Hull to become a leading tech city, with a large pool of talent moving into the digital sector and a market-leading hub in the shape of the C4DI creating a “wonderful environment” for that development.

“To have such a crown jewel in the technology and telecoms business as KCOM based in the city is a wonderful basis for great growth,” he said.

“It will depend on people coming and living in the city; it’s about people attending the University of Hull and staying here and setting up businesses here. It’s about talent being attracted to the city.

“But people are not just attracted by a working environment; they are attracted by great leisure, retail, transport and great quality schools.”

On Brexit, Mr Plunkett said: “What I

Managed IT, Telecoms, Mobile and CRM Service Provider

We stock the full range of Samsung products here at KRL call 01482 657007 or click www.krlgroup.net visit:www.theonepoint.co.uk or call:01482 420 150

“

East Yorkshire’s a region that’s reinventing itself ... it’s a massive opportunity to be in the shop window Ian Plunkett can reflect on is how resilient, positive and optimistic my clients are remaining. This part of the world voted for Brexit, at the end of the day, but they do face a number of challenges that will need to be managed and they are approaching that with a huge amount of pragmatism and optimism and I wouldn’t expect anything less from people here.

“I think it’s important devolution kicks in quickly so we can have a successful settlement that works for Hull and the Humber. What form that takes remains to be seen.”

Mr Plunkett spoke of the need for a more “joined up” business voice for the region that could “turn up the volume a bit in Whitehall”.

“It’s important the region gets as much of a profile and is being heard as clearly as other regions are heard,” he said.

When he is not working, Mr Plunkett enjoys watching football and rugby, and likes to keep fit.

“I’m a Leicester City supporter – I was born and bred a Fox – and I’ve followed them since I was a nipper,” he said.

“Obviously, the club has had some huge highs and a couple of lows recently.

“Last year was unbelievable. Talking about it now I can barely believe it. It’s like a dream.

“I’m also a fan of Yorkshire cricket.”

24 Wednesday March 29 2017

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S2