Business telegraph feb 2018

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Thursday February 22 2018

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SAILING BACK TO TAKE TOP ROLE

CHANGE AT THE HELM OF SHIPPING GIANT AS NEW MD TELLS HOW HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO BREXIT CHALLENGE

A KEY driver for the UK economy, anchored on the South Bank of the Humber, has appointed a new managing director. Immingham-based DFDS Seaways has welcomed back Andrew Byrne who, having served the shipping giant in his early career, is now succeeding Sean Potter at the helm, overseeing operations from Rosyth to Felixstowe from the Nordic House headquarters. Like Mr Potter, he is a former Cleethorpes schoolboy, and has told how the playing out of the ports industry after Brexit was a key draw for him to return to the shipping world. It follows his predecessor’s promotion to a group role looking after digital and IT developments. Mr Byrne, the son of a St Peter’s Avenue shoe shop manager, began his career as a YTS customs clearance clerk with Exxtor, jumping ship to join DFDS for five years. He then moved to become part of the team that opened Humber Sea Terminal at North Killingholme in

By David Laister Business Editor dave.laister@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk Twitter: @davelaister

1999, prior to changing transport mode, joining rail specialist EWS, which became DB Cargo, where he remained until this role emerged. He said: “It is a real pleasure to return. I was in quite a junior role before and it is great to be back and see how much it has grown in recent years. Work continues to add capacity on the docks to deal with DFDS’s organic growth and handle any holding traffic enhanced checks could bring come the EU separation, with more storage for cars and trailer units being created. Mr Byrne said: “It was one of the things that attracted me. It is going to be a challenge in terms of the processes and how we keep the flows moving, with potential extra layers to go through.

Continued on PAGE 12

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Sean Potter with successor Andrew Byrne, managing director of DFDS Seaways at Nordic House Immingham.

1 GTE-E01-S8-FEBRUARY 22, 2018

TRADING DIRECTOR JOINS DEDICATED WHOLESALER DEE BEE

EXPERTS in Commercial Property and Leases

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Next month’s edition: Grimsby Tuesday, March 20 Scunthorpe Thursday, March 22

Rough win is smooth sailing for team Tidal ORSTED CONTRACT SEES A RETURN TO FAMILIAR FARM TIDAL Transit has won a two year charter contract with Ørsted to serve the Westermost Rough offshore wind farm with crew transfer vessels. The operator has had a relatively long association with the town’s burgeoning industry. It launched Ginny Louise in the port in 2012, and completed the first ever ‘maintenance mission’ with sister craft Eden Rose to the now under construction Hornsea zone later that year, working on the data-collecting meteorological mast. Now both will be deployed on the 35-turbine farm, 8km off the East Yorkshire coast, working from the Danish giant’s expanding Royal

2018 wind conference blows in... TEAM Humber Marine Alliance’s sixth annual Offshore Wind Connections conference has opened for bookings. The major event is taking place at the recently opened Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Hull, after a three year residency at Bridlington Spa. With the region rapidly becoming the epicentre of the industry with billions of pounds to be invested in onshore and offshore infrastructure, it has become a ‘must attend’ event for all those with a stake or interest in the burgeoning sector. Once again Humberbusiness. com is an official media partner, providing live coverage as thought leaders and key industry figures discuss the latest developments in the industry including updates on key projects from developers, government organisations, manufacturers, port operators, vessel owners and operations

Dock base. Tidal Transit’s commercial director, Leo Hambro, said: “Westermost Rough is a site we know well, having previously worked there for Siemens and 3Sun during both the construction and early operation stages of the wind farm’s development. We are thrilled to have been now been awarded this long-term contract from the operator, Ørsted, cementing our position within their East Coast Hub. “Here at Tidal Transit, we are proud of our reputation and this new contract is testament to our vessels, our client service and the reliability and professionalism of

Tidal Transit directors Adam Wright, left, and Leo Hambro aboard Tia Elizabeth. our crews.” While working from Grimsby in the past, Mr Hambro said the Tidal Transit team had benefited from its membership of Grimsby Renewable Partnership. To celebrate this charter and demonstrate its appreciation of that support, it will be sponsoring the monthly drinks reception in February, and

has encouraged marine maintenance and vessel support companies to attend. Further embracing the community it now serves, Mr Hambro added: “We will be entering a Tidal Transit team in the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10K run in July so expect to see our crews training around the docks on weather days!”

North Atlantic Seafood Forum’s Brexit lead

and maintenance service providers. This two-day event begins on the evening of April 25 with networking reception with RenewableUK Connect. The evening will give exhibitors and delegates the opportunity to network in a relaxed atmosphere ahead of the formal conference and exhibition on April 26. Last year saw a prediction of quicker than anticipated cost reductions in the industry given, leading to the head-turning subsidy results achieved by Orsted for Hornsea Project Two in the September following. It also welcomed a US delegation fresh from signing a Memorandum of Understanding as ‘sister city status’ between New Bedford and North East Lincolnshire.

NEXT month sees seafood executives gather for the major international conference, the North Atlantic Seafood Forum. On this world stage, Grimsby’s Simon Dwyer has hosted a major workshop on Brexit, working with respected NASF managing director, Jørgen J Lund. More than 70 chief executives attending the event in Bergen, Norway, have signed up, with guest of honour, Sarah Gillett, the UK ambassador there. Mr Dwyer, who has chaired the NASF Brexit Workshop Committee, said: “Political change of this magnitude is unprecedented in modern Europe, and views will inevitably differ according to the perspectives of nationality and sector – some will see Brexit as an opportunity, while others will see it is a risk. Amongst all this uncertainty, we can be clear about one thing: that change is inevitable, and while seeking to influence the nature of that change, the business community will also need to be resilient and adaptive when it does come. “With everything up for discussion at this point, from quota and fishery

Simon Dwyer, a key figure in the Grimsby seafood cluster. access rights for the fishing sector, to international free trade agreements for the trading sector, Brexit represents huge uncertainty, and has the potential to significantly disrupt established business practice and international trade flows. “With so much at stake, we have specifically designed this workshop as an essential resource for seafood company chief executives. We will review progress of the fluid and dynamic Brexit process, with a very

special focus on how the potential outcomes could impact the multi-faceted business of international seafood trade. “The UK’s decision has momentous implications, not just for the UK, but widely, across all aspects of society and across all parts of Europe and the European Free Trade Area. “At the time of the NASF 2018 conference, we will be almost exactly half way through the Article 50 process an ideal time for us to consider progress to date and the potential future consequences of Brexit on our businesses.” The workshop, on March 6, will be chaired by president of the European Fish Processors and Traders Association, Guus Pastoor. Mr Lund said: “As part of our ongoing service to the seafood industry, the NASF team has organised this unique opportunity at an ideal juncture, for senior business leaders across Europe and the wider European Free Trade Area to come together to discuss the challenges and consider the possible outcomes and impacts of Brexit.”

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

Steel store outsource contract is underway

Business MONTH IN REVIEW

IESA TAKES OVER THREE SITES WELCOMING 36 STAFF

Westgate deal

BRITISH Steel has entered into a multi-million-pound partnership to revolutionise its engineering stores operations and purchasing processes. The company has outsourced its maintenance, repair and operating spares stores activities to IESA – global specialists in the procurement and management of indirect goods and materials. IESA will now oversee tens of thousands of British Steel transactions a year in a move that will deliver what the company describes as both a modern and highly efficient service, and bring significant savings.

RETAIL: Grimsby car dealership Westgate Motor Group has been bought out from the founding owner, after 30 years. The company behind the Honda, Seat and Skoda franchises in the town, based alongside the A180 entrance it takes its name from, has been acquired by DM Keith Ltd. The Yorkshire dealer is the largest Skoda retailer in the UK and, like Westgate had, remains in family ownership. Dealer principal Robert Addison, who launched the Grimsby business back in the late Eighties – buying the Honda franchise then located in Garth Lane – has retired having completed the undisclosed deal.

“

Given the sheer size of our company and the complexities of the steel manufacturing process, it’s vital we have a dynamic stores operation Paul Martin

A total of 36 British Steel employees and contractors involved in the previous stores and associated operations in Scunthorpe, Teesside and Immingham have transferred to the employment of IESA. British Steel deputy chief executive Paul Martin said: “We’re continually improving our business and this partnership, with a specialist supplier like IESA, will

Turnover back bring major operational improvements. Given the sheer size of our company and the complexities of the steel manufacturing process, it’s vital we have a dynamic stores operation. “The engineering stores cover more than 160,000 stock keeping units so the logistics behind it are immense and so are the benefits of a new, hi-tech system. “Our new stores operation will help us become much more efficient while IESA’s expertise and buying power will enable us to make savings that can be reinvested in other parts of the business.” The advanced stores system My

MRO, which uses cloud-based technology, covers British Steel’s requirements for electrical and mechanical goods, custom made goods, drives and fluid power. It also relates to general consumables, paints and coatings, packaging goods and offsite repair of repairable goods. It does not include supplies like raw materials, workwear, fuel, oils and lubricants. IESA currently sources 1.1 million products, managing 145 stores at 213 locations across the world. Chief executive Glenn Timms said: “We’re delighted to be work-

ing with British Steel and to welcome the new employees to our business. “Our approach incorporating efficient store operations, underpinned with the latest technology, is vital to many businesses like British Steel where timely repairs and maintenance are critical to the manufacturing process and we now work with more than eighty clients in this regard. “We know that British Steel has already undergone significant changes and we’re proud to be delivering a market-leading service which will revolutionise the company’s engineering stores operations.”

SEAFOOD: Young’s Seafood is a half a billion pound business once more, after a 5.7 per cent increase in turnover saw it hit £523.3 million for 2017. Pre-tax profits of £20.3 million were also revealed. It comes as the Ross House team launches in the US, while on the home front speculation over a potential sale continues, which chief executive Bill Showalter acknowledging it wouldn’t be unexpected. The company reported turnover up on 2016’s £493 million, which had dropped by nearly £100 million on 2015’s £587.9 million when a huge contract was lost with Sainsbury’s. It consolidated heavily into Grimsby as a result, with Scottish operations cut back.

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Business MONTH IN REVIEW

Steel ‘not yet sustainable’ STEEL: Scunthorpe-based British Steel is not yet sustainable despite making a profit in its first year, deputy chief executive Paul Martin has warned. Speaking at trade union Community’s annual conference, Mr Martin said the company had enjoyed a “great� first year after taking over the long products business from Tata Steel but needed Government support to get to where it wants to be. It came after it was revealed it will not be reopening its Scunthorpe plate mill, with plant and machinery to be sold off. Production was stopped by Tata two years ago, with the site mothballed.

Castle Press

Planners have given the go-ahead for the conversion of Grimsby’s Grade II listed Castle Press to become the new home for furnishing giant Stevenson Group. The former 1st Lincoln Artillery Barracks is set to become a prestigious retail outlet for the family firm that has traded in the town for more than 100 years. According to the application, the plan is for the current three outlets in Grimsby – Allenby Stevenson carpets in Victoria Street South and Stevensons Furniture Centre and Dreamworld in Cleethorpe Road – to be united as one, on the main route into the town centre from the A180.

This image of how Orsted's East Coast Hub has been released this month. Now being built on Grimsby’s Royal Dock, expanding the original Westermost Rough base significantly, it will be a focus for an eventual 500 employees as the project pipeline completes.

2025 vision for third Hornsea wind farm 2.4GW GIANT TO BE WITH PLANNERS BY JULY

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HORNSEA Project Three offshore wind farm could be with planners before the end of June, Ă˜rsted has revealed. Consultations and technical work have been a huge focus of the past six months, with an update on the 2.4GW plan, which could enter construction in 2020, now given. That means the earliest operational date for what could be another world-leading project is now 2025. It has seen the final onshore cable route corridor refined from 200m to 80m, with landfall location changed, onshore infrastructure locations finalised, as well as a commitment to deliver in two phases rather than three, reducing the maximum envisaged overall build-out by three years.

“

Hornsea Project Three is a much-needed infrastructure project that could supply clean energy to well over two million homes in the UK Stuart Livesey

These works will all be in Norfolk. Offshore, and Ă˜rsted has been able to reduce the number of turbines from 342 to 300, taking them from 7MW to 8MW, at this stage, with potential to go bigger and fewer still.

Stuart Livesey, pictured, project development manager, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to incorporate so much of the feedback received into the final design. The views of local communities and stakeholders are of great importance to us, and we have taken these into account to reduce or remove areas of concern. “The planning process is iterative, so we initially presented a wide search area and then have relied on local knowledge, environmental assessments and information from local authorities and other statutory bodies, landowners and members of the local community to refine the design. I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to comment and shape the project so far.� The onshore cable route is around 55km, hitting landfall between Salthouse and Sheringham on the North Norfolk Coast, terminating at Norwich Main National Grid Substation. Just like the use of Waltham Airfield

for the onshore element of Hornsea Project One and Two’s cable and associated earth works, another former RAF site in Oulton Airfield has been selected for the main construction compound on Project Three. The team has also identified more than 70 ecologically valuable points and crossings along the route for which it will use horizontal drilling techniques. Mr Livesey said: “Hornsea Project Three is a much-needed infrastructure project that could supply clean energy to well over two-million homes in the UK. Due to the scale of the project we had initially prepared to construct the project in three phases, however I am really pleased to say that we have taken on board the feedback and been able to reduce this to two phases. “This means that the total time over which the onshore construction works could take place will be limited to eight years, as opposed to the initially stated 11 years. I want to be really clear that this does not mean eight years of continuous construction; works in any one section of the cable route would be a matter of months. “The maximum number of turbines has also been lowered and the area where the cables will come onshore, known as landfall, has been refined and a preferred route selected to take account of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other environmental and logistical considerations.�

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Big space in another right place for Able... ABLE UK is playing a major role in the construction of the world’s largest wind farm, albeit 100 miles further north than many may have anticipated. The port operator, which had looked to make Able Marine Energy Park at North Killingholme the focus for the Hornsea Zone wind farm build out – even signing a Memorandum of Understanding with developer Ørsted (then Dong Energy) – is now providing the installation base and a range of associated services from its long-established “home” facility at the mouth of the Tees. Working with the global leader in offshore wind deployment and GeoSea, its Belgian marine subcontractor, Able Seaton Port is the designated reception, holding and load-out port for the 174 monopiles and transition pieces that form the farm’s foundation package of works. The massive components are being supplied from a number of different production yards in the North East – hence the role – and across the North Sea in Germany and Denmark. The 900 tonne monopiles are from EEW’s plant in Rostock, northern Germany and three companies will supply the 350 tonne transition pieces – Bladt from Aalborg, Denmark and OSB and Wilton Engineering, both based on the Tees. It had been hoped such manufacturing would be attracted to the Humber when the scheme was first brought forward, but following a review of port capacity, the

Business MONTH IN REVIEW

Entrepreneur title for Sean Three years on from Local Growth Minister Penny Mordaunt’s visit, right, to see the ground-rising hard-standing works at Able Marine Energy Park, and there has been very little progress been made on the ambition, left. Below, Able Seaton Port swings into action. Danish giant called an end to the agreement, struck up in July 2015. It was announced it would not be furthered in August 2016. AMEP is still being considered for assembly, with the Triton Knoll team, having stated a preference for it, although site bosses have said previously it would need to see a project pipeline emerge to make quay investment viable. A recent Ørsted announcement on the Hornsea Project Two supply chain also highlighted a strong desire for UK tower manufacture. Land side, and sites for vehicle delivery and inspection are being established off Rosper Road, with the first for BMW almost complete and a second now in planning, building on initial work by the company when it first invested in northern Lincolnshire more than 15 years ago.

Able Seaton Port, which has long since been a significant player across a range of activities, including marine decommissioning, oil rig upgrading works and as a project cargo port, now adds another major type of project to its portfolio. Specialist jack-up installation vessel Innovation will sail

between the port and the farm, off the East Yorkshire coast, as it is built out. Attention will switch to Hull for the wholly above-water package of tower, turbine and blades, the latter made at the city’s new plant, before operations and maintenance for the lifetime of the farm arrives in Grimsby.

RETAIL: Grimsby’s Sean Ramsden has been named as Entrepreneur of the Year in the UK heat of The European Business Awards. The third generation retailer, who has taken the family’s flair for business global with town-based Ramsden International, will now join the best of the continent, having topped his category. He was revealed as the winner at a glittering event at London Stock Exchange, having been chosen by a panel of independent judges including senior business leaders, politicians and academics.

COMING SOON

Steps taken to open up capacity DEVELOPERS are to help identify sites for potential future offshore wind deployment. The Crown Estate has presented back on its November announcement to consider new seabed development rights, as the last round of allotted zones start to be built out. No locations have yet been considered, although the Humber was raised in questions, but it has been widely recognised that the North Sea offers the biggest opportunities, with the “Energy Estuary” ideally placed and with a decade of experience already built up, and strong cluster formed. In 2016, Huub den Rooijen, director of energy, minerals and infrastructure at The Crown Estate, described Grimsby as the poster child for the sector’s industrialisation, and stated that from the town’s perspective, “it is a stroke of

good fortune that you are sitting next to some of the best real estate in the world in regard to offshore wind”. He was at the meeting with senior government and industry figures, where it was also revealed it will no longer be accepting applications for offshore wind farm extensions after May 31, having opened up the opportunity a year ago. A statement said this is to “help pave the way for a single and comprehensive route for awarding new seabed rights and avoid potentially having two processes running concurrently”. It will now work with key stakeholders this summer, stating that if new leasing is confirmed, a formal process could begin later this year. Factors to be balanced include healthy competition, meeting market demands, other seabed users, stakeholder resources,

environmental impacts and the efficiency of leasing processes. The statement continued: “The Crown Estate is currently considering how best to identify potential areas for leasing and has started engagement with statutory marine planning authorities. “We are exploring a leasing model where developers identify sites within pre-defined, but relatively wide regions of seabed. We are characterising these regions by considering a number of factors, including favourable technical resource area for fixed offshore wind; marine plan areas and policies; and deliverability, including consents, grid constraints and existing rights and activities. “We are also considering the tender process and key commercial terms for the leasing offer.”

COMPANY PROFILE RESERVATIONS NOW BEING TAKEN

CONTACT ANGELA ATKINSON ON 07920 823544 / 01472 806963 OR VIA EMAIL: ANGIE.ATKINSON@GRIMSBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK

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Energy in association with

Tel: 01469 577698 www.onloanrecruitment.co.uk

www.andrewjackson.co.uk

01472 889200 www.blackrow.co.uk

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Thousands have been served over 20 years PRIDE AT APPROACH TO FINDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE THOUSANDS of people have gone to work for companies in the UK and abroad thanks to the efforts of Humber-based specialist On Loan Recruitment, which celebrates its 20th year in business this month. The Immingham-based company has been led from day one by joint founder and managing director David Riggall, who said the success and longevity is down to the approach taken to the process of finding the right people for often very specialist roles. He said: “Although we work in recruitment, we are emphatically not an agency. We would never dream of treating employees as a commodity, and our success reflects that approach. It has been built on the understanding, from clients and potential employees alike, that we want to find people who bring not only the right skills to a role, but also have the right attitude to fit into a company culture.” David said the first step in establishing the new business, in 1998, had been to build relationships with companies in the Humber region. He said: “We achieved that with two years of effort, after which we decided to spread our wings and work with companies further afield as well. The first objective was to create links around the country, but our efforts eventually led to working relation-

ships with clients in Australia, Norway, China, Germany, Mexico and Italy, among others. “I am particularly pleased that we are still supporting some of our very first clients almost 20 years on,” he added. “This is very unusual in the recruitment market as things change all the time. I believe it is down to our core values of trust, respect and delivery along with understanding the needs of everyone involved in what we do.

“What we have also managed to achieve over the years is to place many of our past contacts into new roles when their employment has closed. Now they are our new clients, and appreciate the continuity that working with On Loan provides. I like to think this is testament to the added value we offer in our all-round service.” He also believes credit is due to the people who work at On Loan with him. “Without our own team developing we would not have

been able to move forward,” he said. “Our clients have total trust in our people, who make up part of our winning formula. Ethically we believe we are the very best.” With 2018 continuing to be as positive as 2017, On Loan Recruitment would be pleased to hear from any company wanting advice or extra personnel, as well as from candidates looking for new opportunities. Contact the office on 01469 577698 or e-mail enquires@ onloanrecruitment.co.uk.

Northern Powergrid’s transformation now set out To further raise the profile of your company call Angie Atkinson on

01472 806963

angie.atkinson@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Complex power flows will be met.

NORTHERN Powergrid has announced details of an £83 million programme to prepare the regional economy for rapid growth of electric vehicles, domestic heat pumps and renewable power. Smart Grid Enablers, the UK’s most comprehensive network upgrade programme, is creating the backbone of a smart grid, supporting ambitions to put low-carbon technology at the centre of its economy, and enabling solutions that could save up to £500 million by 2031. It will run to 2023 and deliver the most radical change to the network since the 1970s, transforming its ability to monitor, control and communicate with more than 8,000 substations delivering power to 3.9 million homes and

businesses in northern Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the North East. The programme will underpin the company’s transition into a distribution system operator, providing a platform to roll out smart, cost-effective solutions to actively manage a network with complex power flows that are hard to predict. The programme responds to unprecedented change in the UK’s energy system, as new ways to manage supply and demand are going mainstream. Patrick Erwin, pictured, policy and markets director at Northern Powergrid, said: “Our Smart Grid Enablers programme is putting our region at the forefront of the low-carbon revolution. It will make us ready to support rapid growth of

electric vehicles, heat pumps and solar power in the next decade, while maintaining a reliable system and keeping costs as low as possible for all our customers. “This is the most comprehensive upgrade programme of any UK network operator and will give us a state of the art command and control capability, enabling us to respond to real-time

information about power flow on our network.” The company calculates that it would need to spend £400 to £500 million more from 2023 to 2031 if it had to rely on conventional solutions, while supporting the ambitions of the Northern Energy Taskforce, which has set out proposals for the North to lead the UK’s low-carbon transition and create a regional economy that could be worth £15 billion a year and support 100,000 jobs by 2050. Northern Powergrid is the first local network operator to develop and deliver a co-ordinated and holistic programme to upgrade and future-proof the entire system for monitoring and controlling its sub-stations. The complex task involves overhauling

a communications network, and upgrading more than 8,000 substations without disruption. A dedicated team of nearly 100 specialist engineers has been created, having recruited and trained staff. By 2023 Northern Powergrid will replace or install more than 1,900 substation and transformer control units that allow engineers to monitor and control equipment in real time. The communications network to these units will be upgraded to create a secure, resilient digital system capable of transmitting large amounts of data, and it will be expanded further to provide detailed visibility of what is happening on the grid at a local level.

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

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Business MONTH IN REVIEW

Tronox launches counter action

Glassenbury, left and the Immingham combined heat and power plant, above. Below, Cleator.

Power plant ventures into battery storage

IMMINGHAM TEAM’S FIRST INVESTMENTS ARE REALISED THE UK’S largest portfolio of utility-scale, enhanced frequency response battery storage sites has been completed by a joint venture involving one of the South Bank’s most enhanced energy operators. VPI Immingham, owner of one of the largest combined heat and power plants in Europe, is helping support grid flexibility and increase reliance on greener forms of electricity generation. Working with Low Carbon, a renewable energy investment company, the 50MW portfolio is now grid connected. It spans two sites at either end of the country – a 40MW battery park in Glassenbury, Kent and a 10MW battery park at Cleator in Cumbria – operating under the name VLC Energy. The two sites secured contracts as part of 2016’s 200MW National Grid Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) auction, and will deliver a quarter of its capacity. Russell Hardy, chairman of VPI Immingham and chief executive for Europe, Middle East and Africa at parent company Vitol, said: “Batteries hold the key to the future of the

power landscape, both in the UK and internationally. Ensuring grid resilience is a necessary step in the growth of renewable generation.� Both sites use LG Chem lithium-ion battery modules, and advanced energy management systems from NEC, and will provide sub-second responses to surges in energy supply and demand, providing grid flexibility and electricity storage. Roy Bedlow, chief executive of Low Carbon, said: “These battery parks represent perhaps the greatest increase in UK energy storage capacity to date as part of National Grid’s EFR auction. We’re delighted to have developed these sites with our partners at VPI Immingham, and look forward to expanding VLC Energy’s storage portfolio. “Energy storage is critical to managing the demands on the grid, ensuring consumer needs are met, and increasing our reliance on low-carbon forms of electricity generation. These sites will help us tackle climate change and help the UK realise a cleaner and more energy efficient future.� At Immingham, the combined heat and

power plant – initially brought forward by Phillips 66, and bought in 2013 – generates 1,240 MW, about 2.5 per cent of UK peak electricity demand, and up to 930 tonnes of steam per hour, which is used by Phillips 66 and Total Lindsey Oil Refinery in their processes. Leon Walker, quantitative analysis manager at National Grid, said: “Using battery storage is a significant development for managing the national grid. It’s an ultra-fast way of keeping electricity supply and demand balanced. “Over four years we estimate that this service will save the system operator around ÂŁ200 million. This is good news for consumers who benefit from our cost efficiencies, and paves the way for battery technology to establish itself as an important component of our energy system.â€?

CHEMICALS: Tronox has launched a counter legal action against the US competition watchdog as it seeks to complete the takeover of titanium dioxide producer Cristal, and with it, the huge South Bank chemical plant. The American company has field the lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission, seeking “declaratory and injunctive relief,â€? to prevent the ÂŁ1.27 billion agreed deal being blocked. Lawyers filing in Mississippi allege the FTC is trying to scupper the acquisition by running the clock down. Should the deal not complete by May 21, either party can terminate, unless both agree to extend. Saudi authorities have cleared the path for the deal, but it has also been called in by European authorities for an in-depth review.

ÂŁ170m proposal ENERGY: Plans for a ÂŁ170 million waste to energy plant at Immingham have now been submitted to North East Lincolnshire Council. North Beck Energy Centre is proposed for a large site close to the eastern entrance to the port, with the capacity to generate 49.5MW of electricity from refuse, enough to power 127,000 homes.

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Food in association with

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Food factory fit-out specialists are united Paul Walmsley with the Lincs Doors team and departing former directors Mike and Mandy Butler. Below, Mr Butler and Mr Walmsley.

Manufacturers of Industrial Hygienic Doors

www.lincsdoors.co.uk

01472 889200 www.blackrow.co.uk

01472 352998

01472 340938

Jamie@lincsindustrialpainters.com

Tel: 01472 269121 www.acbnorth.com

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A SPECIALIST industrial door company has been bought out by a fellow Grimsby-area firm, prompting a move to significantly larger premises in the town. Humberston-based Central Insulations has acquired Lincs Doors in an undisclosed deal, with both firms having regularly worked on projects together. Respective directors in the companies, Paul Walmsley and Mike Butler – who headed the latter with wife Mandy – were even colleagues at the former back in the Nineties. As a result, Lincs Doors has relocated from the 9,000 sq ft premises on Grimsby’s Europarc, to 13,000 sq ft unit on the new Riverside Industrial Park, brought forward by RPM Industrial Services Ltd on the former Tioxide site off Moody Lane. While both will continue to trade separately, it is an ideal fit for the turn-key controlled environment provision, which is bought by major clients in retail, food and pharma manufacturing nationwide. Both have evolved with the town’ food industry, with expertise honed on patch then taken on the road. Paul Walmsley, managing director, said: “Central and Lincs Doors, alongside being long time colleagues in the industry, share the same passion and enthusiasm for excellence. The company has an established history for providing high quality products and exceptional levels of customer service. When I heard of Mike and Mandy’s decision to step away, I was keen to ensure that Lincs Doors continued as it always has. “We knew the people, and it just felt the right thing to do. We have guaranteed futures and ensured manufacturing remains in Grimsby, which is important. “It is very much business as usual. We’re grateful to Mike and Mandy for all their continued help in assuring a smooth transition period for both staff and customers and wish them a very long and happy future.” Lincs celebrated 50 years in business in 2017,

as the deal was brought together, with Central clocking up 30 years in 2016. Founded in 1967, trading as Lincs & Yorks Insulation Ltd in Hamilton Street, it was taken over in 2000 by the Butlers. They made the move to a purpose-built premises on Europarc soon after. Under them it developed the use of modern extrusions, furthering computer aided design and manufacturing methods for doors and frames for industry. Mr Butler said: “I am proud of what we achieved. We have known each other for a long time, we used to work together. The association with Central goes back before we even started.” “Yes, it was Bob Kerr and Arthur Eccles, who are sadly no longer with us,” Mr Walmsley said, having himself bought out Mr Kerr in 2010. Dave Moore was also involved in Lincs’ formation.

Mr Butler added: “I’d like to thank the people who have worked for us over the years, we have been fortunate to have some great people.” Mrs Butler said the continuity of employment for the seven-strong team was key. “We have had great staff, they have been like family really,” she said. “Continuation of employment was the main thing, people like Tom Selby, who started with us as an apprentice and is now production manager, which is great to see.” Last year saw Central win ABP Business Growth Award and the North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award at the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, with a new HQ recently added in Wilton Road. In April the two companies will be sharing a stand at the prestigious Foodex Trade Show at Birmingham NEC. Running from April 16 to April 18, the show is expected to receive 30,000 visitors over the three-day event. “We’re delighted with the successes we’ve had over the last few years, we’re growing rapidly as a company and we’re thrilled to welcome the team from Lincs Doors on board. I’m looking forward to the next few years and seeing what more we can achieve,” said Paul. “It is a case of consolidating into the new premises and then building on what we have got. We will see if we can bring some new opportunities and products to the sector we work in, while maintaining the quality of service Lincs Doors has provided to Central Insulations and a number of companies in the same industry locally. “How quick they have turned jobs round for us has enabled us as a company to be responsive and reactive, and we couldn’t get that quality of service from any other supplier in this sector. We want to build on that.”

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Business Ultimate Group executive director Chris Tonge addresses guests at the Euoparc base. Below, the multi-award winning personalisation campaign for KitKat.

Ultimate guide to boosting brands AWARD-WINNING ADVICE DISPENSED SOME of the leading global brands have been given the ‘Ultimate’ experience of digital printing technology and application – in Grimsby. Representatives from businesses in Europe, Middle East and Africa joined firms from the region and wider UK at Ultimate Group on Europarc, where bright marketing ideas are fused with packing innovation. The multi-award winning firm delivered KitKat’s personalisation campaign, and Nestle, together with Hull’s Hider Foods, shared their stories with travelling delegates, while Chris Tonge, executive director of Ultimate, explained how he is changing the way brands are linking packaging with digital campaigns, personalisation and much more. HP, the world leader in printing, partnered with Ultimate to host days for UK and Europe, Middle East and Africa clients, with the town team then welcoming a number of brands itself on a third day, exciting and capturing the minds as it showcased how packaging can shape and change the future for customer engagement. Mr Tonge said: “This was something we did in conjunction with HP to promote what we are doing with digital print. I think many were amazed at where we have taken it. We have developed in to a lot more than being a printer, and have surprised a lot of people. “Now we are on with trying to monetise it. We have been focusing on getting the products, the whole team has been looking at getting it right, now we are looking at getting the level of sales to work it.” Ultimate has produced Smartflow, a web-based software platform to facilitate personalisation, and also welcomed Richard Askam to the site, where the company has transformed the former DWP call centre it neighboured into an outstanding exhib-

ition and demonstration space. Mr Askam, who went from personalising wine labels in Holton-le-Clay to supporting Coca-Cola and other major names with personalisation campaigns, told how it was a great marketing tool for any brand. And with the amount of plastic on the shelves, it was an issue addressed too, with Mr Tonge stating how it was a theme that has been discussed at length within the business. “There are lots of alternatives,” he said. “The important thing is that work gets properly joined up. Plastics are vital and necessary in certain areas, whereas there are other materials we can use in others. A lot of stuff will be coming out with us which is slightly different to what we have done. It is about now getting to a stage where it works for the product, the consumer and the planet.” Demonstrations using augmented reality, with packaging that can be ‘read’ by smartphones and tablets to generate interaction, were lapped up, as the 26 delegates got involved and experimented in special demonstrations showing the possibilities. Aofie Cameron, senior buyer at

Hull’s Aunt Bessie’s, said: “There is more to digital than meets the eye, there is potential market penetration in more areas of the business with regards to mosaic, personalisation and short runs, endless opportunities.” Mosaic is a built-in algorithm to the printing technology that ensures no two packages are the same, opening up further opportunities without the need for individual artwork creation. Joshua Duggan, digital marketing assistant at Burgess Pet Care, based in Pollington, East Yorkshire, said that it was a “really good presentation and talk, but the best part was that it was a very interactive experience”. Guests also had the opportunity to see the HP 2000 presses in action, completing the insight into the world of digital printing. Mr Tonge added: “It all went very well. The Ultimate Digital workshop has opened the door to many possibilities and consumers will start to see a change within marketing strategies and packaging over the next few years.”

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10 Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Chemicals & Process ,Q DVVRFLDWLRQ ZLWK

Strong recent growth brings positive outlook

STRONG recent growth in sales and exports has been reported across Britain’s chemical and pharmaceutical industry – with the Humber playing a huge part. Recent performance has prompted a positive outlook for 2018, with major global economies all experiencing booms, an ideal scenario in an export-driven industry. Steve Elliott, chief executive of the Chemical Industries Association, said: “The chemical industry is in reasonably optimistic mood, with the economies of China, Europe and the US all growing simultaneously, to the benefit of an export-intensive industry such as ours. However, like many other sectors of the UK economy we are increasingly worried by the ongoing uncertainty with regard to our future relationship with Europe. “Minimal disruption to chemicals trade and investment flows would represent a very positive outcome from the negotiations for UK chemical businesses, but there remain many challenges in achieving that outcome.� The positivity has emerged from the leading industry body’s quarterly survey, and showed a balance of +35 per cent growing export sales, with +23 per cent enjoying healthier overall sales. The balance is the difference between those companies reporting an increase, minus decreases. Looking ahead, the industry is more optimistic than at the time of the last survey in October 2017. A balance of +39 per cent of com-

Integrated Green Energy Solutions’ proposals for part of the former Courtaulds site, and Steve Elliott. panies seeing growth in overall sales and +42 per cent expecting growth in exports volume. Mr Elliott said: “We do see continued strong growth in capital investment (+32 per cent), and while we have growth in research and development spending (+16 per cent), it has reduced a little since our last survey. There are also reports of jobs growth to help meet growing demand in 2018. “Weak sterling and strong European growth are expected to be key drivers for 2018. Expanding markets in Asia and North America are also seen as opportunities in 2018. However we cannot escape Brexit uncertainty, with 48 per cent of companies reporting this

as a worry. The higher oil price and the weak exchange rate have also elevated concerns over rising raw material costs and energy costs – both critical to an energy-intensive manufacturing sector.� The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £18 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion. This represents around 11 per cent of the value added by the whole of UK manufacturing. The Humber alone is home to 15,000 employees across 120 companies, contributing nearly one-fifth of the UK turnover. On the North Bank Croda and RB

have both announced major expansions, with the latter to open a new ÂŁ105 million research and development centre, while a ÂŁ58 million wood chip plant is being brought forward at Saltend Business Park by Tricoya Ventures UK Ltd. Last summer, pharma firm Indivior also opened a ÂŁ23 million R&D base. South of the river and Catch has just opened a new training facility, with potential for delegate accommodation being explored, while Lenzing Fibers is investing ÂŁ10 million to boost capacity and sustainability, as significant scale plastics and tyre reprocessing centres are being worked up for Grimsby and Stallingborough.

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REYNOLDS Training Services is right on the doorstep in Stallingborough, delivering a wide range of workplace and industrial safety to individuals and businesses. Whatever sector you operate in, Reynolds Training can help you learn. As a NEBOSH and IOSH accredited training centre, our health and safety courses are designed for companies and individuals seeking to: â– Improve their knowledge of health and safety â– Understand the importance of accident mitigation and prevention â– Reduce injury rates at work â– Comply with legislation â– Keep operating costs down Best of all? Right now, Reynolds is offering local learners a 25 per cent discount on the most popular courses. For business owners, additional group discounts are also available. Limited time offer: 25 per cent off popular courses NEBOSH National General

industry standards. IOSH Managing Safely: This qualification brings managers up-to-speed with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle workplace health and safety. Safe to say you’ll have fun:Local learners will be in the safest hands. Reynolds Training’s experienced tutors make learning fun and engaging. Through this, it generates strong results and compliance which is reflected in higher than the national average pass rates. Let’s get learning: Advance workplace safety and career opportunities by learning with Reynolds Training. For course booking and enquiries, please ring Karon on 01469 552 846 or apply process safety management email Karon@ Certificate in Occupational to working environments. reynoldstraining.com. Remember Safety: This course covers the NEBOSH Certificate in to quote offer code 25%SAFE. UK’s main legal requirements. You can also visit Individuals will learn to identify, Environmental Management: This qualification covers the www.reynoldstraining.com or control and manage workplace practical issues of managing visit at Reynolds Training hazards. environmental risks. The Services Ltd, Catch Facility, NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Redwood Park Estate, Process Safety Management: This syllabus takes a risk management approach based on Stallingborough, North East qualification provides learners Lincolnshire, DN41 8TH. with the knowledge and skills to best practice and internal

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

11

Business 2018 programme March 2: Fire Safety Awareness and Practical Extinguisher Workshop May 25: Management of Health and Safety / Risk Assessment Training September 21: Stress / Mental Health and Emotional Resilience Workshop December 7: Annual Conference – Behavioural Safety and Legal Update All events are held at Grimsby Town Hall between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Relaunching North East Lincolnshire Safety, Health and Environment Group. Clockwise from back left, Mark Smith, Mike Hall, Darren Shelton, Lynne Fulton and Sarah Owen, members of the executive committee. Not pictured are Geoff Fulcher, Chris Dougherty and Mike Hryckowian.

MONTH IN REVIEW

Plugging in high profile investors ENERGY: High profile businessmen Sir Terry Leahy and Bill Currie have brought big backing to Grimsby-area green technology innovator MyEnergi. Sir Terry, former chief executive of Tesco, and Mr Currie, founder of investment house William Currie Group, are ploughing ÂŁ1.2 million into the Binbrook business, boosted recently by avid support from by sci-fi screen star and electric vehicle ambassador Robert Llewellyn. MyEnergi, launched in 2016, produces the Zappi electric vehicle charger and Eddi smart power diverter, allowing renewable energy users to maximise their sustainable power solutions. The investment, by way of shares in the company, will allow production capacity to be increased at the Church View premises, with a team of seven almost doubled in the last month and further staff likely to be required.

Small business focus from revitalised group CJM acquired NORTH East Lincolnshire Safety, Health and Environment Group has been revived, with a new chairman, new programme and several new committee members for 2018. The group, which counts current global president of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Craig Foyle, among its executive alumni, has been reinvigorated after a dormant period. Taking the helm is Mark Smith, head of health and safety at North East Lincolnshire Council, with Lynne Fulton of OH Services as vice chair, and Darren Shelton of

Forefront Recruitment and Training as treasurer. They are joined on the top table by Mike Hall of Jacobs, Sarah Owen, lead auditor of ConCom at Catch, Geoff Fulcher, managing director of FES (EX) Ltd, Chris Dougherty, co-owner of Emerald Health and Safety and Mike Hryckowian, head of Pelagia Grimsby, formerly United Fish Industries. Mr Smith, who helped guide the authority to winning Rospa’s Public Service and Local Government Sector Award in Occupational Health and Safety Management

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2017 last summer, said: “The group lost its way over the last year or so, so we looked at the constitution, elected a new chair, got some new members on the executive committee from various sectors and interests, and built a new website, while launching a new programme as well.� Linking up with Healthy Places, NELC’s public health and wellbeing solutions provider, it is also liaising with business support organisation E-Factor. Mr Shelton said: “Historically it was always big Humber Bank factories who were members, who

had health and safety capability within. Now we are trying to open out to embrace smaller companies who perhaps don’t have such capacity. They can tap into our experience. It is a new audience, and an important one.� Academies are another target area, with Mr Smith aware of the move from local authority control to independent status. NELSHE is part of Safety Groups UK, established in 1947, and was formally known as South Humberside Health and Safety Group, but rebranded in 2013 to encompass environmental elements.

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SUPPORT: A Scunthorpe-based industrial auctioneers has been acquired in a deal which has created one of the country's largest professional industrial auction and valuation businesses. CJM Asset Management, based on Dunlop Way on the town’s Queensway Industrial Estate, has been acquired by industrial auctioneers Eddisons. CJM directors Charles Moses and Paul Cooper will stay on to manage the new business together with Malcolm Good, national head of industrial auctions at Eddisons. Following the acquisition, all industrial auction and valuation business will be conducted under the banner of Eddisons CJM.

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Ports and Logistics in association with

Humber Work Boats

Marine Contracting, Dredging and Boat Building www.humberworkboats.co.uk Tel: 01469 540156

For the latest and breaking business news around the Humber region

To further raise the profile of your company call Angie Atkinson on 01472 806963

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The first truck is driven off the Gardenia Seaways at Immingham, below, as Tulipa Seaways has her naming ceremony ahead of joining the route to Immingham.

National role on Imm-port WITH a clear strategic appeal, national property consultant Cushman & Wakefield has been instructed to join regional specialist PPH Commercial in the marketing of a 50 acre development site at Immingham. Known as Imm-Port, and acquired by Associated British Ports last year, it is the greenfield industrial site with enterprise zone status off the eastern

entrance to Britain’s biggest port. It has outline planning for industrial, warehouse and distribution uses, and is being offered on a leasehold basis, although sales may be considered. Scott Morrison, associate in the Cushman & Wakefield logistics and industrial team, said: “We are delighted to be

appointed on Imm-Port. “The site offers a unique opportunity for an occupier to be within close proximity to one of the deepest water docks in the UK. The site benefits from enterprise zone status for business rates relief and infrastructure upgrades have already been completed.” As reported, it was acquired from Brocklesby Estates.

David Morriss, head of property for ABP Humber said: “The acquisition of this site further promotes ABP’s desire to continually develop the land around the existing port estate. We strive to support local enterprises and want to work collaboratively to bring new business to our region in order to further our economic development.”

New DFDS Seaways managing director is appointed ■ continued from page one. I think it is a really good challenge for us, we are going to have to trade, we are an island nation, we are not going to suddenly start growing and making everything we import. It is one of the key things that attracted me to be honest, as I love a challenge.” In his time away, Nordic House itself has been expanded, with the roll-on roll-off riverside terminal also added to build on the in-dock quays, massively boosting capacity. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr Potter, who took over from Jens Neilsen in 2010, with the country starting the tough recovery from a deep recession, he said: “We didn’t so much stabilise it as take it on to the next level as part of the group strategy for Immingham to maintain and develop the productivity and customer experience. There have been a lot of changes for the better for the industry and within DFDS, with growth inside Europe and results. “We have increased our throughput in terms of units by three to four per cent year-on-year, and for me, working with the team and port operatives, it has been great being a local lad and supporting the growth, the general throughput, and developing things further, whether that has been through the employment forum or our links in to the community.” A total of 620 people are employed in the shipping side of the business, with logistics a separate division supporting another 400.

The team is predominantly made up of port operatives with specialist skill sets. He will now be joining the shipping division’s management team in Copenhagen, while also working in Immingham and other locations where required. Looking ahead, he said: “It is about aligning all our systems and integrating in to an innovative world for the shipping division as digital impacts on industry as a whole. “The sector as a whole, I would say, is analogue, not as fast moving as business to consumer sectors. We are embracing the opportunity to develop digital and offer our customers new products and services to keep up with the supply chain. “I am keen on technology, in a past life I was an engineer by trade, so that comes in to it. It is a promotion for me and an opportunity to change and assist in shaping DFDS’s future in digital industry and shipping.” On Brexit, DFDS has hosted a task force visit and forged its own, while working alongside the CBI and others to fully understand implications. Mr Potter said: “The group sees this as an opportunity, subject to which way the final decisions go, be it free trade or some form of customs union. With implications for customs clearance, that impacts on the supply chain and will bring new opportunities. “We are holding discussions with our

Andrew Byrne. customers, covering DFDS’ awareness and support, through to what and how they are preparing. We have a Brexit task force covering everything from connectivity to government systems to capacity if there are material shifts in transport and how we deal with customs, the flow and resilience plans.”

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

Funds for growth and aid to access it here SPECIAL EVENT UNDERLINES OPPORTUNITIES TO FINANCE EXPANSION

13

Business MONTH IN REVIEW

South Bank link road in planning INFRASTRUCTURE: Planning applications have been submitted to launch Grimsby’s major industrial development. The £42 million South Humber Industrial Investment Programme’s vital link road and environmental mitigation sites have now been submitted to the planning department of North East Lincolnshire Council, by those charged with the area's economic development. It will see Moody Lane linked up with Stallingborough’s Hobson Way, upgrading the long stretch that leads to Lenzing Fibers, from Novartis, along the front of BASF and what was Courtaulds, opening up a huge stretch of development land west of the town. Cress marsh mitigation also forms part of the proposal, for which £23.6 million is to be injected by the local authority in a bid to create 90 hectares of additional employment land, 4,000 new jobs and generate £200 million within the local economy over the next 25 years.

Brewer buoyant Speakers, from left, Mark Wilcockson, Lord Haskins, Rob Waltham, Laura Barley, Brian Gilliland, Sam Latus and Ash Lewis at The Baths Hall, Scunthorpe for the Funding for Growth event. SUPPORT for small businesses to help get them investment-ready is to be rolled out by Humber Local Enterprise Partnership in the coming months. A programme to aid those making vital pitches will be unveiled soon, after it was identified that there was a need to help those who may have little or no experience of the world of finance. It was outlined as the £400 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund was highlighted at a special Funding for Growth business event in Scunthorpe. From tackling the terminology to having accounts in place to back up trading history, recent funding runs have unearthed some common issues that will now be addressed. Laura Barley, business programme manager for Humber LEP, said: “People aren’t always in the right position to access finance as a key part of a business’s growth. It may be management team needs help with structure, or increasing confidence about how to present the business. There is a raft of support we will launch in May, where we can provide support to become investment ready. “We have seen that when assessing grant applications through Growing the Humber, there are a number of businesses where there is a really good idea, but it needs to get to a position where it can access grants, and the same applies for bank finance. We have recognised there is a need and will address this.” Three regional businesses where investment has been a feature of strong growth gave their take, with ad tech firm Ash TV, protein sachet supplier Whey Box and construction company Westlinks represented. All at different stages, they put finance into context for a strong breakfast gathering at The Baths Hall. Mark Wilcockson, senior relationship manager at British Business Bank & Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, hopes £50 million could be committed on the South Bank. He said: “We only step in where there is a gap in the market. Where primary banks are

operating, we want them to continue operating – we are there to fill the gap where the risk profile is too high or there may be a lack of security. “Do you need a full business plan? No. Just tell us what you are doing. The skill is understanding the business without reams of paper. We will ask you to back it up later, if you are not investment-ready, and we will direct you, but let’s start the discussing and use the skills of the guys to make sure you can access the funds.” There are four years left to distribute, and a further window after funding is received. All had been welcomed to the event by Rob Waltham MBE, leader of North Lincolnshire Council. He said: “It is tough getting into the

world of finance, it is tough running a business and having to think about all the things finance is needed for. I hope in running events like these, people think about where they can get finance from for their business, and that there are other options, and it is not always about conventional lending. “Government is being quite imaginative about how it stimulates extra business,” he said, adding that while the resetting of the economy was a risk, it was also an opportunity to be more creative about the way we function. “The picture is quite simple for me,” he added. “I want more people in employment and businesses flourishing.”

Lord Haskins: Go for growth and put into place all of those plans! LORD Haskins welcomed efforts to ensure “businesses that need the oxygen to succeed can get that oxygen,” as he gave his address, flagging up post-Brexit opportunities and comparing the early days of the family business to the fledgling firms on display. “It started in very much the same way,” the chairman of Humber Local Enterprise Partnership said of Northern Foods, his father-in-law’s start-up. Rather than the British Business Bank, in 1945 it was the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation, founded as peace returned to provide finance for small and medium sized firms. “The scenario was the same 70 years ago as it is today. We probably have many more opportunities now than there

were them but it is more competitive, with more people going for the business because of the opportunities.” Looking at present day, both attitude and the external force of Brexit, he said: “We have a good record in the Humber, it is entrepreneurial, and the food industry, particularly on the South Bank, has been really successful, but over the years some have been reluctant to let businesses grow. “Smaller businesses start up, set up quickly – some too quickly – then employ five or six people and get nervous. In Germany many businesses employ 50 to 100, we need to get to that middle, to put into place all of those plans. “We are in a difficult situation, there is uncertainty, but many won’t be affected as they are dealing with the

domestic market, and will only be affected if the whole market starts wobbling, and it might, but it might not. “There is opportunity if we go in to tough deal, and I hope we won’t, but there will be import substitution opportunities and there will be plenty of people working that out. Great entrepreneurial spirit is the person who sees opportunity out of potential disaster. “We have been going pretty well over the last five years, we have been starting to narrow the gap with he rest of the country, there are huge opportunities all about, people taking risks and financiers prepared to take these risks. The sort of thing the Northern Powerhouse is doing is making sure the businesses that need the oxygen to succeed can get that oxygen.”

FOOD & DRINK: The team bringing brewing back to Grimsby is toasting an incredible festive period, with sales up a staggering 300 per cent year on year. Axholme Brewing Company’s unprecedented figures look set to roll into 2018 as well, with the first new beer – Bounty Hunter – selling out in record time too. Sales for the ales poured in as planning permission was received for the transformation of former Grimsby church St Barnabas, in King Edward Street. It currently operates from Seven Lakes, Crowle, which is to be retained for new product development.

Trolley Dollie! RETAIL: Cleethorpes’ Dollie Jewellery is flying high after securing a listing with Virgin Atlantic. Richard Branson’s airline is to stock the brand alongside the likes of Pandora and Thomas Sabo. And for managing director Karen Webb-Meek, it is a second business venture with an enterprise from one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, as she earned her first big break with Virgin Sun supplying swimming lessons at the holiday resorts they served 17 years ago. It went on to employ hundreds of staff, teaching more than 40,000 children under the Swim Kids banner.

14 Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

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Business

Don’t leave it ‘until the last petal falls’ for business glory! CATEGORY FOCUS AS TIME TICKS TOWARDS DEADLINE

A FAIRYTALE ending will await for some, but the stars of the South Bank’s vibrant business community are being urged not to leave it too late to enter. The 2018 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards are looming, with the deadline for entries set for March 6. With a Beauty And The Beast theme, those with success to celebrate are being urged to be bold and put themselves forward. But don’t just take our word for it. Last year saw Scunthorpe construction firm GS Kelsey succeed, taking a top honour. Matthew Robinson, pictured,

director, said: “We had the privilege of receiving the business excellence award in 2017. It is on display in our reception as a constant reminder that hard work pays off. “It is an accolade we are immensely proud of and one that helps demonstrate to customers our commitment to quality and exemplary business performance. The awards ceremonies are thoroughly enjoyable and well organised. Overall, a great event that celebrates local business.” To enter log on to www.nlincsba.co.uk.

■ The Grimsby Carpet Warehouse Small Business of the Year Award Award overview: This award recognises the progress in terms of business growth and development made by a small business over three years old in the Northern Lincolnshire area which has less than 25 employees and a turnover of less than £5 million. Applicants need to demonstrate through their application how they have made significant progress as a small business. Judges want: Businesses which are able, committed and enthusiastic and which have set themselves on the road to achieving clearly laid out goals for future growth and success.

■ The ABP Business Growth Award Award overview: This award recognises the Northern Lincolnshire-based business which has significantly grown its workforce, turnover or profit since last year. Applicants need to demonstrate through their application how their business has experienced positive business growth. Judges want: A business of any age that can demonstrate proactivity in their planning. A company that moves forward with enthusiasm, imagination and energy, with an eye on a sustainable future for itself. ■ The Wilkin Chapman Business Person of the Year Award overview: This award recognises the Northern Lincolnshire Business Person of the Year. Nominees can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party. Judges want: 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. ■ The Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce International Trade Award Award overview: This award recognises a Northern Lincolnshire-based business which has significantly grown its international trade in the past year. Applicants need to demonstrate through their application how they have experienced significant growth in international trade either through imports or exports. Judges want: Businesses of any age that can demonstrate growth in international trading and are pro active in their planning. A company that moves forward with enthusiasm, imagination and energy, with an eye on a sustainable future for itself. ■ The Bridge McFarland New Business Award Award overview: This award recognises the development made by a Northern Lincolnshire-based new business which is less than three years old at the time of application. Applicants need to demonstrate through their application how they have made significant progress as a new business.

Judges want: New businesses that deliver vibrancy, moving forward in a structured way that balances occupational and business skills successfully in order to overcome challenges and facilitating continued success.

■ The Franklin College Young Entrepreneur of the year Award 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. Great entrepreneurs find ways to re-invent markets, usually by understanding what customers actually want, rather than what they may have been putting up with for years. Judges want: Applicants, aged 30 or under, need to demonstrate through their application how they have shown an entrepreneurial spirit and how they aspire to be the next generation of business leaders, transform the face of industry, create jobs and contribute to the vibrancy of the local area.

■ The

North East Lincolnshire Business Development Award Award overview: This award recognises the contribution a business has made to the local economy. Applicants need to demonstrate how they have contributed to the economic success of the area. Judges want: A business which chose North East Lincolnshire to develop its business over the last five years. The award is aimed at both inward investment companies and businesses already situated here. The judges are looking for a company that has applied a policy of employing local people, contractors and suppliers and can demonstrate positive sustainability and impact for the future.

■ North Lincolnshire Business Investment Award Award overview: This award recognises the contribution a business has made to the local economy. Applicants need to demonstrate how they have contributed to the economic success of the area. Judges want: A company which chose North Lincolnshire to develop its business. The award is aimed at both inward investment companies and businesses already situated here. The judges are looking for a company that has made a financial investment to grow their business and applied a policy of employing local people, contractors and suppliers and can demonstrate positive sustainability and impact for the future.

■ The Grimsby Institute Training Excellence Award Award overview: This award recognises organisations within the private or public sector. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate, through their entry, how implementing training and staff development brings measurable benefits which creates real

business impact for the organisation. Judges want: To see evidence of how training has supported their organisation’s business objectives and how it has made a real impact to their organisation. The entry should be supported by staff case studies, showing how the individual has benefited both professionally and personally from the training.

■ DFDS Excellence in the Community Award Award overview: This award recognises a successful Northern Lincolnshire company whose approach to corporate and social responsibilities demonstrate a positive impact on the community. Judges want: A business of any age or size that demonstrates its commitment to its local community and demonstrates evidence of being a good neighbour. Successful applicants will show that they have a proactive plan to engage with and develop a sustainable local community and that they fully support their employees to engage in community activity. ■ The HBP Systems Innovation Award Award overview: This award provides recognition to those businesses that have found and developed new solutions to business growth or competitiveness, be it inventions or fresh thinking. That thinking is normally based on great vision, good consumer or customer understanding, and new processes or systems. The innovation can be both internal and external to the business as long as it has driven real financial benefit. Judges want: Businesses that are forward looking, having explored, exploited and implemented innovative ideas. Businesses will have driven real financial gain to their businesses from these ideas through internal or external changes to any of their processes, products or systems. Their examples can be built on sharing best practice, working collaboratively with others, or new and unique solutions. ■ The Forrester Boyd Business Excellence Award Award overview: Not open to applications, this award is chosen by the judges and given to a company that has stood out among all the nominations for all categories and deserves a special mention. ■ The Grimsby and Scunthorpe Telegraphs Lifetime Achievement Award Award overview: This prestigious award will go to someone who has had a significant and positive impact on the local business community over a number of years. ■ There will be no nomination process or shortlist published.

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

15

Business Sub-zero hero in the running for industry award

MONTH IN REVIEW

Lidl’s proposal

aspect of my job so to be nominated for what I do day-to-day is a real honour.� Amanda Cogan, operational managing director of Rick Bestwick Scunthorpe, said: “Adam is a rare commodity, a team player who strives to better the environment around him. Rising star is a more than apt description of him.� Adam will be one of over 40 high-flyers from the frozen food industry in contention for 10 awards, which will be presented at an event on Thursday at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole. Finalists will be invited to an exclusive reception before the awards dinner, where they will be able to celebrate among their peers. John Hyman, chief executive of Adam Byrne the BFFF, said: “These awards were launched to celebrate the awards celebrate the best talent unsung heroes that continuously the frozen food industry has to drive the frozen food industry to offer. be the dynamic and developing Adam, a shift manager at the sector that it is. Celsius Parc facility, has been put “We know the level of talent that forward by the Magnavale Group is out there but the standard of thanks to his dedicated customer entries we received was service and strong leadership exceptional and it was really which they say makes the encouraging to see how many working environment “a happier industry leaders put forward place to be�. members of their teams that they The 26-year-old, from believe are deserving of Scunthorpe, said: “I enjoy every recognition.� A WAREHOUSE manager with “infectious enthusiasm� has been shortlisted for a top industry award. Adam Byrne, who works at Rick Bestwick Scunthorpe, part of the Magnavale Group of temperature-controlled warehouses, is one of 11 finalists in the Rising Star category of the People Awards. Organised by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), the

RETAIL: Booming German discounter Lidl has announced plans to open a second supermarket in Scunthorpe. The site earmarked for the multi-million pound investment is the former Yorkshire Electricity offices on Dudley Road, off the town’s Queensway. The company has exchanged contracts with St Modwen Properties Plc, securing the new site, overlooking the Go Outdoors store. The supermarket would cover 1,325 sq m.

“

Go Ape, go soon

I enjoy every aspect of my job so to be nominated for what I do day-to-day is a real honour.

Tackling the weighty issue GRIMSBY motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail is looking to move further ahead in the market, by offering customers the chance to help put together their dream vehicles. The Europarc-based team has launched Motorhome Creator, a web-based platform using filters to help road-trip loving buyers decide on preferred price, berths, the number of seatbelts and weight – a vital element when it comes to legality of driving. Described as an industry first, it then moves to options available once the model is decided upon, with the technology keeping tabs on the all-important volume of the vehicle. Russell Hensman, marketing manager at the recently expanded base, said: “Whether it is a family snorkelling in Studland Bay or a couple tackling the Three Peak Challenge, it’s important they have a warm and cosy motorhome to return to that is perfectly suited to their activities. “Here at Auto-Trail we know it takes a lot of time to research a model that specifically suits needs, which is why

LEISURE: An opening date for the region’s first Go Ape outdoor adventure park has been revealed. Saturday, March 24 – just in time for Easter – will see it swing into action at Normanby Hall, with charges ranging from £18 to £33. Hidden within the Beech Wood by the deer park, it will take around two to three hours to complete and has a treetop adventure course and a three-loop treetop junior course.

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! $ " $ %* ( /&+( +) % )) &%# % *& / $$$ %! % &% & * &##&- % * &( ) we want to make it simple and easy. We have developed a straightforward, userfriendly solution that makes finding a perfect model an enjoyable and simple process.� Of the weight issue, which affects those who passed their tests from 1997 – typically now people 40 or approaching – Mr Hensman said: “It is very easy to miss hidden weights that come with a motorhome. “For example, when adding an extra passenger, you must take into account the weight of the passenger and their personal allowance. This is why Auto-Trail’s Motorhome Creator is so unique and efficient

– it will do all of this for you. It is an innovative piece of digital technology that takes into account all of the hidden weight you may have not originally thought of. “If you don’t hold a category C1 licence it is very important to not exceed 3,500kg.� It will no doubt be a major focus of this week’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham. As reported, 2016 saw the company double production capacity in a multi-million pound project as it geared up to meet forecast demand in the luxury leisure market in the coming years.

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Business Support in association with

01472 311711 bmcf.co.uk

T: 01652 680888 www.hibl.co.uk

Grimsby t: 01472 350601 Scunthorpe t: 01724 863105 www.fb-digital.co.uk

Chartered Accountants in Grimsby - T: 01472 355215 Scunthorpe - T: 01724 844876 www.hwca.com

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Partnership adding up for chosen career path FORRESTER BOYD AND FRANKLIN COLLEGE CELEBRATE FANTASTIC lifelong careers! That’s the bottom line when it comes to a long-established working partnership between Grimsby’s Franklin College and the region’s leading independent chartered accountancy practice, Forrester Boyd. More than 20 former students are now employed with the firm, and some have developed through the ranks to senior levels. They have entered the South St Mary Gate offices as both graduates and directly from Franklin, where trainees have a full time role within the business as well as fully funded study days. Accountancy qualifications achieved include AAT, ACA and ACCA. Bringing enrichment to education, Franklin has five thriving Career Ready programmes and Forrester Boyd has been involved from the outset with the Business Academy to provide valuable mentorships and summer internships.

Franklin College principal Trevor Wray, main picture, with Kevin Hopper and Chantelle Ellis. Franklin College principal Trevor Wray said: “We are pleased that so many of our students are finding rewarding careers in the local area. We have built up successful links with many locals companies over the past few years particularly through our Career Academy programme. This has allowed our students to learn about industry and progression opportunities alongside their College studies. We see great value in this relationship

with Forrester Boyd and all of our other business partners.” In order to ensure Franklin College’s students get the best careers advice, guidance and experience possible during their time at college, Chantelle Ellis, head of human resources at Forrester Boyd has become enterprise advisor for the Careers Enterprise Company, working closely with experienced careers staff to develop a careers plan for the college.

Alex Shreeve

Phoebe Cranmer

Age: 26 Senior accountant

Age: 20 Trainee accountant

Studied: A-level Accounts, Maths and Sport AS Economics.

Studied: A-level Accounting, Business Studies and English Language.

“I was always better at Maths than English throughout school and college and so I chose to do accounts as one of my A-level subjects which I really enjoyed. Franklin gave me the opportunity to achieve the qualifications I needed and also provided insights into what a career in accounts would involve. “What I enjoy most about my job now is getting to work in a great team which makes my life very enjoyable. I like being able to get out and help our clients with their tax planning and I frequently go networking with other companies. “Since working at Forrester Boyd I have studied AAT and ACCA accounts qualifications”

“I decided to go into accounting because I have always enjoyed maths and had the opportunity to complete my work experience at an accountants. I then became more interested as I studied A Level Accounting and realised it would be a good career for me. “My accounting tutor at Franklin was a former accountant, he helped me understand more about the industry and the options available to me. Franklin provided lots of chances to learn about apprenticeships and all the opportunities available to me. “I particularly like that accounting involves problem solving and I get to interact with clients and travel. “I am now AAT qualified and studying to become a chartered accountant.”

Kevin Hopper staff partner, said: “We pride ourselves on recruiting locally and Franklin students who work for us are enthusiastic and well prepared for the structured training programmes we place them on. “Many of our trainees have progressed through the firm, in some cases to become managers or partners and those who have left the firm have achieved high positions in the local business community.”

Carrie Jensen Age: 26 Assistant manager Studied: A-level Maths, English Language, German and Government & Politics “I decided to go into an accounting career as I had always enjoyed maths at school and it was a subject I had done well in, so thought accountancy would put that to good use. “I was actually planning on going to university to study accountancy, so the college helped me write my personal statement for the application. I was then able to translate some of this into the job application for Forrester Boyd once I changed direction. “I had some great tutors that I was able to go to for advice and job interview tips. “In my current role I really like going out and meeting with clients to see how their business works and how we can support them to be successful. “While working at Forrester Boyd I have been able to study AAT and then ACA qualifications.”

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Tel: Mob:

01652 632388 07710 800149

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Steve Gilmour, Scott Stalgis, Hayley Cullen, operations manager, Lisa Dawne, employment coach and John Cavill, learning and growing project manager, launch the new project. Below, Liam Watson.

Organisations urged to take on volunteers

ONGO is encouraging local businesses to take volunteers into their organisations as part of a new project it has set up. The volunteering project sees Ongo working with businesses to supply them with volunteers to work in their organisation for eight weeks. The aim is to support local people and help get them the skills and experience to become work-ready and be able to secure paid employment. The project has been running since March 2015 and has supported more than 225 volunteers in organisations across North Lincolnshire. Scott Stalgis, volunteer co-ordinator for Ongo, said: “We’ve had really positive feedback from all the businesses that have taken on volunteers. As a business they

had additional support in their teams for eight weeks. But most importantly they were able to offer someone a volunteering placement to help gain useful skills and experience to help them get a job. “We’d love to hear from local businesses that might be able to take on a volunteer, whatever sector or industry they’re from. We have lots of volunteers eager to start, and we will do all the relevant checks and measures to make sure they are suitable for your organisation. So it really is a simple process to take on volunteers, and we offer ongoing support throughout the eight weeks.” The Caretaking Team has supported 19 volunteers through this programme. Steve Gilmour,

Ongo’s estate services team leader, said: “I love that as an organisation we’re able to take on volunteers. It’s a great way to support local people and help get them work ready. Our volunteers have all developed into really hard working and enthusiastic people. “Giving someone an opportunity where they may have previously been faced with barriers could be just what they need to reach their full potential.” Liam Watson started his journey with Ongo in March 2016 as a

volunteer. He had very little confidence and had been out of work for some time before he began volunteering. Following his placement in the Caretaking Team he secured a full time, paid role there. Now a safety inspection officer at Ongo, he said: “Before I started volunteering I didn’t even want to leave the house, let alone talk to and meet people I didn’t know. “It was an amazing opportunity and has really helped me with my confidence. I definitely wouldn’t have been ready or have the right skills to apply for the job I have now if I hadn’t volunteered first. More businesses should definitely take on volunteers and give them a chance.” ■ For more information call 01724 844848.

Support event looms for potential angel investors DO you want to be an angel? Business investors are being sought to support a recently-launched Grimsby group, with the intention of helping entrepreneurs in the area thrive with financial backing. Law firm Wilkin Chapman is hosting an angel educational session next month, for existing angels and those who want to know more. The session has been

arranged by Martin Avison, who runs five angel investment groups across the north. He said: “We regularly run these sessions across the region and there is always huge interest. It isn’t all about investing and the tax breaks, significant as they are, but equally about supporting local businesses and giving back – something we refer to as smart money.” The session, on March

20, will cover an overview of Angel investment, SEIS/EIS Tax relief, shareholder agreements and minority shareholder protections, with a session from Barclays Bank and a case-study from an experienced investor. Adam Ottley, solicitor at Wilkin Chapman, said “After a successful first pitching session and another planned, this educational session gives potential investors the

opportunity to gain a better understanding of angel investment. By being able to openly discuss the financial and legal practicalities of investment, in addition to having the chance to ask questions of established angels investors, we hope this will further cement the group’s status in the area.” Accountancy firm Forrester Boyd is also supporting the event. Paul Tofton, partner,

said: “Access to angel investment opportunities hasn’t been available to would-be investors locally in northern Lincolnshire up until now. This informally run session provides those interested in finding out more about how it works with an insight into the type of investment opportunities they may expect to see here in the future.” ■ For more information e-mail info@financial pulse.co.uk.

info@gskelsey.co.uk www.gskelsey.co.uk

01724 854362 G.S. Kelsey Construction Ltd

Housing Management Property Development Community Investment 01724 279900 | www.ongo.co.uk

www.ashbournehotel.co.uk T: 01469 541010

Without the support of these companies this page would not be possible For you company to be included contact

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

Training in association with

Redwood Park Estate, Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire, DN41 8TH www.hcfcatch.com Tel: 01469 552843

For the latest and breaking business news around the Humber region

To further profile your training company contact Angie Atkinson 01472 806963 angie.atkinson@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

“

The launch of these programmes comes at a good time for those in local industry who have been affected by the apprenticeship levy and already recruit young apprentices in several areas across the businesses. James McIntosh

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New leadership skills are part of ‘levy pot’ AIM IS PRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF KEY RESOURCES TWO leadership and management qualifications have this month been launched through the exciting new Catch Skills and North Lindsey College partnership. To be delivered on site at Stallingborough, and accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, both the Level Three Team Leader/Supervisor Diploma and the Level Five Operations/Departmental Manager programmes will be offered as apprenticeships for employers to access. The pathways are suitable for all levels of experience, from existing managers with significant management responsibilities, to supervisors and junior managers. They are aimed to improve the productivity, efficiency and management of key resources within companies by offering an accredited qualification to upskill the workforce. The programmes are available for as little as £500 per person and employers who are paying the apprenticeship levy can use levy funds to pay for the training. The courses are delivered through blended learning with a requirement to come on site to Catch roughly three days per quarter. Head of Catch Skills, James

McIntosh, said: “The launch of these programmes comes at a good time for those in local industry who have been affected by the apprenticeship levy and already recruit young apprentices in several areas across the businesses. This has left employers with a large pot of levy funds in their account with no routes to market to train people. These pathways provide a solution to upskill existing members of staff in the vital areas of leadership and management. “The levy should be seen as an opportunity for employers to invest in their workforce and gain them valuable qualifications that can aid their personal development. Even for non-levy paying employers, the Level Three and Level Five Management qualifications would normally be a much higher cost so the apprenticeship route allows the smaller companies to access the same qualifications at a much more reasonable price. “I am looking forward to working with North Lindsey College to further develop these and other pathways led by our employers’ demand to meet their training needs.” For more information on registering for these courses, email Delivery of a course at Catch, Kiln Lane, Stallingborough. Inset, James McIntosh. holly.goodwin@catchuk.org

Training takeover agreed after funds secured for under-fire service FUNDING for all existing learners at Scunthorpe’s under-fire NLT Training Services has been secured, paving the way for a take-over of the “inadequate” rated service by a Nottingham operator. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has agreed to continue funding for existing apprentices, providing employers are happy to continue using the organisation. It follows an Ofsted inspection late last year which saw NLT graded “inadequate”, resulting in the ESFA withdrawing financial support, and threatening the Ashby Road centre with closure. Now, after discussions, the change of approach paves the way for a take-over of NLT by WEBS Training Ltd,

securing not only apprenticeship training provision but also 21 jobs across NLT’s Scunthorpe and Chesterfield sites. Sarah Temperton, pictured, a new chief executive of NLT Training Services, having followed the interim appointment of vice chairman Simon Marsden in June, said: “It is fair to say that we are all very relieved. We have been working hard to secure the future of the organisation and this sends out a very positive message to employers, apprentices and staff. “Our thanks go to our apprentices, employers, the business community and WEBS for the support they have given NLT during this difficult time.” WEBS is a specialist manufacturing training

provider based in Nottingham, which is rated “good” by Ofsted. It was founded by four of Long Eaton’s major manufacturing companies, and has been delivering furniture training since 1968. It has worked with NLT for a number of years, with their respective chief executives sitting on each other’s board. The takeover will give WEBS a full East Midlands presence, more than double the existing apprentice roll and expand the number of apprenticeships offered across all three sites, further helping meet local training demand. Sammy Jones, managing director, said: “WEBS and NLT have worked together for a number of years, and we are both committed to delivering a unique

experience to both learners and employers and developing and delivering outstanding training for industry by industry. The takeover made absolute sense and I am delighted that the EFSA’s decision means we can now press on with our plans to fully integrate NLT. Learners and employers will both benefit from the increased variety and enhanced training provision that we can now offer. “WEBS is already working hard with us to drive the quality of training forward. The additional resources that WEBS brings will enable the business improvement changes instigated earlier this year within NLT to be accelerated. It is an exciting time for everyone involved and an opportunity to deliver a greater variety of

specialised training.” The takeover will see NLT rebranded and all of its 200 Level Two and Three apprentices transferred ahead of the next academic year. Currently WEBS has more than 160 apprentices on roll. NLT is now calling on local employers to use its services. Sarah added: “Any employers looking for apprentice training or to recruit an apprentice, should get in touch with us as soon as possible. “WEBS will shortly begin recruiting engineering and business services apprentices in Chesterfield and Scunthorpe and we look forward to supporting learners and businesses long into the future.”

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Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Careers Experienced trading director to head up Dee Bee

Andy Morrison, new trading director at Dee Bee.

DEE Bee, the Grimsby-based wholesale operator, has appointed a new trading director. Andy Morrison brings a wealth of experience in the fast moving consumer goods sector in the UK. Having begun his career in the retail sector with several well-known grocery chains, he moved into sales, commercial and eventually trade marketing. Prior to joining Dee Bee, part of the family-owned Ramsden Group, he spent five years as wholesale controller with a leading distributor. Andy, originally from the North East, said: “I have spent my working life in fast moving consumer goods – in wholesale, retail as well as the food service sector – and I am delighted to be taking up this new challenge with Dee Bee, a very well respected and great business strongly supported by the Today’s Group.” The vacancy arose after former

trading director Andy Taylor took up a new role as retail director overseeing Ramsdens Home Interiors store on Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, and the Fiveways convenience store, which opened just over a year ago. Dee Bee operates wholesale depots in Grimsby’s Adam Smith Street and Hull’s Leads Road, where it returned in April 2016 after a 25-year absence. Each stock a range of around 6,000 products and have a customer base throughout the north totalling more than 2,000, consisting mostly of retailers, pubs, restaurants and cafes. It has seen considerable investment in growth and efficiencies recently, with the acquisition of a North Bank drinks specialist and the introduction of stock management technology to aid order picking for delivered goods.

Appointment is ideal solution for Vanilla SYSTEMS SPECIALIST TAKES ON HEAD OF TECH ROLE A GRIMSBY-based enterprise software specialist has appointed a new head of technology as it bolsters its management team to build on strong growth. Vanilla Solutions, which specialises in the IFS brand, business intelligence and process improvement solutions, has created the new role for Mike Hollifield, who joined the team a year ago as a technical consultant. “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity and am thoroughly enjoying working with Vanilla Solutions,” said Mike. “We’re a small company, but one with exceptional people who know IFS applications and the wider Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software sector extremely well,” he added. Vanilla Solutions was founded in 2009 by directors Jason Belcher and Andy Bell, both of whom had long careers working in IT, and with IFS applications in particular. Headquartered in The Innovation Centre on Europarc, it now employs 27 people across the UK. Mr Belcher was formerly the IT manager at Cosalt before launching his own consultancy and then creating Vanilla with Mr Bell, who formed for Swedish giant IFS’ UK subsidiary. He said: “We’d been aware of Mike and what an addition he’d be for us for a while before he joined the team and he’s excelled at whatever we’ve given him. As a growing company, we’ve been looking carefully at our management structure and took the decision to create the role of head of technology to help keep us ahead of the curve. “Mike was the natural choice and being

Mike Hollifield, of Vanilla Solutions. able to appoint from within says a great deal about our capabilities and our culture of identifying, developing and rewarding the best talent around.” Clients include BAE, Farrow & Ball, Largo Foods, Mayerton and Thompson and Morgan. Last summer the company opened a technology and support centre in Newcastle, with a team of six now based there and more to be recruited over the next year. Mike, originally from Stockton-on-Tees, gained computing and IT qualifications at

Darlington College of Technology before working at Teesside Power Station as a computer systems co-ordinator. He then joined Communicator Corps, where he worked as a client support executive at the company’s Sunderland headquarters. From there he moved to Leeds where he worked for NG Bailey, an engineering, IT and facilities services business. It was during his five-year stay at NG Bailey he developed the IFS skills and experience that landed him a role with Vanilla. “The company is ambitious and has a fantastic working environment – everyone is supportive and hard working,” he said. “The IFS and ERP community is a small one so I knew of Vanilla Solutions and their reputation for delivering. “My new role will be focussing on the company’s future strategy and approach to what is a very dynamic technical market. I’ll also be looking at ways to develop and grow our tech team and ensuring we’re up to date with the ever-evolving technological workspace.” Giving an insight into how his passion evolved, he said: “I’ve always loved IT and computers from being little – my mum worked at a computer shop and I’d go there after school and was fascinated by everything in the shop and how they worked. I was very quickly helping to set up computers and servers.” He has clearly impressed, winning two internal awards, one voted by colleagues, another by management. “I’ve had a great year at Vanilla and the awards and my promotion just topped it off,” he added.

Sponsored by

Engineering, Design, Project Management Recruitment and Construction Services

Wolds law role LEGAL property specialist Amy Harrison has joined the Louth office of Wilkin Chapman, where she is looking forward to supporting the market town’s successful future. A Louth resident, she is full of praise for the town and its ability to develop an eclectic mix of retail and business offerings – combining tradition with the modern-day. Based at the Cornmarket office, Amy is working with partner Nikki Hawkins and the team to support the commercial property market across the Wolds. “I continue to be very impressed by the development in all our market towns and how they are becoming increasingly popular,” said Amy. “When you walk around Louth at busy times it has a vibrancy about it with a real blend of old and new – the smaller independents mix well with the larger businesses and that is how things should be,” said Amy. From the Gainsborough area, she attended the town’s grammar school, before embarking on a degree in English Literature at the University of Leicester. While there, careers research threw up law as a perfect choice, working in retail to fund her further studies in Leeds and York. “It was hard work, but enjoyable and certainly worth it when I look at how I am now progressing,” said Amy. Following a traineeship and further experience in commercial property law, she joined the Wilkin Chapman team. Claire Parker, partner and head of the Wolds offices, said: “I take great pleasure in welcoming Amy to the firm. She brings with her an abundance of experience and enthusiasm and her passion for the local community will stand her in good stead as she continues to develop her client base. With growth expected in the commercial property sector, and it being one of our key sectors, the addition to our wellestablished team will help us to continue to deliver excellent client service levels.”

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Commercial Vehicles in association with

Versatile range to suit every business need TOYOTA SPECIALIST HAS THE RIGHT MODEL FOR THE JOB

be part of the family

Grimsby: 01472 355801 Lincoln: 01522 544700 Scunthorpe: 01724 271800 Hull: 01482 330660

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FROM a crew cab to a nine-seater, to more than six cubic metres of customised storage, Toyota specialist John Roe is confident each of its three dedicated business centres in the Humber can support any company’s light commercial vehicle requirement. The Proace, Proace Verso, Land Cruiser and Hilux are all available, and proving popular to keep the wheels of industry turning. Staff at showrooms in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Hull are there to help with key decisions, suiting requirements to models available. It has a strong track record of helping support business growth with refrigeration specialists Airco and Coldstar both having benefited from the specialist support. Hull-headquartered Airco recently received 24 Comfort grade medium wheelbase Proace vans.

A major order has recently been delivered to Arco, with other recipients around the region also turning to John Roe Toyota.

Business and LCV specialist, Kerry Elvin, told how the multi-award winner is available in three different body lengths, compact, medium and long, matched to a range of fuel-efficient diesel engines and transmissions with load capacities of up to 6.6 m3 to meet a wide range of business needs.

“There’s a variety of conversion options available on the Proace vans to support tradespeople, food suppliers and other specialist contractors,” she said. “As an authorised Toyota converter, John Roe can provide a number of adaptations, including refrigeration and specialist tool storage.”

In Grimsby, John Roe is based on Cromwell Road, with the Scunthorpe showroom on Grange Lane North. Hull’s John Roe dealership can be found on Henry Boot Way. For more information or to discuss your business needs, visit www.johnroecars.co.uk or contact Kerry Elvin on 07969 404412.

Driver Hire duo diversify as team is bolstered after successful start

Launching the new business, DH Recruitment, at THe Innovation Centre, Europarc, Grimsby, are from left, Michael O'Flynn and Jayne Anne O'Flynn, directors, Jacob Wilding, office administrator, Tom Hall, operational manager, Melissa Shaw, sales consultant, and Brett Hemingway, Driver Hire group services.

IT has been a whirlwind two years for the husband-andwife team of Driver Hire Grimsby & Scunthorpe, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. Jayne and Michael O’Flynn, directors of the northern Lincolnshire branch of the transport recruitment specialists, are celebrating the two-year anniversary of taking over the business by diversifying their recruitment services. At an event for invited members of the local business community, they launched DH Recruitment – the provision of permanent staff for clients and partners in the wider logistics industry, as it badges itself as “your partner in recruitment”. Mr O’Flynn said: “We’re known for the provision of temporary staff, operating largely in the transport sector and for supplying reliable

drivers with excellent customer service, but now we’re expanding the scope of what we offer. We’re working with businesses and partnering with training organisations to offer a complete service.” Since buying the business in February 2016, Driver Hire have continued to supply temporary drivers to clients while analysing all areas of the agency. During the second year, the team focused on expansion through recruiting, moving to larger offices within Grimsby's Europarc Innovation Centre, collaborating with training partners and now, growing into permanent recruitment. Mrs O’Flynn said: “We get a lot of requests for permanent placements as well as temporary, so now it is time to explore both. The business has grown by 35 per cent, we have the room to grow and

we’ve taken on new staff to enable us to develop the business even further.” The latest recruit is Melissa Shaw who joins the team as a sales consultant. Melissa said: “I'm really enjoying working with the team. I'm still in the early stages of getting to know all the ins-and-outs of the job but I can't wait to get stuck in, catch up with clients and meet potential clients for the future.” Driver Hire also provides training for their drivers and are making connections with key providers in the area. Ella Brown, business development manager at Modal Training in Immingham said: “Not only are Jayne and Michael excellent at what they do, but they have a huge belief in staff development. We’re excited to be working with them and supporting them in the future.”

STE-E01-S8

Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

Buy-to-let is in the eye of a perfect storm COULD IT BE A CASE OF TOO MANY WAVES FOR SOME INVESTORS? ONE of the region’s leading property lawyers has warned of a ‘perfect storm’, which may hit the buy-to-let market, as Government tax changes, a weakening housing market and fears over Universal Credit take hold. Reports suggest that the number of landlords planning to reduce their property portfolios has hit a 10-year high – a trend which the National Landlords Association attributes to tax changes. These include the withdrawal of mortgage interest relief for high and additional tax payers, a three per cent surcharge on purchases of additional property, and the introduction of a ban on upfront letting fees for tenants. Before April 2017, landlords could deduct their mortgage interest costs from their income when calculating their tax bill. And up until now, tenants have tended to foot the bill for tenancy agreements, referencing and credit checks. But under the announced changes, these costs will be passed on to landlords, explained Jonathan West, a partner and specialist in property related litigation at Grimsby-headquartered Wilkin Chapman solicitors. “Many landlords have taken advantage of low interest rates over the last 12 years and have bought buy-to-let properties with the benefit of a mortgage. The return on investment was worthwhile when interest payments could be offset for tax purposes. The changes mean some landlords could actually be losing money now. There are options to restructure a property portfolio – for example setting up a company if you are a landlord with a number of properties rented out,” he said. These changes come on top of landlords’ fears over the implications of the Universal Credit roll-out, which took place in December. Since then, job seekers have received their overall benefit entitlement via their Universal Credit claims, including housing costs. Mr West said: “The well-documented concern for all landlords is that these changes could result in an increase in the number of possession claims for ‘rent arrears’.” He explained how landlords may well look at other legal measures open to them to manage tenants who build up arrears. These options include the serving of a ‘Section Eight Notice’, which allows for swifter eviction of tenants if they have accrued arrears over a two month/eight-week period. “Many landlords are aware of their right to claim possession of a property using the Section 21 Notice - giving a tenant two months’ notice to leave. However, when a tenant is in arrears it would be understandable for any landlord to consider how, giving them at least a further two months in the property, will only serve to increase the

losses, and this is where the Section Eight Notice comes in,” explained Mr West. “Overall, there are certainly some challenges faced by this sector, which – combined with a relatively fragile housing market and continuing uncertainty over Brexit – could prove too many waves for a number of landlords to be able to ride it out. “Seek out good professional advice – to look at options to safeguard businesses in the future. As a nation, it must be ensured that good quality provision is offered in the rental property sector,” he added.

Property & Construction “

Jonathan West, partner and specialist in property related litigation at Wilkin Chapman solicitors.

As a nation, it must be ensured that good quality provision is offered in the rental property sector Jonathan West

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22

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

Thursday, February 22, 2018

STE-E01-S8

Property & Construction Reads’ new base

Business park is first to take KCOM ‘export’ EUROPARC CHOSEN FOR FIRM’S INAUGURAL VENTURE

GRIMSBY’S Reads Property Services has expanded, with a move to larger premises. The provider of maintenance services to commercial and residential properties, recently relocated from Ladysmith Road to a more versatile unit in Spencer Street. Managing director Chris Read said the move will allow the business to develop, providing room needed to enhance their services and ultimately create new jobs. Mr Read, pictured, said: “Basically, we ran out of room at our old place. We had containers at the bottom of the yard, storage across the road and we wanted to have everything all under one roof. In our new place, we’ve got all our gear here so there’s no waiting around at wholesalers, the lads can pick it up and get straight out to jobs, so it makes our service much more efficient.” The premises, which now houses storage, waste management and office facilities, had been derelict for some time and needed refurbishment. He sought advice from the enterprise support organisation E-Factor about funding, and with assistance from Steve Parker, business growth hub advisor at E-Factor, the company was awarded £2,235 for new signage, decoration, CCTV installation and external roof repairs. Mr Parker said: “Through various grants and funding opportunities, it’s great to be able to help local businesses in their goals for growth. “RPS’s new premises are ideal with better facilities and a good location. It has been great to see the business move to larger premises to allow for continued growth.”

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Wykeland Group managing director Dominic Gibbons, left, and KCOM executive vice-president Gary Young. Below, an engineer on site. GRIMSBY’S flagship business address, Europarc, has been selected as the first venture outside the home region for communications provider KCOM and its ultrafast broadband roll-out. The expansion from the North Bank is in partnership with fellow Hull-headquartered company, Wykeland Group, owner of the 20-year-old development that sits off the A180 entrance to the town. According to the two firms, it “reflects the partners’ desire to deliver game-changing connectivity to the wide range of leading businesses based there,” having recognised growing demand from occupiers. More than 750,000 sq ft of business space has been developed, with scores of occupiers from food production to fertiliser sales and motor homes to multi-discipline engineering, with nearly 2,500 employed by major organisations and innovative start-ups. Until now, the full fibre Lightstream network – claimed to be ‘best-in-Britain’ by KCOM – has only been available in Hull and East Yorkshire. KCOM executive vice-president Gary Young said: “KCOM and Wykeland Group have a shared commitment to investing in the Humber region to stimulate business growth, innovation and employment. “We both recognise that connectivity is a critical factor in enabling businesses to succeed in

today’s ever more competitive commercial environment. Europarc has some of the region’s leading brands and we felt it was important that they had access to the very best network available. “With fibre already in the ground around Europarc we have been able to deliver our industry-leading full fibre broadband quickly and with minimal disruption to the business park and its occupiers.” Mr Young said that KCOM’s £85 million roll-out of Lightstream’s Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology in Hull and East Yorkshire has already cemen-

ted the region as the ultrafast capital of the UK, creating the perfect environment for huge investment in the tech and IT sectors and other industries. Wykeland managing director Dominic Gibbons said: “Europarc is firmly established as the business location of choice on the South Bank of the Humber, as shown by the blue-chip brands that have made it their home. “Europarc offers a host of advantages, including the quality of accommodation and facilities on site in a great location to reach markets across the UK and abroad via the Humber ports. “Now we’ve invested, with

KCOM, to ensure the digital connectivity on the site is also unrivalled. This investment will enable occupiers to capitalise on the many opportunities and competitive advantages presented by ultrafast broadband.” There are plans to expand the site further, with a food enterprise zone status secured for a new phase, and existing development space available also. It could prove a timely addition for office-based employers too, with Engie moving its outsourced council services provision from Genesis Office Park to New Oxford House in Grimsby town centre, potentially creating a vacancy.

STE-E01-S8

Thursday, February 22, 2018

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

23

Property & Construction Engineering expansion as investment in firm pays off with new base MC Engineering Solutions has tripled its workshop capacity after moving to new premises in northern Lincolnshire. The four-year-old stainless steel specialist has moved from Stallingborough to Kirmington, after the size of the team doubled, with more to come. Buying a former haulage yard and storage facility on Limber Road, managing director Mark Crome is developing the base, and enjoying his new surroundings, opposite the distinctive green-spired St Helena Church. “We were tripping over each other, and we had been looking for a while, and for the office space and size there as nothing

in town like it,â€? he said, having been concerned about the initial move out of the immediate Grimsby area. Once there they quickly realised the benefits, both in terms of access and getting out to jobs nationwide. “It is going in the right direction for us,â€? Mr Crome said, having just completed the design and build of a new fish grading system capable of handling 120 units a minute for a high-profile client. “The client base has grown,â€? he said. “We have a group of ten repeat customers, and another 20 customers that we do bits for.â€? Dealing in contracts up to ÂŁ100,000 jobs, it is almost at a level he sees as ideal to

thrive on. “We are happy to take on any contract, we have been turning over just over ÂŁ1 million for the past couple of years, and we have invested a lot.â€? he said. “I’d like to think we could take on a couple more employees in the workshop, and we have a contracts manager that we are also looking to take on. We have invested in a drawing system too, so we care close to where we want to be, at a size we can manage.â€? Accreditations BS EN 1090 for structural steel platforms and ISO 9001 for quality management are being worked to, and if successful will open Mark Crome, managing director of MC Engineering at the new base in Limber Road, Kirmington. further avenues.

CLEETHORPES ARCHITECT IS BEHIND INSPIRING SCHEME THAT COULD BE A WORLD FIRST FOR OUR VETERANS Priory Road Site - External Courtyard Visual

Hodson’s high hopes for Hull heroes’ village A CLEETHORPES architect is behind ambitious plans for an ÂŁ8 million “Veteran’s Villageâ€? in the region, billed as a world first on the scale. Mark Hodson is behind designs for the project, which would see 58 modular-build properties being constructed along with a new horticultural therapy centre to help ex-military personnel adapt to life after service in the armed forces, at a dedicated site in Hull. The single-storey homes are expected to provide temporary accommodation, and DIY SOS frontman Nick Knowles is now an ambassador for Hull 4 Heroes, the charity behind the scheme. Mr Hodson, the head of the eponymous Yarra Road practice, was referred to founder Paul Matson, having impressed with work for the Goodwin Development Trust in the city. The architect, who studied in Hull and has established a second office there, said: “They were looking for someone who could create and innovative and interesting design with sustainability at the core, and we were recommended. “They are a really good, solid group, and we have had a meeting

Mark Hodson, left, with Paul Matson and Nick Knowles. Top and left, the proposals for the veterans’ village.

with Nick Knowles, and he is very supportive of the scheme and driving it in the background. The whole organisation is fantastic, and they have got themselves very well positioned with the local authority and good representation. There is a lot of expertise on board.� Mr Matson is a former soldier, and registered the charity two years ago. He was initially inspired to set up the charity after volunteering to take part in a special edition of DIY SOS, which involved creating a veterans’ street in Manchester by renovating derelict properties – the one where Prince William and Prince Harry pitched up.

Since then it has helped more than 50 ex-servicemen and women through various projects. Mr Hodson said: “It is great to lend the expertise and make sure it is appropriate. We are a small piece but a significant one.� Across two sites, one 13 acres, and another eight acres, the latter, pictured above, is described as very visible. “This is an interesting one because we are looking at open-plan timber-frame so the veterans can get involved in the construction. It will encourage socialising, and they will actually be able to see and show where they have helped build. There will be a lot of light and space.� Mr Hodson said 50 per cent of the

practice’s work was now in Hull, having played a big role in the Fruit Market regeneration, following on from the inner-city eco-development with Goodwin. “We are very comfortable with pan-Humber work,� he said. “I went to university in Hull and lived there for a while. It has been a really positive time in the last three years, since opening the office.� Plans for the village went on display this week, with a public meeting next week, ahead of a planning application being submitted later this year. Mr Matson, who was at Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner this month, as a chosen fundraising beneficiary, said: “Hull 4 Heroes has a great team of local and dedicated volunteers along with a passionate project team of professionals who are excited about engaging with the local residents to create a legacy that we can be proud of.�

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www.clarkweightman.co.uk

24

www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/business

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Business

STE-E01-S8

LAISTER’S

Last Word

BY DAVE LAISTER

No chance of nachos

High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Andrew Clark, left, and party ahead of the service at Lincoln Cathedral.

High Sheriff’s legal service saw great and good gather THE High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Andrew Clark, led a service in praise of the legal profession at Lincoln Cathedral. A highlight of the term of office, the special choral evensong brought together senior figures in law and order, civic heads including the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire and representatives of the armed forces, business and wider community. Mr Clark, a chartered surveyor and director of pan-Humber firm Clark Weightman, lives in East Ravendale, and was in full ceremonial court dress as he took his place within the procession that entered St Hugh’s Choir, the tierceron vault at the centre of the cathedral. Welcomed by the Dean and residentiary canons, the party included The Honourable Mrs Justice Carr DBE, the presiding Judge of The Midlands Circuit who followed Mr Clark in giving a read-

ing, with Judge John Pini QC, Recorder of Lincoln, visiting judges Rupert Mayo and Jeremy Richardson QC, District Judge Peter Veits and Judge Mark Rogers from the Lincoln County Court. Neighbouring county high sheriffs were also in attendance, assembling from Derbyshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, as well as the Queen’s Remembrancer and Master of the Queen’s Bench Division Barbara Fontaine, and the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis. The choir delighted the gathering during the hour-long service, with the Dean of Lincoln, The Very Reverend Christine Wilson, giving the welcome, and the Bishop of Lincoln, Rt Rev Christopher Lowson giving the blessing before the ceremony concluded with The National Anthem, with reception following in the South West Transept.

Pictures: Chris Vaughan

SO there I was sat three cars back at the Taco Bell drive-thru, anticipation of my second-ever visit building, when the chirpy assistant appeared beside my car to tell me they’d ran out of, well, most things, and were in the process of closing. I shrugged if off, not actually aware of the opening hours, turned around, and was off on my way to find out what the freezer had in store as 8pm ticked by. Wife and kids were enjoying a half-term overnight stop at friends in West Yorkshire, and I’d pulled a long shift at the office to make up for spending a tad too much of the morning before helping build birthday Playmobil for a happy seven-year-old – ironically a cafe was the centrepiece – so a burrito and a beer was the simple plan. Unlike this time three years ago, when Victoria Ayling’s hopes of becoming Grimsby’s next MP were dealt a savage blow by her huge renewables gaffe at the neighbouring cinema, this wasn’t the launchpad for the news story that hit the nationals ... much to my shame. Perhaps we’re used to fish and chip shops having a busy runs and occasionally having no haddock, but whatever the case, I wasn’t up in arms about it, nor did I give it much thought – until suddenly it was high up on Monday morning’s news bulletins after a weekend of national fast-food fury enveloping sister company KFC and hundreds of outlets. Supply chain teething problems from the good folk at DHL, a new provider of the fresh goods, clearly a just-in-time model gone

quite wrong somewhere down the line, and wince-inducing embarrassingly after promising to set a new benchmark when it won the work in November. It came as quite a surprise, not least because the DHL team I have knowledge of – those handling Nisa’s supply chain from Scunthorpe and various other locations – have an industry-leading record on getting it right. Recently Costcutter – hit by the Palmer and Harvey collapse – even acknowledged how well the northern Lincolnshire team of the global giant had reacted, stepping into the breach to keep the shelves of convenience stores stacked. On the radio on Monday morning, one presenter was expressing surprise at DHL even handling food, which just shows just how much seamless work day-in day-out goes unnoticed, hidden from the public conscience – until something involving some rather large brands goes a little awry. In a world of social media the reputational damage of a bad experience broadcast immediately is clear, and you see so much of it now, with customer services reps quickly responding and asking to DM details – that’s direct message not Daily Mirror or Daily Mail – thus taking the conversation, and therefore complaint, private. There’s merit too in a big hands-up, and fair play to KFC for the reaction it put out, shown below. Personally, I took to pizza rather than Twitter. My Taco Bell return will have to wait a little longer.

The Colonel was working on it... KFC’s response.

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