Business Telegraph March 2019 by Humber Business

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

OFFSHORE WIND SECTOR DEAL IN FOCUS

FARMING TWINS ADD PROPERTY TO POTATOES

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Engineering a bright future after 120 years down dock

Celebrating Bacon Engineering’s move to their new premises are Sally Bacon, front, with, from left, David Clugston, John Clugston, MP Melanie Onn, Johann Owen, Louise Bacon, Steve Cook and David Bacon

FABRICATION FIRM’S BIG MOVE HERALDS START OF AN ‘EXCITING’ NEW ERA By david laister david.laister@reachplc.com @davelaister

self-styled barometer of the area’s economy, Bacon Engineering, is preparing to rise again as it launches new premises and further expansion plans, 120 years on from its formation. Once part of a fishing and marine engineer-

ing group that employed 1,000 people, directors behind the Grimsby business – chaired by Scunthorpe construction pioneer John Clugston – are gearing up for growth in fabrication and machining for traditional and emerging industries. It has taken on Redhall Jex’s former site on South Humberside Industrial Estate, with a two-year plan to vacate the Kasbah and create an enlarged single base fit for a further cen-

tury of service to the wider business community. David Bacon, a fifth generation involved in the firm as founder Edwin’s great, great grandson, said: “These are really exciting times. There is a lot of nostalgia and a lot of history about where we were but the docks are not the thriving industrial heartland they used to be. We have moved with the times and we feel our time now is to be here. We are delighted to

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be here, surrounded by business and enterprise. We want to be part of that.” Currently serving as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, in a tri-service role based in Winchester, he completed work experience as a 15-year-old with the firm, and spent summers in the Hutton Road workshops. “We are hoping for another 120 years from here on in,” he said. “It feels like a barometer Turn to page 2

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contacts Editorial

David Laister Direct line: 01472 806972 Mobile: 0 7730 639525 Email: david.laister@reachplc.com

General Advertising Angie Atkinson Direct line: 01472 806963 Mobile: 0 7920 823544 Email: angela.atkinson@reachplc.com

Property Advertising Sharon Cameron Direct line: 01472 807031 Email: sharon.cameron@reachplc.com

Motors Advertising Andy Bannister Direct line: 01472 806962 Mobile: 0 7799 626752 Email: andrew.bannister@reachplc.com

Next month’s edition: Grimsby: Tuesday, April 16 Scunthorpe: Thursday, April 18

STRONG delegation from Grimsby underlined the town’s credentials when it comes to being a gateway to UK retailers at North Atlantic Seafood Forum. The £8 billion whitefish and salmon market was highlighted in a presentation by Young’s Seafood’s chief procurement officer Stuart Caborn to leading global industry figures at the annual event in Bergen, Norway. He told how it was “truly fish’s time,” underlining how flexitarian diet choices were presenting great opportunity, while health and sustainability came to the fore, highlighting £1 billion of headroom if the sought-after two-portion-per-week target is hit. Taking the market-leading position seriously, Mr Caborn said: “As the UK’s number one fish and seafood business, and largest seafood business in Grimsby, we feel it is our responsibility to have a voice at these events and help shape our industry.” In his address, he looked at the opportunities and challenges. He said: “We collectively need to manage inflation; invest in research and development and understand the consumers. The more we know, the more we can sell. “Take advantage of fish-friendly trends, this is truly fish’s time and we must collectively take advantage of it, and continue to drive innovation. “That’s why, is if we can all collectively increase sustainable seafood consumption to the magic two-a-week, then that represents a £1 billion opportunity for all of us to share in.” A year on from a key contribution from the town on a Brexit theme, and little had changed, with pressure-easing zero tariffs on the key exports from Scandinavia and Iceland announced in preparation for a potential no-deal as delegates returned to the day jobs. Only a Faroese trade deal had been set before leaders flew out. Lots of talk centred around easing logistics pressures, with frictionless crossings a key desire, stated many times over since the vote to leave back in 2016. Simon Dwyer is a UK and Ireland representative for NASF, a role he has now fulfilled for seven years. The Grimsby Fish Merchants’ Association secretariat said: “I was asked a lot about what is happening with Brexit. There is a lot of frustration with suppliers of seafood, who are exasperated at

Young’s Seafood’s Stuart Caborn speaking at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum and, inset, Simon Dwyer, UK and Ireland representative for NASF

‘There’s a £1bn opportunity we can all share in’ not knowing what they should be planning for going forward, be it fresh or frozen exports, and whether they should be looking at different logistics routes with frictionless trade and preparing themselves for additional documentation. “There wasn’t much comfort I could give them, other than ‘watch this space’.” Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg was in attendance, while in Grimsby – the UK’s seafood home – Theresa May fielded questions on vessels already at sea not knowing what customs regime the goods will arrive in. Back in Bergen, and Seachill and Seafish were also represented, with the latter’s chief

executive, Marcus Coleman, hosting a lunch with town representatives and some of the Icelandic and Norwegian suppliers. Austevoll, HB Grandi and Norebo were all there, so too David Robinson, who leads on economic development for North East Lincolnshire Council. The Young Seafood Leaders initiative developed by Seafish was highlighted, with Mr Coleman telling how he was inspired by Norway’s version at last year’s event. John Hester, head of supply chain and operation at Young’s, part of the network, also spoke on behalf of the group. ■■Read more on Stuart Caborn’s speech to NASF online at www.humberbusiness.com

‘We are investing in new machinery to lead us into the future’ Continued from page 1

of the economy of the town. It rose with the fishing industry and it fell with the fishing industry, survived when many didn’t, and now there are opportunities with offshore wind, something we are very keen to get involved with, to rise again with that. This is all the first step.” Steve Cook, who became managing director five years ago, is the first non-Bacon to hold the role. He is now working up a £250,000 expansion of the new site. “It is all coming together,” he said. “It is fantastic for us, for the workers here and the customers. Hopefully we will have the machine shop in the next 12 months. We are looking to

extend and build on this site. We have always been involved in specialist fabrication, complementing the machine shop, but now we have the space we have developed the capacity and capability to deliver bigger installations. We have the accreditations in place to build platforms, gantries and other structural work, which is good for us after 120 years serving Grimsby.” Welcoming guests to the dual celebration, Mr Clugston, a director with son David, recounted the firm’s history, from trawlers to repairs, and the support of the war effort at the launch. His mother was a Bacon, having grown up in what became the

Conservative Club on Grimsby’s Bargate. He told how founder Edwin made his way to the town having run off to sea from an Essex farming family, starting his working life sailing to and from Hamburg, learning how to read and write in his cabin before entering the fishing industry, working his way up to skipper, then trawler owner. E Bacon and Co was formed in 1899, and at one point 18 different trades covered all aspects of dock work. It now completes projects for operators as diverse as Grimsby Fish Market and Cristal. “Fast forward 120 years and we are now here in more modern and up-to-date premises,” Mr Clugston

said. “We are investing in new machinery and equipment to lead us into the future, expanding the business and supporting the needs of our customers, be it large scale production of precision works or one-off bespoke machining.” Business leaders rubbed shoulders with civic figures, including Grimsby MP Melanie Onn and North East Lincolnshire Council chief executive Rob Walsh. Toasting the next 120 years, Ms Onn said: “It is a proper Grimsby story of battling against the odds, establishing themselves and wanting to do better, not only creating a smashing family business but giving something back.”

Bacon Engineering founder Edwin Bacon.

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Wren flying the flag for UK manufacturing

Month in review

Ice-Co Foods already sizing up the future

KITCHENS COMPANY AWARDED MADE IN BRITAIN MARQUE

VOLVING Humber success story, Wren Kitchens, has been awarded the Made In Britain marque in recognition of its commitment to manufacturing excellence. The Barton-based company manufactures all its kitchens at three state-of-the-art factories in the area, using the latest production technologies. The accolade comes as Wren this year celebrates its 10th anniversary, a decade in which it has gone from a standing start to become the UK’s leading kitchen retailer. A total of 77 showrooms are now open nationwide, with orders fed from Barton, Scunthorpe and Howden production facilities. Mark Pullan, Wren’s managing director, said: “We are very proud of our British manufacturing heritage. All our kitchens are designed, developed and built in the UK to the highest standards. We are committed to manufacturing affordable luxury kitchens here in Britain and this makes us unique in the kitchen market. “We have created thousands of jobs in the UK and are delighted to have so many passionate, dedicated

The Barton-based company manufactures all its kitchens at three state-ofthe-art factories in the area

a n d exceptionally talented people working within the Wren family. We are happy to be joining likeminded businesses at Made In Britain and look forward to being part a strong brand that promotes British manufacturing.” Around 2,000 kitchens a week are delivered fully built, including all doors, drawers, wirework and baskets, and Wren has supplied kitchens worth over £1 billion in the last three years. The company, which launched in East Yorkshire before migrating south and expanding into the huge former Kimberly-Clark base on Falkland Way, employs nearly 4,300 staff and owns its complete supply

chain, delivering kitchens from its factories in its own fleet of lorries to the rapidly expanding showroom network. It plans to open 18 more in 2019. Made In Britain brings together the best manufacturers in the UK, through the use of its registered collective mark. It guarantees that members’ products are made in Britain and comply to the highest standards. Mr Pullan said that Wren prides itself on exceptional quality standards and customer service. It is the only company to have been awarded gold for both product and installation by the Furniture Industry Research Association and only works with professional installers. John Pearce, chief executive of Made In Britain, said: “Wren is an outstanding example of a high-qual-

ity manufacturing business flying the flag for British-made products. Its impressive journey to being the country’s leading kitchen retailer in just 10 years is testament to the management team’s ambition and vision. It’s great to see that its sights are set firmly on continued future growth, despite the economic challenges a lot of sectors are currently facing. “Its founding principles of sustainability, excellence and transparency throughout its supply chain are perfectly aligned with the values of Made in Britain, and we’re proud to have Wren as a member.” Wren has already been named one of the best employers in the UK, and is listed in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table of fast-growing UK companies.

SEAFOOD: A fledgling seafood business with Icelandic backing is expanding new premises in Grimsby, just weeks after moving in. Ice-Co Foods UK is led by Jarrod Smith and partner Portia Wood, with a focus on high quality, hand filleting and good old-fashioned hard work. It moved on to Grimsby Seafood Village as the new year dawned, and now is taking on extra space as it continues to grow, with a team of up to 25 employed. From a table within Garfish’s premises in 2016, it moved to more space on the North Wall, before taking its own unit. Specialising in cod, haddock and coley, supplies come from a vertically integrated model in Iceland, as well as several contacts in Scotland.

PepsiCo’s Pipers buyout completed FOOD: PepsiCo’s multi-million pound buy-out of northern Lincolnshire’s Pipers Crisps has completed. The undisclosed acquisition, announced last year, was cleared by regulators last month. Now the deal has been done, with the £11.4 million turnover Elsham business joining the global giant’s stable of drinks and snacks – including UK market leader Walkers.

Safety focused Quality driven A new approach to MAINTENANCE & MODIFICATIONS SURVEYING ENGINEERING & DESIGN FABRICATION PIPESCO LTD, Osborne Road, Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire DN41 8DG. Phone: 01469 576677 E-mail: info@pipesco.com

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Business “This refreshes parts of the country other industries cannot reach ... this is not hosted by London, it is in coastal areas of the UK, it is in the Humber.” Benj Sykes, as co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council has led on securing a deal for his sector that puts it on a pedestal as a key part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Intimately familiar with the area, as Orsted’s UK country manager, he works for Grimsby’s biggest inward investor for decades with £24 million ploughed into the port alone. It is the company that is developing and then operating the world’s biggest off- Benj shore wind farms, Sykes. and putting the blade orders in at Green Port Hull. Referencing this, and the cluster that has been established over a decade – with the likes of Centrica and E.on also contributing strongly, and Innogy next to come – Mr Sykes said: “For the Humber, it is more of the above. The Humber was first out of the blocks in terms of project delivery, skills and innovation and academic and supply chain links. “We are already seeing a capability of skills developing. We have been exporting them in oil and gas, and we can see it in offshore wind. Wherever offshore wind is built in the world you will hear Humber accents. “The industry is going global. It is taking off in the US, in Taiwan, we are seeing action in Japan, Korea and other markets. Now, with this deal, investing in skills becomes very important, as we go on to create more green collar jobs that are going to transform this region, creating an exciting future for those coming out of school in the next decade.” Known projects are already there, with more to come. In rooms neighbouring the Humberside Airport get-together, a day before the publication, work on Hornsea Project Two is gathering pace, as technicians installing the first dozen or so turbines on Hornsea One take-off and land out of the briefing room window. “Hornsea Three is going through planning, the consents, and we hope that will happen in due course later this year, then Hornsea Four

Clark MacFarlane, MD of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, at the Hull site. PICTURE: Katie Pugh

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Reflecting on offshore wind’s incredible journey

THE Humber’s role in making the Offshore Wind Sector Deal work for Britain – at home and abroad – has been championed by the leading industry figureheads with significant stakes either side of the Energy Estuary. David Laister sat down with Orsted’s Benj Sykes and Siemens Gamesa’s Clark MacFarlane, who have played a key role in sealing the momentous commitment with Government. is in the very early stages, and we don’t know how big that will be,” Mr Sykes said. “By the time we are in 2030, and have built out these projects, the sector will deliver a third of our electricity demand from offshore wind. It is transformational, affordable and reliable.” Currently the UK, with a world-leading

amount of offshore wind, is at 7 per cent, providing 8GW of the 45GW required to keep Britain switched on. Huge steps in scale, reliability and accuracy of delivery have been taken, bringing cost down dramatically over a five year period, while attracting outside investment as risk has diminished as technology has been proven. Explaining how detailed weather forecasting and analysis of operations is bringing a new level of knowledge to the sector, Mr Sykes said: “Offshore wind is now very predictable. If you are National Grid and managing the system, we as an industry are great, as you can predict output over the next 72 hours, and it is much more distributed than other sources (important should one big generator go down). “It is a good example of the transformation too, as there were not many of these jobs in Grimsby prior to offshore wind.” Between the operations sites in Grimsby and a Siemens Gamesa base in Newcastle, data from turbines is crunched to deliver increasing availability, while innovation in scale ensures more energy is harnessed from the wind. Hornsea Four could see 20MW turbines, Mr Sykes enthused. “That’s three times what we have now. They don’t exist, but on the back of what we have seen they could soon.” North Sea conditions are ideal, with an aver-

age wind speed at the optimum level for such generation, of 10 to 11 metres per second. Turbines can operate from three metres per second to 27, any more and the blades are feathered - levelled to reduce drag - to protect the huge installations, but too little or too much is a tiny percentage of time. “It is the best location for this natural resource. We could generate enough electricity out of UK waters to power the whole of Europe, but we need to do it in a responsible way,” Mr MacFarlane, managing director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy adds. In such changing political times, patience has been a virtue, with six energy ministers sharing the OWIC helm with Mr Sykes. He smiles as he reflects how more members of the Government are better informed because of it, from Health Secretary Matthew Hancock to Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom. “We have been working as an industry council for two years now, it has been a long journey, but a very good one, and where we have got to is that we have a Sector Deal that delivers for both parties. For the Government, there is growth, skills, an invigorating of the economy across the UK, in the Humber and clusters from the North of Scotland to the South of England, and it is coastal communities that will benefit.

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“As a sector, we have a deepening relationship with Government and clarity around future auctions for Contracts for Difference, which is absolutely key for encouraging investment in the supply chain. If we want to see businesses invest, and do business here, it is vital they can see a pipeline of projects coming through.” Orsted wowed the world when it brought Hornsea Two in at £57.50 in the last auction, halving the cost of its previous subsidy win just two years earlier. And now The Crown Estate is opening up more of the North Sea in areas favourable to the Humber once more. The next CfD round will open in May and will be repeated every two years in the next decade. Depending on the price achieved, these auctions will deliver between one to two gigawatts of offshore wind each year in the 2020s. “We’ll have to wait and see where the next generation of wind farms go, but the Humber is well established,” Mr Sykes said. “There are other ports up and down the coast, the Sector Deal will be important for other clusters, in Scotland, the North East and East Anglia too. It is going to be important for all, and the Humber will be a big part of that. “There is every reason to think there will be a supply chain that grows around the existing infrastructure. I feel very confident, not only in expansion of what we do - Orsted and Siemens Gamesa - but new companies who come and

wind than anywhere else in the world. Let’s now harvest the benefit of that by creating a strong supply chain across the UK.” As supply chain partners already there, few rival Siemens Gamesa. While the nacelle is still built in the Danish motherland, blades, towers, transition pieces and foundations are all emerging in the UK, with the above-water packages sailing out of the Humber. Mr MacFarlane said: “It has been two years in the making but this Sector Deal has been a positive journey for the industry. “For Siemens Gamesa it is great to have a home market in the UK that has certainty through regular auctions and an ambitious deployment level. We have already been looking at the future because we have invested in the facility constantly. Since we built the facility we have built a training r centre, and that’s trained 6,000 peoThe Offshore Wind Sectothe by Deal, now published, the ple over the last year, and 40 per cent Government as part of are external, so that’s industry traingy. ate Str l ria UK’s Indust ing. “This summer we will be implementing a new blade type, 81m, and that is significant investment. These are exciting times, we don’t know our 2030 plans, but we expect this type of progress. “There will be a natural limit, but it is over 100m [blade length]. We have larger turbines generating far more energy, 10 times what they were before, and we have also got the volume. Now we have dedicated vessels, dedicated manufacturing, the skills and ever-evolving designs, while everything is lasting longer.” There has been huge progress on the physical setting out of the incredible engineering feats that are the arrays too. “When we built London Array it took 30 days to install a turbine.” Mr MacFarlane said. “It was built offshore completely, with cabling, all the mechanical and electrical commissioning works carWe could generate ried out, from 2010 to 2012. Today enough electricity out we do that in 24 hours.” Working has got smarter. of UK waters to power Onshore where chartering vessels the whole of Europe, for tens of thousands of pounds a but we need to do it in day isn’t required, is where much of grow, and that’s the whole a responsible way that work now happens. Making it an principle behind clusters; almost plug-and-play concept at a they create a centre of gravClark MacFarlane scale barely believable. It is aiming to get ity that will encourage busismarter again, with automation and artifinesses looking to set up, to cial intelligence reducing risk, and cost, furcome and locate in the Humber to ther. do that.” “We are working with Orsted and Hull UniverAnd progress, like the deal, has been a steady build with full-pace development and lulls sity on a cluster initiative, Project Aura that is trybetween projects. “It has taken a while, but it has ing to encourage and support companies to got real momentum now. We have had a foot- come in to the Humber with new innovation, print in the Humber since Westermost Rough drive, skills sets to deliver a network, Mr MacFar(built from 2012), we have been here for a long lane said. “In the Sector Deal there is a fund for time. What we have in this area, in Grimsby in companies to apply for that supports them to particular, with our new East Coast Hub, is ulti- become real. “We have had a number of companies that mately over 400 people working there, which is have come into offshore wind that have been in really transformational, and very exciting. “You only need to talk to people working there other industries, as well as new companies about the good quality of what we have in developing technologies. One of the great facts is that we have created 1,000 jobs, which is actually Grimsby, it is a town really benefitting now.” Cost, in particular has been the driver, with now 1,100 jobs, but there was a study done that Orsted proud to have brought it below coal and showed it had created 2,000 jobs across the supply chain. nuclear, and on a par with new-build gas. “There is still scope to develop the facility and “It is like flat screen televisions,” Mr Sykes summised. “My first was 19in and upwards of £500. we have had to take additional storage from ABP Now you get a 40in for a fraction of the price. It is as part of Hornsea One. It isn’t endless developwhat we are seeing in the offshore wind industry. ment, but our minds are open to how we develop It is an extraordinary story, and no-one, not even our site in the future. It is not only the UK but exporting. Part of the Sector Deal is to help peous, believed it would happen as quick as it has. “That’s why now is a fantastic time to say we ple export, and we will certainly be an example of are world leaders in the UK, with more offshore that with international wind farms.”

Business Month in review

Embattled PM in town as deal is signed OFFSHORE WIND: Prime Minister Theresa May, the nation’s media and a global audience have been told how the Humber leads the world in offshore wind. Introducing the embattled leader to Orsted’s East Coast Hub on Grimsby’s Royal Dock for a Brexit speech, Orsted managing director Matthew Wright flagged up the huge advances now being made, praising successive governments for support and highlighting how industry can now pay back the clarity and confidence shown. She came to the town as the Offshore Wind Sector Deal was signed, bringing confidence and certainty to the industry.

Young’s nets £4m profit SEAFOOD: Grimsby giant Young’s Seafood has posted a £135.6 million turnover for the final three months of 2018 - its first quarter of its new financial year. Pre-tax profits of £4 million were achieved, on a par with the same time last year, albeit on a slightly reduced revenue from the £141.1 million it toasted last February. Back in 2018 the Ross House team were celebrating near double-digit growth, having just launched in the US. This year, it fell back 3.9 per cent, with the message from the top placing emphasis on maintaining the level of performance for the near 1,700 town employees, supported strongly in Scotland, too.

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artin Collingwood i s M part of regional law firm Andrew Jackson’s energy team. Here he looks at the recent developments

his month the government announced its Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which will offer significant opportunities for coastal regions and ports, along with ambitious plans for 30 per cent of UK electricity to be generated from offshore wind by 2030. This would result in significant growth in offshore developments. Over the past decade renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, has come to the forefront in the region. The Humber has, as a consequence of the leasing rounds by The Crown Estate, become known as the Energy Estuary. This is likely to continue with leasing Round Four being proposed, along with the establishment of

Clugston making haste with waste SCUNTHORPE construction giant Clugston Group is to build a new £210 million energy-from-waste plant as part of a joint venture in Scotland. Together with long-standing process engineering plant specialist partner CNIM, it will bring forward the Earls Gate Energy Centre in Grangemouth. It will be the 12th joint venture, and is on behalf of a consortium including Brockwell Energy, Green Investment Group and Covanta Energy. When complete in 2021, it will convert 216,000 tonnes of waste – the equivalent of around 20 per cent of Scotland’s total landfilled household waste – into energy, producing 79 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity and 81GWh of heat in the form of steam each year. As such, it will become a source of green, low-cost energy for businesses located in the area such as chemical manufacturer and site service provider CalaChem, which has entered into a long-term energy supply agreement for the offtake of electricity and steam produced by the facility. Under the arrangement Clugston will provide all the building and civil engineering services to support and encapsulate plant by French team CNIM. The facility is expected to make a significant contribution to supporting Scotland’s biodegradable municipal waste landfill ban, which is due to come into effect from January 2021. Construction of the main facility is due to start imminently, with late 2021 an operational goal.

Offshore wind power boom can recharge region manufacturing and operational and maintenance facilities on both banks. As well as the offshore revolution that has occurred, energy onshore in all its forms is also widespread, be that waste to energy, anaerobic digestion, solar power or the prospect of carbon capture and storage – not to mention onshore wind and battery storage. Here I’ll focus on offshore wind. Farms have two major phases – development and construction and operation and maintenance – but

these areas are themselves subdivided into a number of different disciplines. For example, the development will include consenting services, environmental services, resource and met-ocean assessment, geological and hydro-graphical surveys, as well as engineering and consultancy and project management. The performance of the tasks associated with these will take a significant period of time and involve various participants. Turbines themselves will require a number of different companies to be involved in manufacturing and installation, from the parts and

related cabling, to the installation of foundations and the chartering of specialist vessels. There will be a number of sub-stations both offshore and onshore and the establishment of both onshore construction and offloading facilities, together with onshore operation and maintenance facilities. Again, these elements will require a number of different participants. The number of onshore or offshore sub-stations required and the period of installation will depend upon the size of the wind farm and number of turbines, but it is likely to be relatively short, around one or

two years, when compared with the development and consenting survey periods. Progressively through the various leasing rounds wind turbines have been installed in deeper waters further offshore. This itself gives rise to logistic challenges in terms of installation, service and maintenance and the need for offshore accommodation to support those activities. Once the wind farm is installed and operational the operation and maintenance period begins, which is when the turbines will be monitored, maintained and serviced in order to achieve maximum power generated. Again, this period will require specialist equipment and operators together with significant remote monitoring. Once turbines reach the end of their operational life, which is likely to be in the 20 to 25-year cycle, the question then arises as to whether the wind farm will be repowered and new turbines installed, or whether it is to be decommissioned. If the latter, it is important to consider whether there will be any scope for re-use or recycling. ■■For help and advice call Martin on 01482 601305 or email martin. collingwood@andrewjackson.co.uk

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The tornado of offshore wind growth is staggering Grimsby renewables partnership told how industry has grown

HE staggering pace of growth in offshore wind was the focal point of an international address at Grimsby Renewables Partnership’s latest gathering. Sam Hall, construction project manager on Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm, addressed standards in the sector, having recently moved from delivering Westermost Rough and Race Bank, to become a leading figure on the US project. He is due to move out across the pond this autumn. Mr Hall said: “It is incredible how fast the industry has grown over the past 20 years. We have had wind power for a couple of hundred years. We have been using it to grind flour for a long time, but using it for power, not flour, is quite new and using it for power, not flour, offshore is even newer.” The first farm, Vinderby - established in the early Nineties - provided power for 2,000 homes, after a “ludicrous idea to put them offshore” came to fruition. Grimsby’s next, Hornsea One, will power one million. “It isn’t so ludicrous today it seems,” Mr Hall reflected on early criticism. “It was clearly expensive, not least because you are putting turbines in the sea. No one wanted to pay 15p

Chair of Grimsby Renewables Partnership, Andy Goudie, second right, with host director Linda Anderson-Smith, centre, and speakers, from left, Karl Hedison of Rapid Accommodation, Michael Wailes of Phillips 66 and Sam Hall of Orsted at the GRP networking event at The Ashbourne Hotel, North Killingholme.

on top of their electricity bill with standards and scale these things are now cost competitive with the next best thing on the market. That has taken away the main argument for not doing this.” Reflecting on the standardisation of the sector, he said: “There were standards for onshore and oil and gas, a lot were applicable and it was possible to migrate across, but they were paving the way for an entire new industry. “Standards are written and developed, but as soon as they are produced, approved and put in to effect, there is a new type of technology. There are a whole set of stand-

ards around gear box technology, but on Hornsea they don’t have gearboxes. Direct drive is quite reliable and ‘keep it simple, stupid’ is quite a strong engineering principle.” On the growth, which with the Sector Deal will continue at pace, Mr Hall said: “The UK has been a leader, and this area has been a massive part of it, but the Chinese market nudged us into second place last year. There was a total of 51GW installed in 2018, the industry that took a crazy leap offshore in 1991 is now massive. Keeping pace had been a challenge, but we have brought it out of the ludicrous.

Slowly but surely we have been taking risks, making projects, learning about what we did wrong and making it better next time. “Now turbines are getting to the point where they are quite reliable the average availability is around 98 per cent on Race Bank. “We have minimised operations and maintenance regimes, made them more reactionary to the weather.” Highlighting some industry failings on the learning curve, he added: “Blades are not falling off and gearboxes are not setting on fire - we can send people out because we know they are safe by design.”

Ignore existing and new employment law at your peril Happy and motivated staff, be it employees, workers or self-employed, are the ‘Holy Grail’ that any boss seeks. While an organisation can invest in all the new technology and machinery it requires, unless those responsible for its operation are pulling in the same direction, then a business will never maximise its success. It is the same from the shop floor up to senior management level. Employees are the most valuable asset in your business. With the above in mind, those in charge should, and must be one-step ahead when it comes to workplace relations, fair treatment for all and an ability to attract the right calibre of employees. A good employer will understand the balance between fairness for all and the structures and practices that must be implemented to run a successful business. However, even the fairest managers will come unstuck if they implement changes or act without regard to employment law. With the fee now abolished for people to lodge Employment Tribunal claims, an increasing number of firms are becoming embroiled in unnecessary, expensive and lengthy Employment Tribunal claims.

In 2018, the UK saw a plethora of new case law and legislation - one of the most notable being the gig economy and self-employee workers’ rights. With two landmark cases, one involving a plumber (Pimlico) and the other being the army of Uber drivers, ruling that the individuals were actually ‘workers’ with additional rights and protection, employers should be more mindful than ever of the need to clearly distinguish true ‘self-employed’ individuals. Meanwhile, this year and beyond sees the implementation of the Government-commissioned Taylor Review, which will see further clarity on the protection for workers, with those coming through agencies and on zero hours contracts being a focus.

ISO ‘a great thing for good staff’ Grant Hamilton, group facilitator at The Construction Network, updated on the work of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). “There is a fear-factor about ISO,” he told the meeting at The Ashbourne Hotel. “It points the finger at people who are not doing what you want them to do. “It is a great thing for good staff, as they probably already get really frustrated with other staff. “Once clear processes are in place everyone steps up to it and morale really lifts in the work place. “Some think it is hard, it is not all about processes, but leadership too. If the person a the top of the organisation won’t adhere, no-one else will. “In the old days it was about processes, now it is about leadership. What are the business goals and how do they work? ISO helps you to do all that. It is a much more usable standard than it was. If you bid for any government contract they will ask what quality standards you have. Having it is key to helping your business grow. It will change your workforce, it will make them better and make you a better company, but you may have some challenges on the way. “You can change the people, or you can change the people.”

By Katie Davies,

Partner in the Employment team at Wilkin Chapman solictors

While some employers may see themselves constantly embroiled in employment and HR issues, it is an area of evolving law that no-one can afford to ignore. Even if a company is proved right in any case that comes their way, court claims are best avoided and taking sound advice from the outset will limit any risk of such.

For further information, please contact Katie Davies on 01472 253917, email katie.davies@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

Brexit will also see changes, with Parliament committed to aligning new legislation with present EU regulations - allaying fears among some that the UK will take a backward step in relation to employment rights when it exits Europe.

wilkinchapman.co.uk

8 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019

Food

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In association with

Search for UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year Action from a previous UK Seafood Chef of the Year competition.

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THE search for the UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year 2019 is on! Sponsored by Seafish, the Grimsby-based public body that supports the £10 billion UK seafood industry, the competition – hosted by The Grimsby Institute – always attracts a high calibre of student, with Young’s and Oak Ridge Group two further town names behind it. The annual competition, now in its 17th year, seeks out those aspiring chefs and encourages them to cook with seafood. Last year’s winners Jamie Cracknell and Sagar Massey from West College Scotland said they were “overwhelmed” by their win. “The competition is a great way to progress your career, and opens your eyes to innovative ways of cooking seafood,” they said. Each team will be judged by a panel of

Jamie@lincsindustrialpainters.com

For support in raising your company’s profile in this sector call Angie Atkinson on 01472 806963 or 07920 823544

“It also encourages them to develop their knowledge on sustainability and sourcing of seafood, which is a vital when planning a menu today.” The winning team will receive a Koppert Cress “Cressperience” trip to Holland; a Robot Coupe Robot Cook food processor; £500 each; £1,000 voucher for Russum’s catering equipment for their college; cookbook; competition trophy; competition medal and prize certificates. All winning recipes will feature on the Seafood Week 2019 website. Paul Robinson, curriculum manager for hospitality at Grimsby Institute, said: “The experience of this competition will give the young chefs a chance to develop new skills. It’s invaluable and will help with their future careers in the catering industry.” The deadline for applications is April 1.

New head of technical to join seafood cluster

G 01472 340938

professionals, including a regional chef, at regional heats in May. The judging will be headed by Ben Bartlett, Master Craft Guild of Chefs, BBQ Champ and Seafish Chef Ambassador, who joined the team last year. Nine teams will go through to the final at the Grimsby Institute on June 7, where they will cook a three course seafood menu, while being judged. The final judges are yet to be confirmed, but in the past have included JeanChristophe Novelli, Cyrus Todiwala, Nathan Outlaw, Aiden Byrne, Tom Aitkens and Mitch Tonks, Nikki Hawkins, trade events manager at Seafish said: “The UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year is an important event for the industry. It encourages future chefs to think about innovative ways to cook and present seafood.

RIMSBY seafood giant Young’s has a new head of technical at its Humberstone Road cluster. John Jukes is familiar with both the area’s processing scene and key client Marks and Spencer, having worked for crosstown rival Icelandic Group, before his recent time with sausage-maker Samworth Brothers in Leicester. He served Coldwater and the group before heading to Walkers Deli and the Sausage Co business, following former managing director Anita Barker south. Mr Jukes, who has 27 years’

experience leading technical functions across food and drink manufacturing, takes on responsibility for leading the site technical team in driving product safety, integrity and quality. The site has been significantly expanded following the acquisition of XPO Logistics’ facility on Ladysmith Road, which neighboured the original town plant. And it will see him reunited with high street giant M&S’s work, with Grimsby’s leading seafood processor taking on part of the contract that was previously served by Coldwater, then the now-closed Five Star Fish. Bill Showalter, chief executive

of Young’s Seafood Ltd, said: “I’m pleased to announce that John Jukes will join our business as head of technical for our Humberstone Road cluster, based in Grimsby. John has a deep understanding of the specific technical and operational needs of seafood and has a great reputation with our customers that will help develop this outstanding site and execute our long-term growth strategy.” He will report directly to Scott Johnston, group technical director for Young’s Seafood Ltd. ■■ More career news, see page 19.

John Jukes, the new head of technical at Young’s Seafood’s Humberstone Road cluster.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

Business

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Nisa expands its store support operations

ISA has expanded its expert retail team by more than 40 per cent in order to offer increased support to its independent retailers. Eight additional retail development managers have been recruited into the business since the start of the year, to work directly with Nisa partners and help them to grow their businesses while ensuring they are getting the most out of their relationship with the Scunthorpe-delivered wholesale specialist. Retail development managers act as the link between Nisa’s Waldo Way head office and the branded store partners, which now number 1,300; working closely with key areas of the business including IT, logistics and operational teams. Together they have more than 4,000 stores, with individual retailers who operate single or a low number of stores those helped the most, as larger groups tend to provide own in-house support. Through regular visits, the team

Month in review

Crisps firm founder up for book prize

Nisa has boosted its retail team and, inset, retail director Nigel Gray

work to maximise retention and drive loyalty and sales, aiding shopkeepers to realise their potential and maximise growth opportunities. Nisa retail director Nigel Gray said: “Nisa has recruited a really talented group of operators from across the convenience sector to build on its already strong field team which will allow for a much closer relationship to be built with its retailers. Since Nisa was acquired by

the Co-op in May last year, it has focused on combining the best of both organisations to offer something new and exciting to independent retailers and commercial wholesalers across the UK – stability, the benefits of scale and a market leading own brand and fresh offer – all of which give Nisa retailers a real competitive advantage. “Through the recruitment of this additional resource, Nisa can support retailers to grow their busi-

nesses in a more targeted and individual way by informing, involving, educating and embedding the key commercial priorities that the Nisa/Co-op relationship has been developing and strengthening. “This is creating a truly compelling proposition and with the increased level of business support now available, Nisa can play an even more significant role in helping its retailers innovate, evolve and grow in an extremely competitive sector.”

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SUPPORT: Foodpreneur Claire Brumby and publisher-turnedauthor Glenn Fisher have been shortlisted for The Business Book Awards. The co-founder of Scubbys Crisps, who entered the Dragons’ Den on an emotional rollercoaster of brand building, has penned The Winning Mix: Launch And Grow Your Food Business Without Selling Your Soul. It has been shortlisted in the Specialist category, and is the only self-published piece in the running. The Art of the Click came from Mr Fisher, having worked for one of the largest financial publishing houses in the world, before getting a deal for his own work. He is listed in the Sales and Marketing category. Both were revealed at an exclusive event at The Grange Hotel, London, where authors, past winners, publishers and journalists gathered. Winners will be crowned on March 26.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019

Process and Chemicals In association with

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New name on the South Humber Bank

The former BASF site off Moody Lane in Grimsby, which is now Solenis.

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Grimsby chemical process plant is in new ownership following a global merger. BASF, on the South Humber Bank, has become Solenis, after the pair merged the paper and industrial water chemicals businesses, with the latter a specialist in the sector. The combined company will have a $3 billion turnover, serving customers in pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power, municipal and other waterintensive industrial markets Headquartered in the US, specifically Wilmington, Delaware, Solenis emerged in 2014, from Ashland Water Technologies, but has legacy companies dating back to 1907. The first, EF Drew in Boston, Massachusetts, started out in the vegetable oil business but soon added a water treatment line focused on boilers. John Panichella, president and chief executive of Solenis, said: “Combining our strong heritages creates the leading customer-focused, global solutions provider for the paper and water industries. Customers from these industries will bene-

John Panichella, president and chief executive officer of Solenis, which has merged with Basf and is now a new name on the South Humber Bank.

fit from our joint strengths, resulting in an unparalleled and complementary range of products and services, state-of-theart innovations and know-how.” BASF will hold 49 per cent of the combined company, with 51

percent collectively owned by Solenis management and funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. The new Solenis has approximately 5,200 employees, with increased sales, service and production capabilities across the globe. Grimsby, together with a larger production site in Bradford, West Yorkshire, are the UK elements of the transferring BASF portfolio, with further sites in Suffolk, Virginia, USA; Altamira, Mexico; Ankleshwar, India; and Kwinana, Australia. Located off Moody Lane, where the new £8 million road is being created to link the town’s industrial zone and Stallingborough, the town plant was built in 1995 by Allied Colloids, a firm that was bought by Ciba for £1.4-billion in 1998. BASF swooped in 2008, completing the deal in 2009. Anup Kothari, president of BASF’s Performance Chemicals division, said: “Joining forces with Solenis is the right step for BASF’s Paper and Water Chemicals business to maintain sustainable growth. Together, we will provide the broadest scope of products and services to meet the specialty chemical needs of

Customers from these industries will benefit from our joint strengths, resulting in an unparalleled and complementary range of products and services, state-of-theart innovations and know-how John Panichella

the global paper and water industry.” The highly automated site employs very few people, but is an important asset on a 50-acre site. David Scheible, chairman of Solenis and operating advisor to CD&R, added: “Bringing together these two highly successful and complementary businesses creates an even stronger global enterprise with enhanced prospects for longterm growth and value creation.”

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

Business

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Month in review

Expanding in Lincoln

Bob Ruddlestone, chairman of the Materials Processing Institute, Chris Vaughan, technical director at British Steel, and Tony Parkinson, strategic account manager of the Materials Processing Institute, during the visit.

TOUR OF world-leading research and innovation centre

Technical chief given updates on ongoing steel projects

LAW: Grimsby-headquartered Wilkin Chapman is expanding its presence in Lincoln, and unveiling it in spectacular style. The region’s largest law firm has been represented in the city since it merged with Gilbert Blades in 1998, adding Epton and Co a year later. Already operating across two floors of The Maltings, overlooking Brayford Pool, a third has been taken in a £240,000 venture. And it is over the stretch of water that a world-leader in human flight will perform a breathtaking airborne display, with jet suit pioneer Richard Browning, of Gravity Industries, to put on quite a show for the official opening, at noon on April 11.

New brew

BREWING: Docks Beers has nveiled a new brew - and its very different to anything else in their range. The Grimsby craft brewery is stepping into new territory, with its very first lager. Named Overtime, it joins the session pale ale Hard Graft, new world IPA Never Say Die and milk stout Graveyard Shift.

PROUD TO BE

RITISH Steel’s recently appointed technical director has visited worldleading research and innovation centre where key projects supporting the Scunthorpe headquartered company’s research activities are taking place. Chris Vaughan took in the UK campus of the Materials Processing Institute in Tees Valley to learn more about the support given to the major manufacturer and key northern Lincolnshire employer. The Materials Processing Institute has worked with British Steel since 2016, when it engaged in a partnership programme with the Institute to benefit from its expertise in steel to support the development of new and advanced steel grades, improve production processes and create plant efficiencies. Mr Vaughan said: “British Steel has a long-standing relationship with the Materials Processing Institute which has assisted in the development and enhancement of our iron and steelmaking products and manufacturing processes. “We look forward to continuing to work in partnership to meet the

RENEWING THE HUMBER

future challenges of the UK steel runs partnership programmes sector, and to complement our with steel companies worldwide. Mr McDonald, who was a manR&D team’s efforts to drive susager on the Scunthorpe works in tainability through innovation.” He was given a comprehensive the Corus days more than a dectour of facilities, and an update on ade ago, said: “It was a pleasure to each of the research projects being update Chris on our ongoing proundertaken on behalf of British jects to deliver improvements to Steel. Projects include process British Steel, as well as discuss improvement for all the major future research priorities and ironmaking plants and the BOS opportunities. “The Institute is celebratsteelmaking and all contining 75 years as a leading uous casting machines. steel research centre, It was a return built on our extenvisit of sorts too, sive research with Mr capabilities, Vaughan havBritish Steel has a longexpertise and ing invited and long-standing welcomed standing relationship global partnerChris McDonwith the Materials ships with marald, chief execProcessing Institute. ket leading steel utive of MPI, to companies. address Lin“Through our colnshire Iron Chris Vaughan partnership proand Steel Institute grammes, we integrate when he held the preswith clients to deliver a comidency in 2017. Through partnership pro- prehensive, long-term plan of grammes, MPI manages a portfo- research and innovation projects. “We initially adopted this lio of clients’ projects with the objective of maximising the finan- approach for our UK clients, but cial return on research investment are increasingly developing a portand minimising the associated folio of international clients benetechnology risks. It works with and fiting from the programme.”

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Meet the sponsor: XceCo – generating success together XceCo, based in the heart of the UK renewables centre on North Quay, Grimsby Docks, provides bespoke asset management and infrastructure services to the energy industry. It delivers a range of operations, maintenance and asset management services to sectors including offshore and onshore wind, oil and gas and gas-fired power, as well as having capabilities in the O&M sphere across wider industry. Combining the two key principles of improving value and avoiding unnecessary costs, XceCo describes itself as an expert in running large businesses and projects on behalf of ultimate owners. XceCo has extensive full project lifecycle expertise, covering design, consent, construction, commission, operations, investment, life extension, decommissioning and reinstatement. XceCo also manages full suite asset management functions, acting as owners representative, shareholders’ representative, and includes finance, commercial, health and safety, operations, technical and engineering, secretariat, reporting, investment, modelling, due diligence, project management, business improvement, and facilities management. The specialist company was formed in 2016, carving out a niche created by the utility sell down of offshore wind projects to

institutional investors and active fund managers. XceCo’s directors – Tony Lyon and Bailey Bradley – have a wealth of experience to offer. Tony is an engineer of considerable status within the energy industry, who has a breadth of experience covering the full range of power generation, from large CCGT plant to smaller scale generation and previously heading Centrica’s renewables business with responsibility for asset performance, asset integrity, strategy, operation and maintenance. Bailey has more than 16 years of energy industry experience, most previously as head of commercial and operational excellence for a large utility renewable business managing a portfolio of responsibilities including major non-engineering projects. Together with a team of dedicated professionals it provides a bespoke and valuable approach to solving problems, working as one team with client representatives to deliver solutions. The directors said: “XceCo is proud and pleased to support the Humber Renewables Awards for a second consecutive year. The growth and continuing innovation in environmentally responsible projects in the area remains impressive and XceCo admires the diversity of deserving projects and organisations along the ‘Energy Estuary’. “We wish all entrants the best of luck on the night.”

All the winners at last year’s Humber Renewable awards.

A winning Alliance on judging panel

EAM Humber Marine Alliance chairman and chief executive, Mark O’Reilly, will lead the judging panel for the Humber Renewables Awards for a fifth year. A figurehead uniting the region, the organisation he leads brings together key elements of the expanding supply chain, while playing a key role in championing the region on domestic and international fronts, acting as an ambassador for the Energy Estuary. THMA has recently moved into Ergo, the new renewables centre on Bridgehead Business Park, close by the Country Park Inn venue for this year’s event. In doing so it has placed itself at the heart of the sector, located between Grimsby’s opera-

tions and maintenance might and the large-scale manufacturing and assembly in Green Port Hull. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is once again headline sponsor. Mr O’Reilly said: “The Humber Renewables Awards is a great way to celebrate what is happening here. We don’t only celebrate the achievements of the big companies, the big investors, who regularly find themselves there, but every year we find new companies, making great strides forward in renewables in the Humber. “There are great things happening, and it is sometimes under the radar, but we want to hear from them all.” He will be joined by sponsors’ representatives and event organisers to

analyse entries, with applications welcome until May 10, ahead of the June 13 event. “It is important, as we do with Offshore Wind Connections, to stop and think, and make sure it is a celebration as well as an event,” Mr O’Reilly added. “It is all part of the journey we are on, and we need to stop once in a while and recognise the people, for what, often, has come Headline sponsor

2019 Enter now at

www.reachplcevents.com

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ENTER NOW

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

www.reachplcevents.com 2019 awards categories, sponsors and criteria ■■Humber Renewables Small Business of the Year (under 50 employees)

scheme, degree or other activity which is meeting the needs of individuals and the industry.

This category is open to firms with up to 50 staff and will recognise those which have spotted an opportunity in the renewables market. The winner will be able to demonstrate fast growth, a healthy profit and a solid plan for the future. It could be a company set up solely to work in green energy or a traditional business which has branched out. One of the reasons Siemens decided to invest in Hull was the great green infrastructure the Humber already has. From small-scale manufacturing to maintenance of turbines or services, there are so many ways to take advantage of the energy revolution.

■■Renewables Education

■■Best Renewable Energy Project or Installation in the Humber Area Mark O’Reilly, chairman and chief executive of Team Humber Marine Alliance.

about from really hard work.” Offshore Wind Connections is the annual conference and exhibition thrown by THMA. This year it takes place before on May 1 and May 2 at DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull, and he anticipates the Offshore Wind Sector Deal to be a key theme. “We will be lifting the hood and looking down, and I’m sure we’ll see some really interesting things,” he said. “Longevity is crucial, people being more serious about investment, and UK content, that all really matters for us. It has always been one of the main themes.” He has also welcomed the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, fund support to get the supply chain ready. “If we want to do this properly we need the appropriate support,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“We need more people involved and this has got to be good. How it comes through we will see.” Our dedicated business website, Humberbusiness.com, is an official media partner of OWC. The past month has seen Innogy and James Fisher come on board as category sponsors, both are in the midst of significant Humber expansions. Launched in 2012, Xceco, Spencer Group and Hull College are all multiple-year backers of the event, brought to you by the regional team at Reach Plc, responsible for the Grimsby Telegraph, Scunthorpe Telegraph, Hull Daily Mail and associated websites. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact jane.smallwood@reachplc.com for details.

Category sponsor: XceCo This prize is for the designers and manufacturers behind the best green energy installations. Judges will be looking for a winning project that produces clean power, is built to the highest of standards and shows off the region’s world-class expertise. The category is open to schemes of any scale, from multi-million pound developments to microgeneration programmes. It could be won by a firm focused on renewables or a company, public sector organisation or educational establishment which has done its bit to reduce our carbon footprint. Schools, colleges or stately homes with the latest green heating and energy technology are welcome to apply. ■■Excellence in Renewable Skills and Training Category sponsor: James Fisher Marine Services Multi-national green energy companies may have their eyes on the region but success in bringing them here means nothing if they cannot find qualified East Yorkshire employees. Getting the training right for any potential workforce is vital and this award will celebrate those organisations which have done most to create a much-needed skills base. The category is open to employers, specialist centres and education providers. They must have established a training programme, apprenticeship

Category sponsor: Hull College

the infrastructure needed. Judges will be looking at past financial performance and recruitment in the past year. ■■Engaging the Community / Community project

This category will reward the educators who have done most to promote the value of clean power. It could be as part of an energy qualification or learning programme run by a university of college, or a one-off project at a primary or secondary school. Nominations will be able to demonstrate what the aims of the education project were, how they were achieved and any feedback from students. Submissions may also include details of whether, and how, the project was supported by representatives of the renewables industry.

Category sponsor: Spencer Group

■■Green Innovation

Category sponsor: Innogy

Green energy’s ability to compete with fossil fuels has been brought about by bringing down costs – and that is where this award comes in. It will reward firms of any size which go out of their way to be more efficient and are not afraid to come up with unusual approaches. Judges will be looking to see how innovation has made a real difference to their work. That could be developing a different business model, refining existing technology to make it leaner and more effective or coming up with a brand new way of generating power. This award is not just open to energy firms, though. Companies which recycle oil or waste are also welcome to apply, as are businesses in other sectors which have thought up inventive methods of reducing their carbon footprint.

This award aims to recognise and celebrate professional women working in the energy sector who go above and beyond business-as-usual. This may be someone who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, have contributed significantly to the expansion and improvement of the power sector or it could be a young role model who is destined to shape the future of renewable energy. Alternatively, the entry could be a project or team working to the improvement of the renewables sector.

■■Humber Renewables Medium/ Large Business of the Year (over 50 employees) Running a major company is tough in any field but an emerging sector like renewable energy is even harder than most. Businesses have to be instantly adaptable, on top of the latest technology and ready to make the most of opportunities offered by the Government’s green agenda. This award’s winner will be a regional firm with at least 50 employees and bold ambitions to become even bigger. It could be looking to capitalise on investment through opportunities on land or at sea, or working in a totally different field. Successful large and medium companies are vital for providing

This category will recognise a renewable energy project that has the community at its heart. This could either be through raising public awareness of renewable energy needs or involving a local community in a renewables industry project. Or this could be a renewables project driven by a local community or organisation. This could range from solar panels on a community hall or industrial space taken over with a renewable installation. ■■Women in Manufacturing and Engineering

■■Humber Renewables Champion Category sponsor: Siemens Gamesa The winner of this award will have a passionate focus on promoting the renewables industry. It could be an individual, public sector body or company – the key is a real focus on making the Humber the energy estuary. They will have tirelessly campaigned to promote green power. A worthy winner would be anyone who has helped attract new investment, encouraged the Government to support the region’s ambitions or paved the way for more jobs. With so many big energy firms based abroad, it could also be an organisation or person who has done their bit to ensure our reputation stretches beyond the UK’s shores. Judges will be looking for candidates whose aim was not just to further their own business but create opportunities for everyone. This is a special award, and no nominations will be accepted. Judges will pick a winner they feel is most deserving.

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Ports & Logistics

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Terminal has new man at the helm

Humber International Terminal ABP Immingham and, inset, Martin Bardle

umber International Terminal has a new man at the helm. Martin Bardle, formerly Associated British Ports’ head of compliance, has taken the operational role, following Craig Barbour’s appointment as general manager at the company’s Southampton facilities. HIT, the in-river facility developed in three key phases, handles 10 per cent of the country’s energy cargoes and has the capacity to host Panamax size vessels as well as part-laden Capesize vessels, the largest dry bulk cargo ships. In 2013, it handled around 13 million tonnes of coal, however,

in 2015, an agreement was signed with Drax power station to provide a facility designed to handle biomass. HIT now boasts the country’s largest biomass handling facility, Immingham Renewable Fuels Terminal. Martin joined ABP on the Humber in 2015 and has successfully blended a number of departments together to create the compliance team, which comprises of health and safety, security, environment and quality. Looking forward to getting started in his new career as head of HIT, he said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with the Humber International Terminal team in further improving the

services we offer to our customers.” Mr Bardle joined the British Army at the age of 16 as a plant and equipment fitter apprentice, and served for almost 15 years in the Royal Engineers. After leaving the Army, he worked in a succession of health and safety

leadership roles with companies including Balfour Beatty, RollsRoyce and Mace. He holds a MBA from Warwick Business School and a Masters of Science Degree in Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Management. Simon Bird, regional director for ABP Humber, said: “Martin has been a key member of the Humber’s senior leadership team for many years and has implemented safety initiatives across a number of operations. My colleagues and I are excited to support Martin in his new role with us and look forward to future developments at the HIT.” ■■More careers news on page 19.

Shipping agency Graypen marks its 50th milestone with a huge golden ‘G’ GRAYPEN has made its iconic headquarters the focus of its 50th anniversary celebrations, turning the huge ‘G’ of the statement signage outside the architecturally-designed Immingham base gold. The shipping agency’s The Bridge, where the nautical theme extends to port and starboard warning lights, opened six years ago, and looks resplendent with

the special coating. More than 50 people are employed off Queens Road, with 24 more offices across the UK and in Europe, taking the headcount well over 100. Managing director, Simon Coghlan said: “This milestone in business is something that we are all very proud of and says so much about our strength as a business, also our credibility and reputation within the shipping

industry and is testament to everyone that has worked at Graypen over the years. “Throughout the year we will be celebrating our golden anniversary with various special events and we hope to see many of our customers and friends, old and new during the course of 2019.” The £2 million unveiling of the HQ in early 2013 was a particular

highlight, a project led by former director Tim Gifford, part of a successful management buy-out of the business from Hull-based Oughtred & Harrison in 2004. He became group chairman in late 2016, retiring in 2018, with Mr Coghlan having taken over as group managing director, having worked in the business for more than 20 years, serving on the board for 15.

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Humber cluster ‘ideally placed’ for carbon capture

RAX’S pilot carbon capture programme has the potential to become the anchor for a pan-Humber solution to ozone antagonising gases, banishing them under the North Sea and cleaning up the huge heavy industry cluster. Momentum is once again building behind a plan for vast underground pipelines, with the Energy Estuary providing a location to ensure sustainability in energy generation, manufacturing and refining, with an infrastructure project work hundreds of millions of pounds. It could also prove to be a magnet for further investment, providing a build-ready environmentally-friendly option for emissions not found elsewhere. Speaking as the regional power giant released strong annual results, weeks after the

first successful capture trials, Andy Koss, chief executive at Drax Power, told how it was an opportunity to drive down the cost of biomass and extend the life of energy generation at Drax. Mr Koss said: “Is really exciting, and it is how we become a carbon negative generator if we can capture and sequester the carbon, and that will really extend the life of the plant. “Government seems very interested again. This is a key technology to ensure we meet our future carbon budgets as a country. We think the Humber cluster is ideally placed to be the first cluster to have it up and running in the 2020s. It could be great for jobs and growth in the region. We are looking to work very closely with government to make it a reality.

Drax chief executive Andy Koss. PICTURE: Daniel Lewis

“There is a lot of interest and enthusiasm here. We are working very closely with Humber LEP and a number of bodies representing industry in the Humber. Everyone is very much behind preserving heavy industry around the Humber region, and trying to do it in a much lower carbon way. “More co-ordination is required, then getting in front of Government and making the case.” There was a strong push a decade ago with plans drawn up for North and South Bank spurs from major emitters to depleted gas fields in the near North Sea. Mr Koss said it had been developed quite far, before the plug was pulled four years ago. “The pipeline was progressing through planning consents before a competition was stopped in Whitehall in 2015,” he said of a

funding route that came to halt. “Industry is here. We are an anchor project and there was a pipeline corridor. It could be revitalised, the Humber cluster, it is ideally placed, and we think it is easy to renew. We would have to go through another planning process, but it had all the consents, all the stakeholder engagement.” Lord Haskins is including it in the local industrial strategy work, and spoke at a recent government inquiry into the technology, as reported last month. On the results, Mr Koss said: “We have gone from £229 million to £250 million, which is very strong growth - 9 per cent year on year and we’re really pleased about the strong performance from each of the businesses, and particularly pleased with power generation.”

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Kate Bradshaw, partner at Haines Watts, in Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby.

Rental home owners warned over capital gains tax changes HOW Chancellor ‘S AMENDMENTS COULD AFFECT YOU

HEN Chancellor Philip Hammond stood up and delivered his budget last autumn he took the opportunity to heap more misery on rental property owners, according to leading local accountancy firm Haines Watts. As a result, owners are likely to pay significantly more capital gains tax when they sell a property, once the changes come in to force next year. Kate Bradshaw, partner at Haines Watts, said: “Following the amendments to buy to let tax relief in 2016, individuals often pay more tax on their rental income. Now the Chancellor has announced new changes which will increase the amount of capital gains tax you could pay when selling a property. It will specifi-

cally affect those who rent out a property which they once lived in as their own home. From April 6, 2020, Principal Private Residence relief (PPR) will only allow the last nine months of ownership to qualify for relief, it is currently 18 months and was previously three years. This means that the amount of capital gains tax payable will increase on the sale of a rental property in the majority of cases where PPR is claimed. “Not only have they made changes to PPR they have also altered the qualifying conditions for Lettings Relief which means that it will be severely restricted from April 6, 2020, and will cease to apply in the majority of circumstances. Overall the capital gains tax you pay on selling your rental property is likely to increase from then.”

If you are considering selling a rental property which used to be your main home then we strongly advise taking advice ... Kate Bradshaw, partner at Haines Watts

The capital gains tax rates applicable to the disposal of residential property will remain at 18 per cent for basic rate tax payers and 28 per cent for higher rate tax payers. These are higher than the standard rates applied to other types of capital gains of 10 per cent and 20 per cent

respectively. Kate said it was not all doom and gloom though as there will be a slight increase to individual capital gains tax annual allowance from £11,700 to £12,000 for the tax year ending April 5, 2020. She added: “If you are considering selling a rental property which used to be your main home then we strongly advise taking advice now as to your options as a disposal after April 5, 2020 may mean you will pay more tax.” For help with how the changes will affect you or if you would like to know more about the tax consequences of owning a rental property you can contact Haines Watts in Grimsby on 01472 355215 or by email at grimsby@hwca.com or in Scunthorpe on 01724 844876 and scunthorpe@hwca.com.

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Tom now beverage manager EXPANSION plans are unveiled as a third generation Lidgard joins the hotel management team. Ashley’s son Tom, who first worked at ‘The Brack’ as a waiter, is now beverage manager across the three venues. He studied mixology in Bloomsbury, London, excelling on the course, before playing a pivotal role in the emergence of The Counting House in Cleethorpes’ trendy Sea View Street quarter. Having trained up the team, now on a third cocktail menu, the skillset is being brought to the hotel chain, with wedding cocktails a big push at the current

season’s shows. Ashley said: “It is great to have Tom on board. I worked with my Dad, and he is part of a great team we have coming through the business.” Looking at future succession of the family business, he said: “I’m not going to here forever, and he has large team around him to enable him to be the best he can be. “We built The Counting House, and I handed it over, and it is testament to Tom and Richard Matthews, what they have created.” Tom said he was pleased with the step up and enthused by the future plans for The Brack, where he is “proud” to be furthering the legacy left by his grandparents.

Ashley Lidgard welcomes son Tom Lidgard to the Brackenborough, as beverage manager across Oakridge Hotels.

New £3.5m five star luxury lodge plan for entrance to Wolds Plans for lodges at The Brackenborough Hotel, Louth, part of Oak Ridge Group.

Plans are in place for a number of luxury lodges to be built at the Brackenborough Hotel, managed by, from left, Tom Lidgard, beverage manager, Aime Evans, finance director, Andrew Smith, managing director, and Ashley Lidgard, chairman.

£3.5 million investment to provide high-end holiday lodges at the entrance to the Lincolnshire Wolds is being embarked upon by Grimsby-area hotelier Ashley Lidgard. Plans have been submitted for fields that form part of The Brackenborough Hotel footprint at Cordeaux Corner to welcome 39 two and three-bedroom luxury lodges, in a move that would create 20 jobs and provide a huge tourism boost for Louth and wider Lincolnshire. Should it gain consent in the coming months, Mr Lidgard’s Oak Ridge Group will partner with Hoseasons, developing in a phased approach, with a larger lake and access to the path that follows the old railway line at the rear of the site, to be opened up. “This will be five star luxury lodges, part of a collection that appeals to mature people,” Mr Lidgard said, underlining the appeal of self-catering for active breaks. “Lodge demand is up 14 per cent in Lincolnshire, compared to the hotel market which is at 1.1 per cent,” he said. “People want to travel for a couple of hours and enjoy a glass of wine one a balcony when they get here, or be able to park up, leave the car and get out and explore. We think there is a lot to offer and we will

be working with businesses in the town and the likes of Cycle England to really promote what we have.” A further five extra roles could be created in the hotel too, with potential for meal service and anticipated demand on the bistro. There will be no disruption to the Tennyson Suite, surrounding grounds or the car parking, with work beyond the existing developed footprint. Oak Ridge already employs 150 people across ‘The Brack,’ The Ashbourne Hotel and The Counting House bar in Cleethorpes. “All being well we will develop out in phases, depending on the demand.” It is seen as another major milestone. “My Dad created the hotel, I’ve built the Tennyson Suite and now we’ve been thinking what can we build next. We believe the lodge scenario is the best way to go. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty that has easy access to Lincoln and the coast.” The team hope it will be before planners in either April or May. Mr Lidgard is again working with Lincs Design Consultancy, with whom a house-building venture is underway alongside retail entrepreneur Nick Ramsden and Paul Barker, head of contractor JemBuild, in North Thoresby.

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The apprentices blazing a trail

PPRENTICES, families and employers celebrated with a special awards ceremony to mark National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month. Grimsby Institute hosted the event, linking in with the ‘Blaze a Trail’ theme to showcase opportunity. In the build up to the ceremony, the college’s apprenticeship team held workshops, advice sessions, and a breakfast event based on the new LGV Apprenticeship unveiled at Modal last month. Lucy Ottewell-Key, executive director of apprenticeships, said: “Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to shout loud about the benefits of apprenticeships across our community, as well as the chance to meet some of our fantastic current apprentices and those who are potential new apprentices. “Apprenticeships are employerled. They are a job with training that supports a learner to progress within

Some of the award winners selected as part of National Apprenticeship week at Grimsby Institute

their chosen career, while supporting an employer to decrease skills gaps within their organisation.” She told how Grimsby Institute offers a full consultancy service including recruitment and matching, levy and funding support and guidance, bespoke apprenticeship development, an assigned account manager and w o r k- b a s e d trainer. Sectors covered range from business functions to engineering, childcare to hairdressing. Addressing the ceremony, principal and deputy chief executive Debra Gray, said: “Our apprentices are among the best in the country. “That’s because our employers take care of them and train them so

well and, I firmly believe, we have one of the best apprenticeship teams in the country. “It’s not easy to earn while you learn but it wouldn’t be possible without our employers.” Turning to them, she said: “Thank you for the work you do with young people and adults, because the skills they learn at work make them an even better person. Our Ap p re n t i c e ship team isn’t large, but works very, very hard to make sure every apprentice will suit their employer, every employer knows their responsibilities and this area, which has suffered so much for so many years, can thrive and train employees of the future.”

Apprentice success drives growth at progressive law firm

Pippa Bradley will start a Solicitor Apprenticeship in September

A NORTH Lincolnshire law firm’s practice manager is bringing past experience as an apprenticeship assessor to his present role, helping secure future growth. Tim Bartlett heads up the administration of Mason, Baggott & Garton, a four-office firm operating in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Epworth and Barton. With first-hand experience, he understands the benefits workbased learning brings, with National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month encouraging him to flag up the efforts being made. “It is a safe and supportive way to

get proper work experience, gain new skills and qualifications,” he said. “It allows a person to grow in confidence too, all the while taking their first steps on the career ladder.” Working with training provider McArthur Dean, the firm has seen a number of trainees and apprentices progress into permanent employment. Currently, six members of staff have entered the business via apprenticeships. “We have maintained a strong workforce, with most of our apprentices progressing into permanent roles,” Mr Bartlett said.

“Having quality staff has been a large contributing factor in the growth of the business. The apprentices really add to the energy of the firm.” Mason, Baggott & Garton has now taken on former Caistor Grammar School student Pippa Bradley, and she will start a Solicitor Apprenticeship in September through The University of Law – a route that will enable her to qualify in six to seven years without incurring any student debt. She said: “The opportunity to work in an established law firm is allowing me to grow and progress

my career while studying towards my law degree. I see it as a fantastic prospect where I am able to interact with clients and work alongside respected practitioners whilst grasping an understanding of the law I would have otherwise missed.” The Barton office’s conveyancing team also includes 19-year-old Travis Dean who completed an intermediate apprenticeship in Business Administration in 2018. Paralegal apprentice Troi Wynn, 21, is a former Frederick Gough School pupil. She is due to qualify in October, achieving Level Three Professional Diploma in Law and Practice.

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Appointment takes some licking

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I’ve been impressed by their ambition and drive and I believe I can help them achieve their goals

ANILLA Solutions has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading enterprise software specialists with the key appointment of a new non-executive director. Paul Massey, one of the most experienced figures in the UK’s business systems world, and joins the Brigg-headquartered team having recently retired as managing director of IFS Europe West. He led operations in the UK, Spain, France and Portugal for more than 12 years and under his stewardship, IFS grew to a 350-employee operation with a turnover of nearly £100 million. Jason Belcher, director at Vanilla, said: “We’re thrilled to have someone with Paul’s experience and stature on board. His track record of successful delivery at IFS and his deep knowledge of our industry are of great value to us. We’re a relatively young company with ambitions

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Paul Massey has joined Vanilla Solutions as a non-executive director.

for growth, both in the UK and further afield and there probably isn’t anyone else better able to help us achieve this than Paul. “Paul’s knowledge of the sector, of running a hugely-successful software and services company, and of course IFS applications will be invaluable to us and his advice is already making a difference.” Vanilla employs a team of 27, with further offices in Newcastle. Lichfield-born Paul studied economics and accountancy at Loughborough University, and worked as a management

accountant before specialising in the implementation of accounting systems, subsequently making the move into the industry. He joined Avalon Software UK in 1993 and then joined IFS UK when Avalon acquired it in 1997. Paul said: “I was looking for an interesting non-exec role and I’d known Jason and his fellow co-founder Andy Bell for a long time – Jason as a customer and Andy as a former colleague at IFS. They didn’t take long to persuade me to join Vanilla. “I like what they’ve been

doing and how they’ve been doing it; I get on well with them both personally and professionally and it’s an exciting time to be joining the team. I’ve been impressed by their ambition and drive and I believe I can help them achieve their goals.” Vanilla Solutions is one of Europe’s leading providers of IFS applications-related services, offering consultancy, support and products to the wider enterprise resource planning market. Clients include BAE, Babcock, Skanska and Largo Foods.

Sales support role for Tom A WORLD leader in animal digestive welfare development has confirmed growth to its sales team in the UK. Agrimin, which has its head office in Kirmington, has appointed Thomas Wells as sales support manager. A graduate from Harper Adams University College, and previously employed at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, 29-year-old Tom grew up on his family’s mixed farm in Lincolnshire, before spending six years working there full-time. He has his own sheep flock of 120 sheep, predominantly of North Country Mule and Suffolk breed. Tom’s extended family also have pedigree Hereford and British Blue cattle. Together with Tom and his wife, they are one of the first breeders in the UK of Dutch Spotted sheep. Tom, a former NFU branch chairman, and past winner of the NFYFC Senior Member of the Year, will be supporting the sales team with events, developing campaigns, researching sector prospects and taking an active role in technical and product information enquiries. He said: “I am delighted to be joining Agrimin at a really exciting time in the company’s growth. “As a business, we have become globally

recognised for our bolus technology and have a rapidly growing customer base throughout both the UK and the rest of the world. “To be part of such an innovative firm is really exciting and I am looking forward to supporting the sales team as we move forward with some of our great plans for the year ahead.” Mark Armstrong, sales and marketing director for the company, added: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Tom to the firm. “As a business, we’re really committed to providing the highest level of support and advice to our customers, so having a superb team with relevant experience and skill is absolutely crucial. “Tom will be a fabulous asset to Agrimin at a time of great business activity in the UK and overseas.” Established in 1978, and based on Humberside Airport Business Park, Agrimin has 40 years’ experience in developing, manufacturing and marketing sustained release mineral, trace element and vitamin bolus technologies. It has gained a reputation for delivering technically advanced products to its customer network, which now extends to over 30 countries worldwide.

Andrew Mitchell, operations director at On Line Design & Engineering.

New operations director goes On Line

Thomas Wells, sales support manager at Agrimin.

I MMINGHAM-headquartered On Line Design and Engineering has appointed Andrew Mitchell as operations director. The 42-year-old joined the nationally-active company last month and will support managing director Brendan Conlan and the board in continuing the rapid growth of the business across the UK. Mr Mitchell has previously held senior management positions at Engie Fabricom and Spencer Group, and brings a wealth of major project, business development and commercial management experience to the company, which is on target to turn over £24 million this year. He is also regional chairman for the ECITB and a board director of Catch, which Mr Conlan chars. Away from work, which could soon be based in a state-of-the-art new £5 million head office on neighbouring land off Pelham Road, Andrew lives in Goxhill, with his wife Emma and three children. He said “I have known On Line Design and Engineering for many years and am very pleased to be given the opportunity to join the board of directors at this exciting time to deliver the next phase of the businesses growth strategy.”

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Clugston Distribution delivering at Exelby Services on the A1M. The site, in North Yorkshire, was built by sister company Clugston Construction.

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Fuel logistics firm celebrates distributing two-billion litres

HE road haulage arm of Scunthorpe’s Clugston Group has hit the landmark figure of distributing more than two-billion litres of fuel. Clugston Distribution Services only launched in 2012, as the wider business celebrated 75 years, and is now forecast to deliver more than 407 million litres of fuel this year, a new record for the high growth addition. From a standing start it has become one of the top 10 fuel logistics companies in the UK. Clugston Distribution director Tim Doggett said: “Since 2012, the bulk fuel sector has been an industry we have excelled in. Our expertise in delivering a quality and timely service to our customers, whilst understanding what can sometimes be a fluctuating market, has ensured steady progression and growth. “We are also proud that all of our fuel logistics drivers are trained in

successful company only launched in 2012

house, allowing us to develop the importance of quality and customer service, ensuring our reputation as a leader in the field remains. “This year has seen us invest in expanding our international services, with wide reaching logistics capabilities across road, air and sea. This investment complements our well established and reputable bulk fuel distribution service, pro-

We are looking forward to reaching our next fuel logistics landmark. Tim Doggett

viding us with further opportunities to work with our existing fuel customers on overseas projects. “We are looking forward to reaching our next fuel logistics landmark over the coming years and developing further as a business within the sector.” From humble beginnings, with four vehicles and two customers, Clugston Distribution now has a dedicated bulk fuel logistics fleet featuring 18 vehicles, 20 trailers, 32 drivers and two planners. From its three depots in Billingham in the North East, Scunthorpe and Upper Broughton in the East Midlands, the company services customers ranging from supermarkets, shipping companies and vehicle manufacturers, alongside independent fuel forecourts and suppliers across the country.

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Work begins on new HQ for specialist vehicle firm creating up to 175 new jobs

ORK has begun on the creation of a new headquarters for a vehicle manufacturing firm which could lead to around 200 jobs in North Lincolnshire. Cartwright Conversions, which produces specialist vehicles such as ambulances and security vans, is moving its operations from South Yorkshire in a £5 million investment at a 28-acre site. The company agreed a deal in September for the former Belton Brickworks site and has set a deadline of June for the move. The first phase of transformation work is now beginning to take shape, with the entire building being modernised, including the canteen, offices and workshop facilities. Managing director Steve Shaw said: “We’re delighted with the progress we’ve made in such a relatively short space of time. We’ve re-clad and modernised the Duncan Willey, whole place, we chartered surveyor will create new with PPH. entrances and

An artist’s impression of the new Cartwright Conversion headquarters which is being created at the former Belton Brickworks site.

refurbish the inside to make it feel modern and fresh. “We’ve been working very closely with North Lincolnshire Council, who have been very helpful, and we’re thrilled to have successfully secured planning permission to redevelop the site and create a new purpose-built building.” “It’s a fantastic location but the building was in desperate need of some love and attention. This has now begun and we’re confident the superb setting and location will bring our business many advantages. “Hopefully, things will keep moving along nicely and we’ll be able to relocate in June. Our attention will then turn to phase two and building the new premises, which we will allow us to use this wonderful site to its full potential.” Cartwright Conversions, launched in 2016, is part of the Cheshire-based Cartwright Group, which was established in 1952 and has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years. It builds trailers and commercial vehicle bodies at a 38-acre site in Altrincham and the group also includes Cartwright Rentals, Cartwright Fleet Services and Cartwright Finance. The conversions business produces a wide range of specialised vehicles,

Cartwright Conversions currently based in Doncaster are moving their conversion operation to the former Brickworks in Belton. Company MD Steve Shaw, left, is joined by Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Rob Waltham as he shows him around one of the conversions.

including ambulances, mobility, welfare, police and security vehicles for a range of clients such as the NHS, UK police forces and highways maintenance companies. After outgrowing its existing base in Hatfield, Cartwright Conversions made the decision to move 10 miles east to the North Lincolnshire site in Belton, which was marketed by PPH Commercial for £1.5 million. The property comprised an industrial complex of 78,548 sq ft on a 22.24 acre site and also features a fishing lake with carp. The company has also bought six acres of adjoining land. Duncan Willey, chartered surveyor with PPH Commercial, completed the deal. He said: “It’s no secret that Cartwright Conversions are aiming to create around 175 new jobs over the next 18 months and I’m sure the final scheme will help them achieve their ambitious plans. “This is a rare opportunity to create an excellent semi-rural industrial development in a popular location. “Hopefully, the scheme will help to shape their future success for many years to come because it would undoubtedly provide a massive economic boost for the region.” Cartwright Conversions currently employs 72 people, who will be making the move to the new headquarters, with plans in place to eventually increase the workforce to 250. Jobs fairs were held in Belton earlier this year, which highlighted positions available, skills, pay, pensions, company ethos and potential future apprenticeship opportunities.

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Twins Clare Davies, left, and Louise Wright, who have brought forward The Old Granary, inset, at the family farm in Owmby, near Caistor.

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WINS Clare Davies and Louise Wright have renovated an old crumbling barn on the family farm to create a new business, in a significant diversification project. The development at Owmby, near Caistor, has brought forward high-quality accommodation - a home away from home for contractors and people looking for a short break in the Wolds. As a third generation farming business, which specialises in arable crops, potatoes and sugar beat, they realised that the uncertain future was going to present many challenges within agriculture and together made the ambitious decision to invest, creating premium quality, selfcatered apartments, now known as The Old Granary. Louise said: “My sister, Clare and I had recently returned to the farm from working in London and as a family we knew that we had to diversify in order to support three growing families.” With Brexit looming, they found it hard to predict what

would happen in agriculture in the next few years. “We needed to build the business in a way that wasn’t affected by the usual weather and market challenges when growing crops; the renewables industry along the Humber Bank and through Immingham and Grimsby continues to thrive, what better way to diversify than to support this

area? We also wanted to do something that allowed us to stay on the farm, meet lots of new people and provide a really enjoyable, high-quality experience.” They have designed the barns ensuring that the interior suits longer-term guests. Each apartment has a Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker, a coffee machine and

underfloor heating to make life enjoyable. Louise added: “We are really proud of the area that we live in and also hope to showcase it to our guests looking for a relaxing short break or a modern yet comfortable home away from home, or as an ideal place to stay when visiting friends or family in the Grimsby area.”

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New appointments to enhance firm’s profile

Month in review

Retail park plan go-ahead in Scunthorpe

CUNTHORPE-based building and civil engineering business, Britcon, has bolstered its pre-construction team with a job promotion and a new appointment. Matt Harker, who joined Britcon last year as contracts manager, has been promoted to regional manager for Yorkshire. He will oversee the 12-strong Wakefield-based team which has grown significantly recently. Jen Ashworh has also joined the £47-million turnover team to drive business development. A qualified town planner, she brings more than 12 years’ experience working with public and private sector clients on a variety of commercial, industrial, retail, residential and regeneration projects. She has project managed a range of planning applications and environmental impact statements on sites across Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and the North East. Jen studied her degree, diploma and masters at Sheffield Hallam University with part of her diploma year spent at QUT, Brisbane, Australia. Britcon’s head of pre-construction Steve Horner is working closely with Matt and Jen to enhance the business profile. Peter Redfern, who was appointed estimating manager for Britcon’s steelwork division Britcon Engineering Services, will also work with the team to maximise early engagement with design and solutions durREGIONAL commercial property practice Scotts has taken its expertise to the North East, where it has led the expansion of a retail investment. The work, headed by Scotts’ investment adviser Chris Mason, demonstrates the firm’s ability to identify opportunities for expansion on existing sites and then work through the necessary covenant, development and land ownership issues to see the successful opening of new retail outlets. The site, in Hartlepool, which has been under Chris’ guidance since 2009, originally had five retail units – three trading under the brand of anchor tenants Sainsbury’s with a bookmaker’s and local take-away in the other two. With a car park serving the small development, Chris spotted the opportunity for expansion, with the area sitting alongside a busy road and future planned house building, with Sainsbury’s long-term presence established with a lease still

RETAIL: Plans for a new retail park which will include Scunthorpe’s second Lidl supermarket have been given the go-ahead by councillors. The project has been approved for the site of the former Yorkshire Electricity depot on Dudley Road, off the Queensway. As well as a Lidl store, the scheme will also include a second unit,which is expected to be filled by a discount retailer. It is hoped the shops would create at least 40 jobs.

From left, Peter Redfern, Steve Horner, Jen Ashworth and Matt Harker in the Britcon Wakefield office.

ing procurement of projects. The announcement reflects continuous growth for Britcon with major client instructions from York University, BASF, Eddie Stobart, McCain Foods and Vickers Oils. Britcon is also on the contractors’ framework YorCivils and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust, with projects underway. Paul Clarkson, managing director at Britcon, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jen to the team and expand Matt’s role across

Yorkshire. A substantial amount of our business is now managed from the Wakefield office and both have the depth of expertise and regional knowledge to lead our growth strategy. The team will focus on promoting our broader capabilities that include full build and development solutions in addition to civils and steel. “We have a healthy forward order book for 2018/19 and will continue our investment programme to support business growth.”

Retail future bright at expanding retail park

COMMERCIAL GRIMSBY 01472 362020 LOUTH 01507 602264 LINCOLN 01522 511665 MABLETHORPE 01507 473476 SKEGNESS 01754 766061 SPILSBY 01790 752151 SUTTON ON SEA 01507 441166 WOODHALL SPA 01526 354111 www.tes-property.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk

GRIMSBY 18A, DUDLEY STREET • Newly refurbished office premises with A2 consent to part • Approx. 124 sqm/1330 sqft over 2 floors • First floor approx. 56 sqm/605 sqft in 4 offices • On site parking for approx. 8 cars • Gas heating, new PVCu double glazing • EPC rating tbc

RENT: £12,500 p.a.

GRIMSBY

The Middle Warren, Hartlepool retail investment that Scotts has advised on. having 23-years left to run. As a result, world-leading pizza company Domino’s replaced the local take-away business, which explained Chris, increased the site’s covenant strength and income security. Work also started on a new detached unit, again supported by the Scotts’ team. A landscaped embankment was cut into and the new 1,000 sq ft development is now complete with an established pharmacy operator secured as a new

tenant. Delighted with the outcome, Chris said: “We drew our client’s attention to the security offered by Sainsbury’s, and the prospect of attracting occupants to the smaller units was always thought to be strong. The ability to attract a covenant of the calibre of Domino’s reflected the communication links, quality and extent of housing being developed. “With clever design, an additional unit has now been

created on land essentially acquired for nothing as the existence of this landscaped area had no material impact on the initial price paid. “By adding an additional unit, there is increased attraction to the neighbourhood facility and the client has secured well in excess of a double-digit yield on the investment needed to create the unit, as well as enhancement to the wider investment value as a whole. “It is an excellent all-round outcome.”

20-22, ABBEYGATE • Double fronted shop to be refurbished • Approx. 947 sqft/88 sqm • Internal frontage approx. 8m/26ft • Works to include - new ceilings, levelled floor, side wall to be opened up, decorations etc. • Great opportunity to join Abbeygate • EPC Rating C

RENT: £12,000 p.a. on a new lease

CLEETHORPES 13 ST PETER'S AVENUE • Refurbished ground floor lock-up shop • Approx. 870 sqft/81 sqm • Security shutter • 2 x WC's • Partitioned office/store/staff room • Kitchenette • EPC Rating C

RENT: £14,000 p.a.

24 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019

Business

Here’s to you AP Robinson on toasting your 25th ...

www.humberbusiness.com and facebook.com/grimsbytel and twitter.com/grimsbytel

Chef could rustle up even more customers for our beloved Pipers ...

Andrew Robinson and team celebrate 25 years of AP Robinson & Co.

RIMSBY-based chartered accountants AP Robinson & Co is celebrating 25 years in business. Founded in 1994 by Andrew Robinson, he now works with three fellow directors and 25 staff, with clients across Lincolnshire. Specialising in a range of services for both individuals and businesses, the Riby Squarebased team assists business start-ups and provides business advice to owner-managed businesses and high growth companies. Mr Robinson said: “We are very proud of our long and continuous service to the people

A great deal has changed over the 25 years since I started out as a sole practitioner, but one thing that remains the same is our approach to doing business. Andrew Robinson

and businesses of Lincolnshire and we would like to thank them for all their support over the years. “A great deal has changed over the 25 years since I started out as a sole practitioner, but one thing that remains the same is our approach to doing business. “Throughout we have remained consistent in delivering a comprehensive, skilled, friendly and personal service underpinned by a wonderful team of loyal and devoted professionals. I’m very proud to say that the care and attention that we devoted to clients from day one remains at the heart of AP Robinson & Co’s approach to client relationships today. “Looking to the future, our ongoing investment in our people and leading edge technology means that we can offer our clients, existing and new, a wide range of accounting services and expert business advice.” Emma Brook, who has been a part of the team for more than 20 years, attributes the success of the firm to “recognising opportunities, setting goals and taking action”. She joined the business in 1997 as a trainee, before becoming a partner in 2014 and focuses on managing the practice in more recent times, Sarah Bainbridge and Kate Brown complete the senior team.

Business stories are all the better when you have a direct relationship with the product or service provided. The immediacy of understanding exactly what it is all about from the outset is great for reader and writer alike. As such, the many tales of seafood success and – more recently – Axholme Brewing Co’s rise to prominence, have provided heightened joy to my scribblings. While electricity generated by offshore wind is a fairly easy concept to grasp - if not the cube-square law science behind it moving on to where British Steel’s long products go starts to get a little trickier. When it comes to the petro-chemical, chemical and pharmaceutical offerings of the area, well then we have quite some explaining to do to complete that picture of rounded knowledge I’d like to think an article provides. And that’s before we get to the why, when and how that follow the who, what and where in any news output. Up there on a podium of professional pride in product is Pipers Crisps, and after reporting on the completion of the buy-out by drinks and snacks giant PepsiCo this past month, it is clear I am not the only one. Pipers is a super company, with entrepreneurial roots that saw a niche and filled it with enthusiasm, passion and provenance to match the potato-loads that are welcomed to Elsham Wold as a new market was created for a Lincolnshire export. Personally, Pipers and pints became something of a ritual post-midweek cricket. The carefully selected flavours would be splayed upon the table, for the team to share. Recently, when a ‘pop to Docks Beers for a few after the match’ became a rare all-night affair, they were relied upon to provide a level of sustenance to accompany the ‘sampling’ exercise we’d committed to.

Sir Alastair Cook. For the new brewery, growing seafood brands and others in the area’s vibrant food and drinks industry, such a deal surely provides inspiration and aspiration. The ultimate exit strategy. But, aside from the many congratulatory comments aired alongside the article’s publication, there’s also a sense of once bitten, twice shy too. No doubt with Kraft’s buy-out of Cadbury’s in mind, there is a feeling of protecting what we have, and a pleading to the new owner to not meddle with the method or interfere with the ingredients. I’ve sought assurances for the production location, and the methods. PepsiCo, after all, is the name behind Walkers, Gary Lineker et al. The team have not rushed back to quell any concerns just yet, but the ink is still drying. Whether the Match of the Day host will pitch up by the A15 anytime soon to promote the new signing remains to be seen. It may be that the face of football is not quite aligned to Pipers’ premium pitch. Personally, I’d be chasing recently retired England skipper and batsman extraordinaire, Sir Alastair Cook. ‘Chef’ too has farming family links and would provide a seamless link to the handcooked hotspot of northern Lincolnshire, which has moved on to sponsor cricket’s National Village Cup in recent years. Not that we threatened from Healing. I’d certainly smile a little more about our evenings that made a ‘sporting pursuit’ somewhat health neutral ...at best!