Grimsby Business Telegraph November 2018 by Humber Business

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

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Machinery specialist buys East Yorkshire dealership for £3m

£50m investment ‘will give us a world leading asset’ page 2

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Breaking ground with first of its kind £350m power station By david laister david.laister@reachplc.com @davelaister

WORK is underway to build the most efficient power station of its type in the UK in northern Lincolnshire. Representatives from developer SSE and partner Siemens were joined by Mayor John Briggs to officially break ground on Keadby Two, a £350 million investment to intro-

duce first-of-a-kind, gas-fired generation technology to the UK. Once completed, the 840MW station will play a key role in easing the integration of more renewables into the grid – with Grimsby bringing a further 3.5GW in offshore wind alone in the coming years. Featuring the most efficient combined cycle gas turbine on the system, with 63 per cent efficiency, it will help to provide flexible energy

Work is now underway SSE’s Keadby Two CCGT power station.

KEADBY TWO WILL BE MOST EFFICIENT STATION IN THE UK

generation capacity, with the ability to reach full generation in 30 minutes. SSE project manager Mark Birley said: “SSE has a strong presence in this area with both the operational Keadby One power station and the neighbouring Keadby wind farm. Breaking ground for this project signals an exciting next step for us and we look forward to working with Siemens to deliver Keadby Two.”

First granted planning consent for a second power station at the site in 1993, it has been heralded as a vote of confidence in the area, and adds to the Humber’s Energy Estuary credentials. Next month will see opportunities for local businesses to enter the supply chain outlined at a special event. Keadby Two will be constructed as a full turnkey solution by Siemens, with a three-and-a-half year time

Safety focused Quality driven A new approach to MAINTENANCE & MODIFICATIONS

frame given when investment was finalised by SSE in May. The company will also provide plant servicing under a 15-year contract. Wesley Tivnen, Siemens’ managing director for power and gas, said: “I’m delighted Siemens’ engineering excellence is able to bring one of the most efficient CCGT gas turbines to the UK market. This station will Continued on page 14

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

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

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

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£50m investment ‘will give us a world leading asset’

£50 million investment in Scunthorpe’s rod mill will put the specialist works on “the leading edge in Europe” as it leapfrogs continental competitors with technical advances. Mark Cunningham, project director, has told how by spring 2020, the major enhancement will be complete, boosting capacity to 700,000 tonnes and crucially widening the product profile to an ever demanding market. With 70 per cent destined for automotive, the work will bring a host of technical and commercial opportunities to British Steel, with suspension coils and clutch springs highlighted as well as fasteners and cord when it comes to end products. Mr Cunningham was speaking to Lincolnshire Iron and Steel

This should allow us to overtake, to leapfrog some of our European competition and it will give us a world-leading asset. The whole masterplan is to have a more enriched order book Mark Cunningham

Institute, and told how the investment was required to give the Scunthorpe site a USP in the market, with little advancement since what was originally known as Appleby Number Two Rod Mill opened in 1976. “Fundamentally the products from the asset we have in terms of size, shape and metallurgical properties, haven’t changed. It ran at 100mph in 1976, this will be 215mph, with 700,000 tonnes going through the asset with new sizes for an ever demanding

Mark Cuningham, left, director of the Scunthorpe rod mill project at British Steel, with Lincolnshire Iron and Steel Institute president, Grahame Wallace.

market place. “Scunthorpe Rod Mill talked about upgrading to a technology that didn’t appear in the late Eighties and in the early Nineties talked about reducing sizing mills and never got there. It meant the mill kept getting pushed further and further out (from the leading pack of rod manufacturers) while a lot of low cost producers were catching us up at the back end. We found ourselves in a more generalist position, where we couldn’t compete on cost or quality - not a nice place to be. “This should allow us to overtake, to leapfrog some of our European competition and it will give us a world-leading asset. “The whole masterplan is to have a more enriched order book.” The current 5.5mm to 17mm range, squeezed up from 13.5mm, will reach 28mm, with three separate rolling lines, additional cooling facilities and the ability to offer differing finishes. To accommodate the additional infrastructure the mill will be extended by more than 50

British Steel wire rod mill production. Steve Morgan

metres, and will also be operating at 65 per cent capacity to maintain supplies for customers as the work is completed. “We will be doing this a the heart of an operational asset, which brings with it plenty of challenges,” Mr Cunningham said. With fluids and power entering the mill from opposing sides, and a requirement to take out one side to do the install, it brings complex preparatory work to allow for continuity of production. The entire mill has been 3D laser scanned to produce augmented reality walk through capability to help in the design and de-risk the build, with 42-year-old as-built drawings and two significant enhancements and modifications not sitting comfortably with those managing it. Seen as a flagship project for Primetals, it is also a return of sorts too, with it being a consortium involving Siemens and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, having taken over Morgan Construction, who put in the original mill. Mr Cunningham said: “It is an exciting time in wire rod. We are developing a world class wire rod mill, commissioning in 18 months, with lots of new products and new markets. Customers are already asking us about what we are going to be able to do, what we are going to make and how we are going to move it forward.”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

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Machinery specialist buys East Yorkshire dealership for £3m B RIGG-based agricultural machinery specialist Peacock & Binnington has bought out an East Yorkshire dealership as it expands its reach. Northfield Agricultural Services Ltd has been acquired by the longestablished Lincolnshire firm for £3 million, with plans already in place to further extend the site and add five more jobs to the current 15-strong team there. Immediately taking on the Peacock & Binnington brand, the £10 million turnover operation at Halsham will put the company on track to turnover more than £60 million in its 125th year of trading. And it means a move back to the North Bank where it all started from, with Hull the original location for the business launched by Henry Earl Cartwright Peacock and John Binnington back in 1894. Two years after the duo’s East Yorkshire launch, they expanded southwards, taking on The Old Foundry at Brigg. Now the headquarters, the acquisition sees it take headcount across the business to 135 people. Graham Main, managing director, said: “The acquisition for the Northfield business will expand our geographical reach considerably and takes us back in to the East Yorkshire region where our company was founded.

Month in review

Reflex closes in on buy-out of print firm

level of our trading ambitions.” Peacock & Binnington has enjoyed a distribution deal with one of the leading farm brands, Massey Ferguson, for 60 years. Way before then, engineer Mr Peacock, had met businessman Mr Binnington, and together they combined expertise and financial backing. Premises were first taken in Hull’s West Street, but closed in 1923 as Lincolnshire became the sole focus. Six years later it opened in Laceby, on the outskirts of Grimsby, a branch which operated for 60 years, with Market Rasen added in 1952, which served for 40 years. In 1970 the Louth firm of Greenacres was taken over, with Corringham, near Gainsborough Kevin Peart and Andrew Marsh of opened in 1987 and a parts depot Barclays, with Michael Peacock, following in Hatfield in 1993. A full chairman of Peacock and Binnington sales and service branch opened in and Graham Main, managing director. Selby in 2007, replacing the latter. Kevin Peart, Barclays relationship director put together the funding package for the deal. He said: funding facilities from Barclays. “It is a decent size business and “We’ve been supporting Peacock & Mr Main said: “We’ve been we have gone on something of a Binnington for many years and it’s recruitment drive, we think we need banking with Barclays for over 30 great to see loyal clients successfully years so we were delighted when another five staff to take it up to 20. they were able to help with funding. growing their business, investing for “We also have planning It has enabled us to not only acquire the future and contributing to the permission to extend and do some the business but to also invest in our local economy. Graham and his internal works, so we are investing team operate a thriving business team and identify synergies across already.” and we’re delighted to support this the group. Northfield was established in “Barclays support has secured our ambitious and highly specialised 1976, and sits between Halsham company with their future growth continued growth plans and will and Withernsea on the B1362. help us take the business to the next plans.” The deal was aided with new

MANUFACTURING: Expansion highlighted when a Humberston print business was acquired earlier this year is now emerging as Kingsway Printers’ new owner swoops for a Hull operation. Reflex Group, a highly acquisitive Nottinghamshire headquartered label specialist, bought the family-owned Wilton Road Industrial Estate company in an undisclosed deal that heralded increased investment and growth in January. Now it is closing in on a buy-out of the North Bank’s MPH Fulfilment, with its food-focused print business coming to Humberston in the next six months, under proposals put to staff. The 14-year-old firm produces labelling for supermarket fresh produce for giants Tesco and Morrisons, among others.

Major new contract for British steel STEEL: British Steel has secured a major new contract with Infrabel, Belgium’s national railway operator. The four-year agreement is for the maintenance and renewal of the country’s rail network and will see the Scunthorpe business supply between 35,000 and 40,000 tonnes of track a year – more than 3,000km. Deliveries are scheduled to start in January.

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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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

UK Seafood Summit 2018

Business

Netting Nordic knowledge on nation’s favourite fast food

HE owners of Cleethorpes’ Fish and Chip Shop of the Year contender have been widening their knowledge of the UK’s favourite fast food, at home and abroad. Papa’s Fish and Chips director Dino Papadamou, part of the family behind the Cleethorpes Pier venture, has taken to the frontline in fishing with a visit to Norway. And barely back on dry land, he was joined by his brothers at UK Seafood Summit, where industry knowledge and consumer trends were shared. The Pier, believed to be the world’s largest fish and chip shop, is a finalist in the National Fish & Chip Awards, with the winner to be crowned in London in late January. Before then Papa’s will have launched the National Fish and Chip Museum in York, and be close to opening a seventh outlet, in Bridlington, adding to three in Hull and two in Scarborough. The trip to Ålesund was a study trip that formed part of the shortlisting process, organised by award body Seafish and the Norwegian Seafood Council. Mr Papadamou, who led the arrival in Cleethorpes in April last year, said: “It was amazing, I absolutely loved the experience. We have a lot of experience seeing what happens with the fish coming from Grimsby Docks as we visit the fish market quite regularly, and we see the processing first hand too as we like to inspect the quality of the fish, but to see it being caught took us right to the very source.

“To see it, and complete the full cycle was really incredible, and to meet the crew, working hard and risking their lives to bring us the catch, was amazing. “They too, were also really proud to find out about the pier. “Everyone knows about Grimsby, and most have visited, but to find out their fish is used in the world’s largest fish and chip shop was really good for them - they felt we had shared our side of the story too.” The trip made national news on television and in print, as they heard more about the leading sustainable fishing industry and precisely where a third of the UK’s seafood comes

from. On board of the Ramoen, one of Norway’s state of the art ‘frozen at sea’ fishing vessels, Mr Papadamou and other finalists saw how cod and haddock is caught, sorted, filleted, packaged and frozen at -20C within a maximum of six hours on the ship’s on board factory, locking in the Arctic freshness. Hans Frode Kielland Asmyhr, UK director of the Norwegian Seafood Council, hosted the trip. He said: “Norway supplies 400 tonnes of seafood per year – a whopping third of the UK’s entire seafood consumption. “The Norwegian fishing industry is not only sustainable but is a cru-

Dino Papadamou onboard a frozen at sea trawler in Norway.

cial contributor to the UK’s fish and chips tradition for generations. We welcomed Papa’s Fish and Chips to show them the care, attention and pride given to the produce they serve. We wish all ten finalists the best of luck.” Both were then in Scunthorpe for the summit, having been held on the pier for the two previous years, before and after the arrival of Papa’s. Delegate number demand saw it head to Forest Pines for 2018. Mr Papadamou said: “It was good to find out more about the local industry. It is a massive economy, a passive part of what Grimsby is about, so many people are employed

in the industry. “We were keen to make sure we are getting the best product at a competitive price, and it is good to see businesses rallying together forming strong bonds.” Foodie broadcaster Nigel Barden referenced the team’s presence when picking up on the fact that fish and chips is a growing industry in the UK and overseas. “It is massively encouraging,” Mr Papadamou said. “It is a simple dish, a transparent dish and another reason why we were more than happy to go to Norway and learn about it,” he said. “There are no additives, no preservatives, just fresh fish delivered each morning, processed, sent to us, with no messing about with it. Four ingredients go into a mouth-watering meal, and if you do it well it is delicious, and a staple of the great British diet.” It is this love affair that will see a coal-powered fish and chip shop emerge in York’s Parliament Street before Christmas. “It will be a prominent fixture in the city centre, where people will see how it is all prepared and be able to sample,” he enthused. “It has been an ambition for many years, and we have put in a lot of really hard work alongside the council in York and the National Federation of Fish Friers. “While it may not be in Grimsby, Grimsby is going to be a major focus of the message. “It is where every single fillet of fish we have ever served has come from an that’s the same going forward.”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

UK Seafood Summit 2018

Call to embrace automation and raise skills levels in seafood industry

Business Month in review

Ursula Lidbetter MBE addresses the UK Seafood Summit at Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton.

Iceland gets saucy

Dave Moss Photography Ltd

SEAFOOD: Grimsby’s The Saucy Fish Co has secured a major listing for its frozen range with The Food Warehouse by Iceland. Seachill’s award-winning brand has been taken on by the new concept stores that now number more than 80 nationwide. It follows a successful trial with the company’s Wolverhampton outlet in March, with four of the range to be listed.

Fish cakes launch

SEAFOOD: Grimsby’s JCS Fish has brought frozen fish cakes to its BigFish Brand, launching with a isting with online retailer Ocado already in the bag. The chunky new additions span four recipes, with Lincolnshiregrown potatoes included in all. Three traditional favourites, salmon, cod and haddock, are complemented by a Thai Salmon offer, in the 240g two-packs.

Fina-line back

potential labour issues emerging with EU withdrawal

roductivity and efficiencies must be further sought in the seafood industry to ensure a thriving economy post-Brexit and to achieve regional aspirations to double the agri-food output. That was the take of keynote speaker Ursula Lidbetter MBE, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership chair who leads for LEPs on the national Food and Drink Sector Council. Chief executive of Lincolnshire Co-op, she highlighted the need to embrace automation and raise skills levels with potential labour issues emerging with our EU withdrawal. Underlining the value of the agrifood industry to the county, she told how farm to fork “or sea to fork”, counts for 24 per cent of the total workforce, 100,000 jobs, and 21 per cent of the local economy. “It is the depth, breadth and sheer concentration of farming, fish processing, marketing and distribution, with major investment such as Morrisons, the Europarc food enterprise zone, one of three in the county, that makes it so important, and we are committed to growing this industry,” she said. “The ambition is to double the economic impact from 2010 to 2030, which aligns with the vision of the seafood sector on consumption. “We have big issues with Brexit, free trade arrangements and, critically, labour supply. “The UK is not self-sufficient on food, we import £40 billion while we export £20 billion, and imports and

Automated fruit picking.

exports have continued to grow, and the gap is getting larger in value. Most of that food trade is with the EU – 70 per cent. We are pushing for a free trade deal and frictionless trade with Europe as we start to build new trade links with other parts of the world.” Turning to labour, she underlined the LEP’s championing of automation, working with The University Of Lincoln, and the need to increase productivity if fewer people are available, highlighting the recent Brexit notifications over economic migration to favour high skilled,

high paid roles. “We are reliant on EU migrants in both food processing and distribution – they account for over 25 per cent,” Ms Lidbetter said. “For the food chain it means most jobs are not paid enough to be ‘highly paid, skilled jobs’ that we expect to be able to recruit for more easily. The food sector will be forced quite quickly to improve labour productivity. “We need to get after productivity and efficiency across the food chain, with new technology additions and skills. These pressures on workforce supply and falling costs of new tech-

nology will lead to more automation and new skills to design, install, manage and maintain automated processes. We are championing and embracing new technology.” Soft-grip technology was highlighted, with work ongoing to enhance its versatility from fruitpicking across the food industry. And investment in infrastructure of a more traditional nature remains high on the agenda too, with electricity and effective water management key strands, so too transport. “The Humber gives the area a real advantage for an increasingly international food industry,” Ms Lidbetter said. “We need to continue to develop Humber ports as the UK focuses on international trade. Looking south, road infrastructure is much poorer and it is essential we push for investment in transport linking from further south to the ports.” And there was a further shot in the arm for one specialist Grimsby business, as she declared Alfred Enderby’s smoked haddock as the favourite product stocked by the 85 food stores she heads up. “It is wonderful, wonderful smoked haddock that we have in our stores now,” she said of Patrick Salmon’s business, which received plaudits from Radio Two’s foodie broadcaster Nigel Barden at the evening reception too. “The history is amazing, I think that smokehouse has been smoking for as long as we’ve had a Lincolnshire Co-op,” she added.

OIL: Total Lindsey Oil Refinery is geared up for a major domestic sales boost, after reinstating its direct pipeline to the London-area. Nearly 13 years after the huge Buncefield Oil Storage Depot explosion, which halted supplies heading south to the strategic Hertfordshire terminal, the supply of petrol and diesel to the densely populated South-East is being reintroduced, as a £100 million wider project is completed. The significant investment in the 232km high-pressure Fina-line and associated facilities has been part of the company’s Future in Total (FIT) project, which has been completed as the refinery turned 50 this year.

At estate agency helm

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: A new managing director has been appointed to lead long-established estate agency DDM Group across northern Lincolnshire. Grimsby-born Callum Rogers, joined the firm nearly 13 years ago as an apprentice. Now formally taking over from Graham Wilson, who sold his majority shareholding to private investors in late 2016, he will head up the residential sales teams in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Barton, Brigg and Gainsborough, working with a senior management team across lettings, auction and financial services, as well as the prestige Fine and Country brand.

6 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

UK Seafood Summit 2018

Business

Most of us are still not eating as much seafood as we should

wo thirds of adults in Britain are still not eating the recommended levels of seafood a week, figures released at the UK Seafood Summit revealed. A study undertaken in April by YouGov and Seafish showed that only 33 per cent of adults eat fish twice a week, and that 74 per cent don’t know how much they should be eating. Consumption is also down 5.4 per cent since 2015, with the average intake at 1.08 portions a week now, UK Seafood Summit heard. Leanne Muldowney, marketing manager for Seafish, described the findings as being based on robust data, with more than 2,000 adults surveyed. The Grimsby-based support organisation to the £10 billion industry will now recharge the two portion a week message, aligning its Fish is the Dish consumer campaign to it. “We will be living and breathing this message in the same way ‘five a day’ has been in the last decade or so,” she said, referring to the fruit and vegetable mantra. While any drop in consumption will disappoint the cluster focused around Grimsby, it pales into insignificance when rival proteins are analysed. Beef has seen an 18 per cent drop, as people tone down the red meat in their diet, with lamb suffering too. The survey revealed that 55 per cent of adults want to eat more fish, with 49 per cent planning to buy when entering a supermarket, but many buying on impulse.

The Saucy Fish Co’s Salmon with Chilli, Lime and Ginger Dressing.

Simon Smith addresses UK Seafood Summit .

“It is one of the most interesting statistics, as there is a lot of opportunity here,” Miss Muldowney said of the 55 per cent - though the method may have already-squeezed producers wincing in the short term. “Money off is the greatest incentive. We know fish is perceived as expensive. More offers to introduce the consumer and then to try new products would be appealing. “Meal deals are very prominent but are rarely fish-based. There are other opportunities, to include more visible health messaging, promoting seafood as low fat and appetising food.”

Grimsby’s Young’s Seafood came said. “Consumers to see fish as set out top when it comes to the most aside from meat. People are switchtrusted brands, with Birds Eye fol- ing from eating processed meat and lowing, and then supermarket own- red meat, and the biggest opportunity with most switching to is sealabel, with the majority of that food. sourced in Grimsby. “This meat reducing Seafish is now trend is absolutely developing camfantastic for us and paign material for we must make sure use by industry we are tapping and retailers, This meat reducing into it.” and is looking trend is absolutely A seismic shift forward to the fantastic for us and we away from eating results of last must make sure we out, with recent month’s Seafood years seeing one Week, which saw are tapping into it. billion eating out high profile bus Simon Smith occasions disappear, and radio advertishas also dented seafood ing, celebrity and ‘resconsumption, with it contaurant rock star’ endorsement and new initiatives launched. stantly over-trading when cooked Simon Smith, chief executive of for us. However, Mr Smith said it was Grimsby’s Seachill, the company behind most of the seafood in Tesco becoming a factor of people trading and the Saucy Fish Co brand, told up for that night “when you would how fish could gain from the ‘flexi- have gone out for one of those one billion meals and you stay in.” tarian’ approach. “Fish is 17 per cent more likely to “The rise in meat-free meals is growing and growing”, he said. “One feature in a scratch cooked meal and billion vegan meal occasions took that is a trend we can all go in to place last year, and only 14 per cent because this is the way consumers of those who had the meals were want to eat fish,” he said, telling how actually vegans. A lot of people out ready meal markets were dropping there are reducing meat. There’s a as health came into focus. “Scratch cooking has made a word for them, flexitarians, people who want to include more vegeta- rapid return over the last couple of years,” he said in his presentation on bles day-to-day. “This trend is good for fish,” he emerging consumer behaviour.

Leanne Muldowney, marketing manager for Seafish.

However, he told how fish had to fight hard with other proteins for a place on the plate in the week, with five meal occasions identified in the home, four unique and one repeated, most likely using leftovers, he said. “It has to be easy, price accessible and familiar,” he said. “Health continues to be extremely important in the way people are buying food overall, but it means different things to different people. “For the younger buyers, it is more functional, it maybe around sport or energy, if older there is a feeling people want to simplify, and have less processed, more natural foods. “One size doesn’t fit all in health, but health as a reason for buying food is growing, and we all know seafood is very, very healthy.”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 GRIMSBYLIVE.CO.UK

UK Seafood Summit 2018

Business

What will a post-Brexit tariff regime bring? A GUIDE to what a new post-Brexit tariff regime may bring was provided by Seafish’s regulatory affairs advisor Ivan Bartolo. With documents issued suggesting a no deal would default to World Trade Organization rules this summer, those exporting were advised to ensure they are fully abridged, with the industry-supporting organisation to provide guides to what will be required. Mr Bartolo said: “Tariffs are a tax on imports. They generate income for the state and offer protection for local businesses from cheaper imports. You may remember from your history lessons the Corn Law to stop cheap imports of wheat, maize and grains coming in during the 1700s and 1800s. That was to protect the landowners, to the detriment of the mercantile classes. It was repealed in 1846 and there was a zero tariff, an example of free trade.” And while exports were the focus, he said seafood processors needed to be aware of the pressures on the supply chain. “It tends to be importers who pay the tariffs,” he said. “If exporting, you may think it is not your business as

you don’t need to pay them, but you outcomes, from remaining in a cushave to think about the guy buying toms union to quota-dependant taryour goods. He is going to have to iffs, preferential arrangements and pay a tariff, and it adds to the cost, trade agreements. and therefore the decision as to Asked about the latter, and the whether your product is comtime they take to happen, petitive in the country Mr Bartolo said: “I have you want to export to. been following “Every single item trade negotiais listed, from tractions. Europe tor parts to silk has been conI have been following pyjamas and all ducting them different speand they take trade negotiations. Europe cies of seafood, a ridiculously has been conducting them and next to it is long time. and they take a ridiculously a tariff code. Two years Seafood is usuwas the record long time. Two years was ally 0 to 40 per shortest one, the record shortest one cent, but I have but there have seen 100 per cent. been trade agree“There has been a ments in the makIvan Bartolo technical notification ing for decades. from UK Government, it “It takes a long time, came out on August 23, and it tells but the EU has had to consult us that if it is no deal, this will be the with 28 countries, so it maybe that sort of thing we will have to pay full stretches it out a little bit. Does the rate for.” UK have the people to do it? I would From the USA and Saudi Arabia think they do. There are already having mainly 0 per cent, to Argen- consultations with Australia, US, tina at 10 per cent, China at 12 per New Zealand and with the Pacific cent and India and Turkey at 30 per states, the Government is already on cent, details were given of different with it.”

There’s never been a better time to export

eafood businesses have been told there has never been a better time to export. Experts in overseas trade told how it was vital to build on Britain’s world-leading food standards, our place in the global agenda and short-term support just made available. Yorkshire and Humber Department of International Trade advisor, Steve Noblett, made the plea as he addressed a special seminar held ahead of the summit. He told how just prior to the event purse strings were relaxed on export aid for the sector, critical to Grimsby, opening up match funding for export-focused activity from SMEs. And the senior figure said there were huge reasons to look for the new customers further afield. “British food and drink has a very good Grimsby’s new seafood infographic.

reputation abroad,” he said. “The standards we operate at are light years ahead of most other countries. “Whether we like supermarkets or not, they have driven a culture in this country of accreditation, transparency and openbook accounting, and raised the standards here without a shadow of a doubt. That makes our food and drink manufacturing the envy of the world. The standards we put in are adopted around the world and the foodservice sector and the retail buyers are looking for that safety as well.” Due to its high care requirements seafood is at the fore of these standards. “We are leading the way when it comes to what we are doing in the food and drink industry,” Mr Noblett said. Exporting should not be an issue in any way, it is another customer. There may be language difficulties and financial models you have got to look at, but we are here to open these doors for you. We have food and drink experts in 60-odd countries, a dedicated person in an embassy to help you. We have direct contact with them, they come to the UK and we do bring them to the regions. They have a wealth of knowledge for us.” October saw ERDF rule changes open up match funding for trade show attendance, travel and internationalisation of websites. It had previously considered the

Stephen Noblett.

Ivan Bartolo, Seafish’s regulatory affairs advisor.

PROUD TO BE

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RECYCLING

Dave Moss Photography Ltd

seafood sector as an already-supported area of trade. Mr Noblett said: “In food and drink, and particularly seafood, I believe trade missions are a key part of finding overseas markets. “The good news is ERDF can now support seafood people, the bad news is it has got to be spent in the months before we come out of Europe. Project plans must be in by March 31, and completed by July next year. “There has never been a better time to export. Great Britain the brand is very high on the agenda for reasons we know. If you are thinking about going into exporting, come and talk to us, there are so many doors we can open. Let’s get British seafood back to number one.”

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

UK Seafood Summit 2018

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Ensuring seafood’s got talent for years to come

eafish is launching a young seafood leaders’ network as it seeks to ensure a strong talent pool in the industry for years to come. Marcus Coleman, chief executive, unveiled the proposal to nurture and retain quality individuals as the summit opened. After showing an inspirational video showcasing the industry, which will be used in schools, colleges and by the sector, Mr Coleman said: “We have a vision of a thriving seafood industry, but without the future talent coming through that will grind to a halt in a few years’ time. “We need to identify and grow the next generation of leadership in the industry. “We will draw upon our unique pan-industry, pan-UK position to create and enable a network for the next generation of young seafood executives to

come together and explore how they can innovate and lead change in the industry.” The Young Seafood Leaders Network will be a platform for knowledge sharing and identification and appreciation of best practice. The goals are to: ■■Provide opportunities for the exploration of business ideas ■■Provide networking opportunities ■■Facilitate partnerships and mentoring between young professionals and experienced industry practitioners ■■Develop leadership skills ■■Identify professional development opportunities Mr Coleman used his opening remarks to encourage potential participants to come forward, urging managing directors and chief executives to identify people in their organisations. He said, “We see the Young Seafood Leaders Network being

Marcus Coleman, chief executive of Seafish. Dave Moss Photography Ltd

We need to identify and grow the next generation of leadership in the industry. Marcus Coleman

very much self-directed with Seafish providing support where needed. We would like to hear from aspiring seafood leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 years of age who are passionate about their own development and that of the UK seafood industry in general.” To express an interest in the Young Seafood Leaders Network email youngseafoodleaders@ seafish.co.uk UK Seafood Summit will take place again next year, with a sec-

ond residence at DoubleTree Forest Pines. It will be held on October 16 and 17. After closing the event, Mr Coleman said: “We’re delighted that the UK Seafood Summit was a great success. We’ve had so much positive feedback from delegates saying what a great venue it was, and how they’ve benefitted from the debates and networking opportunities. 100 per cent of our delegates recently surveyed said they’d be returning to this event, which is fantastic. “Our mission is to ensure we work closely with the UK seafood industry to make a difference on the issues and challenges that matter most, and we did that with the Summit.” Such has been the success of what started as a Humber event, a Scottish summit is also being planned for Aberdeen on March 26 and 27.

‘The industry needs data to innovate and thrive’ THE most in-depth analysis of the business of seafood processing ever undertaken is to be carried out by public support body Seafish. A programme of financial, employment and sector research is underway, with the industry vital to Grimsby and the wider Humber’s economy under scrutiny. It is set against a backdrop of the rapidly changing landscape, with Brexit’s impact the great unknown and a prolonged period of major contract upheaval which has seen huge changes in structure across many firms. The EU exit has brought forward real fears over tariffs, international movement of seafood and labour, while the retail merry-go-round has gone

from gentle to white-knuckle in recent years when it comes to supply contracts. Research has begun with the Processing Sector Census which is carried out every two years to collect information on the size, structure, and recent changes in the UK seafood processing industry. Data collection has started and will continue throughout November and December with results published in the Seafish Seafood Processing Industry Report 2018 in mid-2019. The Processing Sector Financial Survey is also being carried out in March in order to collect business performance data. Results from this survey will also feature in the Seafood Processing Industry Report. As the UK leaves the EU,

there is a big focus in employment and recruitment issues in food industries which is another area Seafish has been looking at over the past 12 months. The Processing Sector Labour Survey is commissioned by Defra to collect data annually and quarterly on workforce composition and ease of recruitment in the seafood processing sector. The next round of research for the annual survey is taking place over November and December, to be published in March 2019. Steve Lawrence, project Manager at Seafish, said: “There have been some shifts in the seafood processing sector since we last published census data in 2016. The industry needs data to innovate

and thrive and this current round of research is vital in helping us to understand how the industry is performing. “A lot is mentioned about the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry but there is the potential for impacts on the processing sector too. Our research is shared with Government and industry to support policy and business decisions related to the industry. “We would like to encourage all seafood processors take part in the research to allow us to paint as accurate a picture of the industry as possible.” Researchers will be contacting processors across the UK via telephone, email and post over the next few months.

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Month in review

Motorhome redundancies

MANUFACTURING: A perfect torm of uncertainty has been blamed for a double-digit order drop forcing a Grimsby motorhome manufacturer to make edundancies. Auto-Trail is proposing to cut more than 10 per cent of the 260-strong workforce as it addresses a sharp U-turn in sales, as Brexit fears and proposed road fuel reforms take their toll. The move will slow down production, something it has cranked up to keep pace with demand in recent years, having recovered from the recession to come back stronger than ever. Sales were up 17 per cent in 2017, but the first couple of months of this financial year see them 10 per cent down. Auto-Trail on Grimsby’s Europarc.

Mike Hryckowian, general manager of Pelagia UK’s Grimsby site with the BRC certification.

Town fish meal plant achieves BRC approval

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RIMSBY’S fish meal production plant has achieved British Retail Consortium approval as it looks to grow its supply into the pet food industry. Pelagia UK, as the former United Fish Industries site is now known having adopted the Norwegian parent company’s name, has been providing a solution for trimmings from the town’s merchants and major processors for more than 80 years. And it is following the standards set to bring assurances to customers, allied to those in the human food chain. Mike Hryckowian, general manager, said: “We see a growing supply to the pet food industry and we felt it would enhance what we do here and that it would give confidence to new customers, knowing that they are dealing with a BRC company. “A lot of work has gone into it, and we are grateful to Neil Jones, a Grimsby consultant, who has been working with us. It is confidence in the systems that we have got in Pelagia Grimsby. The basic systems were there, but Neil came in and helped us tweak them to something very much akin to the food industry.” Investment in new resin floors and washdown walls has enhanced the physical infrastructure of the plant that dates back to 1935. The past year has also seen Grimsby, one of four UK sites owned by Pelagia, become

Bagged fishmeal at Pelagia UK’s Grimsby site. The site is now responsible for the bagging of product for four UK sites.

the primary bagging plant for its fish meal, taking deliveries from Scottish plants in Aberdeen and Greenock, as well as Killybegs in Northern Ireland. Two more staff are in the process of being taken on, with a group international sales manager also based in Grimsby. Of the wider outlook, Mr Hryckowian, who is a Seafood Grimsby & Humber board member, said: “We are doing OK, there is a concern shared with the entire processing industry here about Brexit, and what tariffs and any barriers could bring. “If there are hold-ups at Immingham where the fish comes in, is that something

that would put Icelandic fish exporters off. Would it end up at a European port rather than Immingham? That’s our concern, and it would have a big impact on the whole fishing industry in Grimsby. “From an export point of view the majority of fish oil is exported to Holland, with other exports to France, Germany and Spain. If tariffs and barriers are put up, there isn’t really a home market. “We are budgeting for a reduced tonnage, with potential for the price of fish to go up and a reduction in consumption as well. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

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HE man tasked with leading Total Lindsey Oil Refinery into its second half century has told of his pride at being at the helm as ambitions to strengthen the site further are unveiled. Jean-Marc Durand marks his first anniversary in North Killingholme as 50 years of production have been celebrated. And after a five-year programme to ensure it retains its place in the global energy group’s proud portfolio culminates, a new mission is being embarked upon – with employees helping to set the tone. “We Go Beyond” builds on the key pillars for performance in the coming years, with Mr Durand describing it as an honour to further the heritage and history of the strategically vital refinery. General manager Jean-Marc Durand, second right, with He said: “We are very proud of it, and this Michel Charton, right, vice-president of refining and year is a happy celebration. The refinery is a chemicals at Total, right, and Cleethorpes MP Martin key asset for the region and for the group. Vickers and Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin, left, at the refinery We are delighted to celebrate 50 years of to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the plant. refining. “It is recognition of the people working here, and for the people who have worked Fina-Line, the pipeline connecting LOR to the market, you only have to imagine the here in the past, and those who have built it. the South East, after a 13 year stint as purely chaos it would create. And we are continuing to build, every day, jet fuel. Petrol and diesel can now be “This is something we always have in pumped through, with a robust domestic mind when operating the refinery, and as the journey of LOR. “There is heritage, and we need to con- market favoured over exports when it comes such, safety is the cornerstone of everything tinue that in the coming years. It is a privi- to efficiency and profitability. It is described we do. You cannot be reliable and profeslege to celebrate the 50th year anniversary, I as a significant project for the site. sional if you are not safe. Lean methodology has also been delivwould like to thank everyone past and pre“In the last 900 days, we have had two sent who has worked at the site for their ered across the organisation. “We continue minor safety events, which is two too many contribution to the success of our business. to evolve, not just process, but our skills and in our view, however compared to industry It is a milestone to celebrate, our golden the people,” the French national who peers, places us very well. jubilee, and we look forward to the dia- arrived from a refinery in Antwerp, Bel“We are proud of our safety record and it gium, said. “We permanently develop our serves as a reminder to constantly work on mond jubilee.” While much of the celebration marks the employees and give them a proper career improving safety.” initial arrival of the complex and a new with the company. Many start out as Such engagement with setting a new bar industry for the Humber Bank, Mr Durand apprentices and move up the ranks. They for performance was also welcomed. can work here for 40 years, in the refintold how the innovation certainly didn’t “The Future in Total (FIT) has come to an ery or within the group, with the end and ‘We Go Beyond’ is our ambition for stop then. option to go abroad which the next five years,” Mr Durand said. “What “It may not be appreciated makes the job very rich.” from the other side of the we have done is rather than take decisions When he arrived at the as a management team on our own, we fence, but in our world we site he received a warm permanently evolve. It is asked our employees to contribute. welcome, and working very important, you see a There is heritage, and “We got a strong response and it has alongside the team over big amount of pipes and we need to continue allowed us to work closer together and realthe past year has further stacks, but there are very ised a new ambition based on our key pilthat in the coming endorsed this. regular changes in our years. Mr Durand said: “It is lars. Now we are committed to deliver this.” processes to allow for The key pillars: fantastic, and for me the specification changes, to ■ ■ Safety – No accidents, and to be the safest striking point of LOR is the accommodate improveJean-Marc and healthiest place to work in the region commitment and engagements in safety, in regulations Durand ■ ■ Availability – To be the most available ment of the people. Engageand legislation, in environmenplant compared to peers in Total ment with safety, which is the first tal themes – all are improving. We have new equipment coming in very fre- thing on our minds every day, and then the ■■ Cost – To spend less on daily costs in quently, as well as equipment that is stop- engagement in professionalism, commit- order to invest more for the future ping and being removed, it is something liv- ment to the future and performance of the ■■ People – To all feel part of the Total Lindrefinery. All these things make managing a sey Oil Refinery community ing in time, not just existing. ■■ Value – To reduce break-even point and “We continue to invest significant amount team like this an exciting one. “Our main focus is on supplying energy to improve the whole business’ financial balof capital in to projects.” There is a turnaround and inspection in our customers, it is the role of the refinery ance sheet “We will use this mission to define objecmid-2019, and further projects planned for and the role of the group, be it by innovating 2020, focusing on the pre-treatment of feed- and exploring new technologies, or retailing tives and plans for everyone,” Mr Durand stock before it enters the crucial fluid cata- the product, whether it is jet fuel, bitumen said. “It is the red line we will follow for the lytic cracking stage of the refining process. or other specialties. We want to offer our coming years.” This will enable the refinery to produce customers affordable products which are ■■ This interview first appeared in a special made in an environmentally compliant supplement produced with Total to celecleaner, lighter fuels. brate 50 years, available as an eBook online The investments also include the recent way. “We aim to be reliable too, if we disrupt at www.humberbusiness.com work to bring back the multi-fuel flow of the

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Success is not just a pipe dream for new company A company providing a unique and both as customers and contractors - and then contemporary engineering service removed out-dated and old-fashioned workfor the oil and gas, energy, food pro- ing practices, revolutionising the way maintecessing and manufacturing indus- nance and modifications are delivered. tries is embracing the digital era “We understand the challenges of maintransforming the way piping and fabrication taining an ageing infrastructure, so often the services are delivered. case in the refining and processing industries. Making the most of digital software and But it doesn’t preclude using modern techhardware accompanied with experience, nologies and talent to succeed, on brownfield Pipesco Ltd provides cost effective business projects, modifications and repairs. solutions for maintenance and modifications. “We work quickly and efficiently, using cutDuncan Wheeler, managing director of ting-edge techniques to streamline processes Pipesco, said: “The challenge is this: with cur- while always remaining committed to safety rent skills shortages and a rapidly and sustainability.” changing world, the only way to Safety and quality are hugely provide our customers with important in the company’s value is to be innovative. We operations. Pipesco meets have simplified the process challenges that range from by embracing digital workdesign and surveying, to We have simplified the flows.” fabrication. These technologies have “We’re totally focused process by embracing previously been very on innovation. digital workflows. expensive and only used “We’re constantly lookon large projects but as ing for new ways to improve with all technological develefficiency and make the most Duncan Wheeler opments, they get smaller, less of the opportunities offered by expensive and ultimately better. new technologies and this “That means we can deliver innoapproach has seen benefits from the vation as standard at no extra cost. transition between design and fabrication Reduced HSE risks, Assurances are greatly even further simplifying the process,” Duncan increased, such as almost eliminating failure said. to fits, and efficiency benefits passed on to the Allan added: “Getting the right data is criticustomers.” cal and we can help customers get the most He and colleague Allan Pashley, the com- from the data from the start. This includes pany’s technical director, have combined best post-survey data processing, analysis and 3D practices and know-how gathered over a modelling. combined 65 years working in the industry – “And with incredibly precise laser scan-

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‘SOSR’ as a reason for dismissal? AS a company boss with a largely committed and loyal workforce, you may decide that the New Year is the time to tackle that one troublesome ‘bad apple’.

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While you may not believe that this employee has done enough to warrant dismissal on the grounds of their capability or conduct, they are the person who will spread that little bit of negativity and simply refuse to ‘play ball’.

• Give the individual options to change: courses, different shifts, redeployment or professional mediation;

Yes, it may be a personality clash coupled with that employee’s overall attitude to working life in general, but what can you do, and can you build enough evidence to dismiss this individual for SOSR (some other substantial reason)? There is good news as yes you can! However before you jump in feet first and end up involved in an Employment Tribunal claim, you must take your time to gather evidence and build up a case.

• Use the appraisal system in the right way, with managers who are brave enough to tackle the individual in areas of concern and ensure these are documented;

• Take account of the ACAS code in dealing with such issues; • Look at exit interviews from previous employees who may have cited the individual as a reason for leaving; • Once your case is built, invite the employee to a meeting by letter setting out the full background to the situation, outline your concerns, document the meeting, dismiss if you have sufficient grounds and give them a right of appeal.

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While the trust and confidence in that individual has gone and you do not feel you can work with them anymore, you must demonstrate why and support this with evidence. Please remember, a Tribunal judge will always want proof. Ultimately this can be done but you must ensure that you follow due process.

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Business Ports & Logistics

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GBA scoops top accolade for second successive year I’d like to thank the entire team; the efforts of which this recognition represents. Cale Judah

Alistair Wright, left, of GBA Technologies and Cale Judah, group commercial director, at The Automotive Global Awards 2018 held at The Savoy Hotel in London.

RIMSBY-based GBA Group has been named Best Terminals and Ports Operator at the Automotive Global Awards for a second successive year. The well established car handling company repeated its 2017 feat at The Savoy in central London, adding an IT Innovation Award to the haul too. Building on a reputation for proven delivery of service quality as end to end logistics providers, judges found GBA had further enhanced its standing and delivered significant new and expanded operations for the world’s most demanding manufacturers. This past year has seen the mobilisation of Volkswagen Group’s expansionary terminal operations, a redevelopment in Sheerness, Jaguar Land Rover’s first step into UK import operations and the continued expansion of the GBA BMW Humber hub, in addition to supporting the Ministry of Defence in partnered military stevedoring operations. Now handling in excess of two million vehicles a year, GBA continues to drive for continuous improvement to ensure they are always the number one choice for global manufacturers. The award was collected by Cale Judah, commercial director. He said: “What an honour to collect this award in consecutive years. Being named once again as global leaders in terminals and port operations is recognition of the hard work and determination of our family of employees who truly believe and take pride in what we do.” Executives from across the automotive industry gathered for the event, with challenges and achievements discussed as they

renewed their passion for excellence. The IT Innovation Award is given to companies who have shown technological innovation that has led to meaningful solutions for the automotive industry. GBA Technologies Ltd, the GBA Group’s new innovation arm, designed, delivered and implemented a record-breaking number of new advancements. Continued significant investment has been made into enhancing GBA’s IT and IS integration and web capability, providing an increasingly customer-facing enabled platform. Mr Judah said applied technology is at the heart of the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. The Westside Road team has continued to develop a complete suite of core and complementary

systems and programmes that offer customers the dependable, agile foundation required for a successful high volume logistics operation. “As a finished vehicle solutions provider specialising in technology, as opposed to a technology-house selling into the sector, we have a unique perspective on where value in the supply chain can genuinely be created,” Mr Judah said. “This award represents the drive for continuous and meaningful innovation that is very much the GBA-way. I’d like to thank the entire team; the efforts of which this recognition represents.” GBA was a finalist in four further categories, Vehicle Processing Centre, Service Excellence, Road Carrier of the Year and Logistics Quality.

Cale Judah, left, GBA group commercial director, and Yaniv Judah, operations director, at The Automotive Global Awards.

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Pressing on with Cristal buy-out

Richard Sims, managing director of British Steel’s wire rod division, receives the regional British Chambers Award from North Lincolnshire area council chair of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Rob Bradley, with Dr Ian Kelly, Chamber chief executive. From British Steel are, from left, David Egner, strategy implementation manager; Steve Talbot, operations manager for shipping; Estelle Goodson, customer services team leader for wire rod; Gregg Smith, supply and demand manager for wire rod; Phil Knowles, commercial manager for wire rod and Jeremy Case, for commercial manager, wire rod.

Companies heading to national awards after success in regional heats

WO northern Lincolnshire businesses have been named winners in the regional heats of the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards for 2018. Scunthorpe’s British Steel has won the Export Business of the Year Award for its expanding wire rod interests, with Grimsby-based Ramsden International taking the Workplace Wellbeing accolade. Now in their 15th year, the awards are a highlight of the UK business calendar, recognising the key role that local businesses play in driving the British economy. The pair will now go forward to represent Yorkshire and the Humber in the national finals, which take place in London at the end of the month. Richard Sims, managing director for British Steel’s wire rod division, said: “We’re delighted to have won this award which recognises the quality of our people, products and services. “A key part of our ongoing transformation is focused on growing into new markets, at home and abroad, and we’re pleased to be making significant progress on both these fronts. “Our growth will be further supported by the £50 million upgrade we’re undertaking at our Scunthorpe Rod Mill, as covered on page two, and the full integration of FN Steel – the wire rod business we acquired in the Netherlands last October – into our business. “I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this decision and we look forward to attending the national awards later this year.” Exporting is the reason for Ramsden International’s being, but it is the care for the multi-lingual team on Adam Smith Street that has won recognition this time round. Serial award winner Sean Ramsden, of Ramsden International, said: “This is amazing news! Thank you so much to everyone involved. “It’s great to win this award and it will be a boost

Richard Collins, left, trading and marketing director at Ramsden International, receives the regional Chamber Business Award from North East Lincolnshire area chamber member of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Hopper.

to our colleagues”. National winners will be revealed at the 2018 Chamber Business Awards Gala Dinner at Tobacco Dock in London, on November 29. Anne Tate, the Chamber’s northern Lincolnshire manager, said: “Businesses are the engines of the UK economy – creating opportunities and prosperity in our towns, cities and coun-

ties. Even in times of austerity, they continue to show their adaptability, resilience and strength. Every year the judges are impressed by the calibre of entries, and this year was no different. “All our finalists should be proud to reach this stage given the stiff competition among our diverse and enterprising pool of applicants.”

TRONOX is pressing on with its protracted bid to buy out Cristal. President and chief executive Jeffry Quinn provided the update as the US firm’s third quarter results were published. The New York Stock Exchange listed giant is looking to acquire the business from Saudi Arabian parent company Tasnee in a £1.27 billion deal that would create the world’s largest titanium dioxide producer. A whitening agent, known as TiO2, it is used in products from building sites to bathrooms, and 400 people work at the sprawling site at Stallingborough, which recently celebrated 65 years of operations. With a capacity for production of 165,000 metric tonnes a year, it is the largest chloride-process titanium dioxide producer in Europe. The agreement for it and ten other global sites was announced in February last year, but objections in the US under anticompetition concerns have so far seen the deal unable to complete. The Connecticut-headquartered business is now looking to sell off a further site to appease the authorities and get the huge transaction over the line, having already agreed a conditional sale in the Netherlands to gain European Commission approval. Consent has been given in every other territory either business operates in. Mr Quinn, who reported sales of $456 million (£349 million) for the third quarter of 2018 up 5 per cent year-on-year, said: “We continue to progress toward closing the Cristal TiO2 acquisition. “During the quarter, we received final approval from the European Commission to close the Cristal acquisition conditioned upon divesting our 8120 paper-laminate product grade to Venator Materials Plc. Consummation of this divestiture will occur following approval of the Cristal acquisition by US regulatory authorities. We continue discussions with the Federal Trade Commission regarding the potential divestiture of Cristal’s Ashtabula, Ohio, TiO2 complex as a settlement and potential remedy to enable completion of the Cristal acquisition.” October 1 saw a 75-day exclusivity period expire with Venator to negotiate that deal on home soil, but the company said talks continue. Tronox would be a sixth owner for the South Humber Bank site, and the deal is heavily weighted with a $60 million (£45.9 million) termination fee should it not be realised. A deadline date of March 31 is now looming.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

Energy

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Renewables power past fossil fuels

major green milestone has been reached on Britain’s electricity grid, as the total capacity available from renewables has overtaken fossil fuels for the first time. A third of fossil fuel generating capacity has retired over the last five years – while the capacity from wind, solar, biomass, hydro and other renewables has tripled, taking the total renewable capacity available on the system to 42GW. This means that for the first time renewables have the biggest share of Britain’s electricity generating infrastructure, overtaking the 40.6GW of capacity available from fossil fuels. Wind farms provide the biggest share of renewable capacity on the system, with more than 20GW available, with Grimsby alone contributing virtually 1.5GW from the offshore arrays operated and maintained from the port. Race Bank, recently announced it may be doubled, was one of four to come online this year, with three farms in varying stages of construction to take the total to 5GW. Solar comes in second providing more than 13GW, with biomass third, at 3.2GW. The statistics come from the latest Drax Electric Insights report, with the power station working with Imperial College London. It said biomass, imported through Immingham and Hull and fed by train to the regional giant, played an important role in helping to tip the balance from fossil fuels to renewables. The report also looks at why power prices of balancing the system has doubled in the Its fourth unit conversion from coal came as Lynemouth in Northumberland switched, are at a ten-year high and identifies Brexit as last four years. The amount of flexible generabeing a major factor. An 18 per cent increase in tion on the system is a key driver. Balancing together adding 1GW of capacity in total. costs rise when the output power costs was caused by the from flexible generators currency devaluation associsuch as gas, coal, biomass ated with the 2016 referendum In association with and hydro, falls below result, when the pound fell 10GW. against the Euro and US Dollar. “Having a ‘brittle’ power However, balancing the system with limited flexibilpower system also added 6 per ity will be more expensive to cent to wholesale prices as the control. More flexible generday-to-day costs of running the ation, storage and demandtransmission system came in at side response will be critical £3.8 million per day during the in minimising system costs third quarter of 2018. in the future.” Dr Iain Staffell, pictured, Andy Koss, Drax Power from Imperial, said: “The cost Continued from page 1

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mean the UK can move away from coal-fired power and still have synchronous generating capacity on the grid, to complement intermittent renewable generation. If the UK is to meet decarbonisation targets and keep the lights on, we’ll need to see a mix of technologies used to power the grid. The Siemens turbine provides the flexibility to do that.” Work to demolish existing structures from the former coal-fired plant to prepare the ground for construction of the new plant is already underway and is being completed by Brigg-based contractor CLS. From January, work will begin on the station construction, starting with piling ahead of construction of the main foundations and steel work for the main buildings. Generating components are scheduled to arrive during early 2020. Cllr Briggs said: “I was

Race Bank offshore wind farm.

chief executive, said: “More renewables are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and helping us to meet our climate targets – but flexible, lower carbon generation, is also clearly vital for controlling the costs of maintaining a stable, low carbon power system. “The IPCC’s report recognised that in order to meet our climate change targets, up to 85 per cent of global power generation needs to come from renewables by 2050. “This means the remainder will have to be provided by flexible sources, which can support the system and help to keep costs down – such as biomass, hydro, pumped storage as well as high efficiency gas.”

Breaking ground with first of its kind £350m power station Work gets underway on Keadby Two Power Station. Pictured are, from left, Paul Goodson, SSE station manager for Keadby One; Wesley Tivnen, managing director for power and gas at Siemens; Mayor of North Lincolnshire Councillor John Briggs; Mark Birley, SSE project manager and Charles Salmon, managing director of CLS. delighted to be able to attend the Keadby Two site and learn more about the class leading technology being brought to North Lincolnshire. I plan to continue to work closely with both SSE and Siemens to

maximise local opportunities linked to the construction and operation of Keadby Two.” Ahead of main construction SSE and Siemens will host a meet the buyer event, providing a forum for businesses to learn

more about potential supply chain opportunities. The event will be held at The Double Tree by Hilton Forest Pines Resort on December 4. Register by emailing roseann.hughes@sse. com.

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Guest speakers for the day at the Grimsby Renewables Partnership Annual Conference was held at the Grimsby Institute. Buy this photo at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/ buyaphoto or by calling the free number 03444 060 910. Jon Corken

Month in review

£65m investment to follow steel terminal takeover PORTS: ABP has agreed a major new deal with British Steel in which the port giant will invest £65 million into the Immingham Bulk Terminal, while taking over its operation. The investment is described as helping to support the long-term future of steel manufacturing in the Humber region, with a lease sacrificed by the Scunthorpe giant. Measures are in place to preserve all jobs at the facility, and it is expected that a limited number of new roles may be created. All 45 staff currently working for British Steel at IBT will be invited to join Immingham Bulk Terminal Ltd, within the ABP group.

Freshney Place sale

Connecting local firms with major players in offshore wind industry

Grimsby’s Freshney Place shopping centre is up for sale, with a cool £70 million being sought. The owner of what is Lincolnshire’s largest indoor complex, London-based property firm Capreon, has appointed international agents to market the 500,000 sq ft town centre site. It has put a major question mark over the £18 million development of the nine screen cinema and multiple-restaurant scheme, with work yet to start, despite a six-month time frame being outlined when Cineworld was revealed as the operator in March. There has also been speculation over a construction-hindering cable route at the Riverhead site.

conference and exhibition follows successful event

RIMSBY Renewables Partnership is bringing offshore wind developers Innogy and Orsted together for a major conference early next year. The organisation, established to connect local businesses to the major names in the burgeoning new industry, will present its second major event in February. It comes as Triton Knoll and the Hornsea zones prepare to propel the offshore wind capacity controlled by the town from 1.5GW to nearly 5GW. Already a huge cluster in the industry, the latest projects will see Grimsby become home to the world’s top ranking wind farms. Orsted’s Hornsea Project One will become the world’s largest when it is completed, immediately followed by Hornsea Project Two which will raise the bar even higher, at 1.2GW

and 1.4GW respectively. Innogy’s first development in the region will add a further 860MW, as well as fostering a new supply chain opportunity as a new name. A special one-to-one event with the developer will follow the exhibition. Speakers will update delegates on progress and their needs from the local area, with Associated British Ports and MHI Vestas also involved. ABP, as port operator, works with developers to provide quayside needs, with MHI Vestas responsible for the turbines used on E.on’s Humber Gateway development an the upcoming Triton Knoll project – where a new world-leader, a 9.5MW turbine, is to be used. The conference and exhibition will follow a successful event in 2016, and takes place at Humber Royal Hotel. Originally planned for this month, it was moved to avoid a

This is a great opportunity to attend an event and find out more about what is going on in the area, and to meet other people working in companies that have already worked in this sector. It will be a chance to take in where we are, and what has been achieved, while hearing about what is still to come. Organising committee

clash with another even in the North East. A welcome reception event preceding the main day. It starts on February 6, with the conference, followed by an evening drinks reception and networking event. A detailed schedule will be confirmed nearer to the date! GRP, a 100-plus member organisation, is made up of public and private sector organisations, and tickets priced at £5 are available now, via Eventbrite. An audience of 250 is anticipated.

The organising committee said: “This is a great opportunity to attend an event and find out more about what is going on in the area, and to meet other people working in companies that have already worked in this sector. It will be a chance to take in where we are, and what has been achieved, while hearing about what is still to come.” For more information email info@ grimsbyrenewablespartnership. co.uk

Pepsico in for Pipers FOOD: Global food and drinks giant PepsiCo has swooped for Pipers Crisps. The company behind leading British brands Walkers and Doritos has agreed an undisclosed deal to take over the flourishing northern Lincolnshire business it said it has coveted for some time. Should the move be approved by the Competition and Markets Authority, PepsiCo plans to accelerate the growth of £11.4 million turnover Pipers, adding it will continue to develop and export the multi-award winning brand.

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Business

Building contractor turnover to exceed £10m for the year

CUNTHORPE building contractor GS Kelsey Construction is midway through what will be its busiest ever year, with turnover forecast to exceed £10 million. The Brigg Road team has had major tender wins, predominantly locally, with a mixture of public sector affordable housing developments and private commercial investments. Following a strong end to 2016/17, which saw a 16-home development for Ongo Homes at Belton, the £2.5 million Arc at Westcliff and a significant new ATF and valeting building delivered for TruckLincs in Grimsby, the 22-year-old company has pressed on. A total of 43 homes are being built in Scunthorpe, with 27 on Cottage Beck Road and 16 on Holgate Road, with a further 23 being built for Lincolnshire Housing Partnership on multiple sites in Grimsby.

A third retail outlet for Spar franchise operator AF Blakemore at Thurcroft, South Yorkshire, follows projects in Laceby and Louth, with eight housing units for Kirklees Council in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, another notable addition. “We have secured future work off the back of some very successful projects we have delivered recently,” Matthew Robinson, the firm’s managing director said. “As with many in our industry we are facing a number of challenges. “Cost pressures and skills shortages are a threat that have the ability to effect margins and quality. “Having an experienced, multi-skilled workforce is helping us overcome these issues and we’re maintaining our quality service while remaining competitive.” Mr Robinson is proud of the employee retention, with time-served members of the 30-strong team averaging over 11

years. Our employees have familiarity with our clients systems and how they work. This aids our overall performance and leads to high levels of customer satisfaction,” he added. Baysgarth Leisure Centre extension at Barton and visitor centres at Belton and Bottesford Beck have been or are in the process of being delivered for North Lincolnshire Council, with a statement £1 million function venue for Stallingborough Grange Hotel also recently handed over to the client for final fit out by the team there. Extensions to GP practices at Brigg and Broughton for the same client are expected to commence in 2019. “The local economy appears to be thriving at the moment. “There is still some hesitation to invest, particularly in the private sector, but we are well positioned and poised to help local businesses expand when the time is right.” Mr Robinson added. Thurcroft development for AF Blakemore by GS Kelsey Construction.

Major guides heap praise on our LEADING lights in Grimsby’s legal profession have been praised in two major guides released this autumn. Published annually, The Legal 500 is the most comprehensive assessment of law firms’ capabilities, judging them against strict criteria, with research based on interviews with clients, barristers and other professionals. The region’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman, features prominently, with individuals and their departments praised. The highest Tier One rankings are awarded to the firm’s family, commercial property, debt recovery and agriculture teams, with a host of accolades for Cartergate House-based individuals. Former senior partner Mark Carlton is described as “personable and honest”, and part of the family team that provides “excellent advice”.

In the commercial property department, practice head Ruth Brewin is noted for her “exceptional in-depth knowledge,” and the corporate and commercial practice area, heralded for its “excellent and appropriate advice”, partner Ian Sherburn and senior solicitor Adam Aisthorpe are highlighted, as is partner in the dispute resolution team Joshua Briggs, whose department is “equally at home in the High Court as in the County Court”. The firm’s employment team raises the bar to a Tier Two ranking, providing “advice that always hits the nail on the head”. Department head and partner Teresa Thomas is said to be “responsive” with the “extremely personable and knowledgeable” Jane Eatock and the “pragmatic” Katie Davies noted. In total, the Legal 500 rankings sees four Wilkin Chapman practice areas as

Tier One, six as Tier Two, three in Tier Three with a further two in Tier Four, with 38 individuals being noted for their expertise. Leading the individual accolades in the 2018 edition of Chambers UK, is Ms Brewin again. With a Band Two ranking, she is described by one client as having “a brain the size of a planet!” “She thinks of things that others don’t and always makes sure that the commercial reality isn’t lost,” they add. Wilkin Chapman chief executive Des Mannion said: “A law firm only as good as its people, and is nothing without their skills and expertise. Our senior solicitors lead the teams and inspire and mentor the next talented generation of solicitors within Wilkin Chapman. These rankings are a reflection of the dedicated and highly skilled people we have

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GS Kelsey Construction - The Arc, Westcliff, Scunthorpe.

Trucklinks expansion by GS Kelsey Construction.

Matthew Robinson, managing director GS Kelsey Construction.

Belton housing.

leading lights of legal profession working across a wide range of practice areas and we are very proud of them.” At Bridge McFarland, Legal 500 recognises five key areas and the work of 14 of its specialist lawyers – up from 11 a year ago. The firm also features in Chambers with three of the team receiving special mentions. It is recommended for its work on behalf of clinical negligence (Tier Three) and personal injury (Tier Four) claimants, with the Grimsby-based team securing a number of high-profile successes for claimants during the last year. Legal 500 specifically mentions Ian Sprakes, Danielle Barney, Chris GresswellGreen, Stephanie Capindale, Kathryn Hudson, Leanne Keating and James Burrell. The guide says the “excellent” team enjoys “a very good reputation” and is especially well-versed in a wide range of clinical negligence instructions. For

commercial litigation Bridge McFarland is in Tier Two, with property litigator Lydia Hamnett a “noteworthy individual”, as is Mike Wilson for his “great tailored advice”. Rob Ripley, who leads the group, “exudes confidence and well researches every case he has”. Nicola Barrass and Lee Whiting are recognised as part of the “exceptional” employment practice, again ranked as a Tier Two, which is “outstanding in service and cost effective in practice”. Both lawyers were recommended in the Legal 500 and Chambers. The team is praised for being “quick to respond and having a strong commercial understanding” in acting for local and national companies in a range of employment matters, as well as for senior employees. Mr Whiting, who heads up the practice, is described as “the ‘go-to’ lawyer for employment

advice in this region”. The guide states: “With a ‘straightforward, no nonsense approach’ Whiting ‘considers matters from a business perspective, offering pragmatic solutions’ and has significant experience handling restrictive covenant and trade union issues.” Nicola is recommended for her “diligent, skilful and in-depth knowledge on the application of the law” and for offering “excellent, informed and pragmatic advice, particularly on TUPErelated issues”. Danielle Barney is accredited by both Legal 500 and Chambers for her clinical negligence work. One source appreciates how she “was down-toearth and made sure you understood everything” and has a “very good understanding of legal and medical aspects.”

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Training

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Month in review

Processing venture SEAFOOD : A Grimsby seafood supplier is significantly expanding operations and creating 30 more jobs after buying a 40,000 sq ft site in Grimsby. Northcoast Seafoods is completely overhauling a former distribution centre on Estate Road One, in a major venture into processing. The widening of the business come after 18 years of importing, during which it relied on third party manufacturing and logistics support. It follows the buy-out of Stallingborough’s Ambassador Seafoods, who provided some of that assistance, earlier this year.

Gearing up for Brexit

PORTS: Work will start on the creation of new car handling facilities in Grimsby soon, as port operator ABP helps its clients gear up for whatever Brexit may bring. The 110-acre former Tioxide site on the Humber Bank was bought last April, gaining planning permission to use it as storage for one of the town’s key trades with Europe a year ago. A first phase of the facility could handle 4,000 to 6,000 cars, should the major brands using the town look to increase volumes ahead of the UK leaving the EU. German-based Volkswagen Group is the port’s main customer.

Harriet Sterry.

Chloe Binstead.

Hannah Loft.

Five young professionals take up training roles at law firm

IVE young professionals have embarked on training contracts with the region’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman. Three are local, with Hannah Loft from Broughton and Louisa Holmes and Amy Murphy from East Yorkshire, and they will undertake two years of development within various departments. Hannah has progressed from a paralegal role, having completed her law degree at the University of Birmingham, before joining Wilkin Chapman, where she now sits within the dispute resolution team. “There are some really good opportunities, especially with all the sector expertise and specialisms which are available within the firm,” she said. “I am excited to further progress my legal career in becoming a solicitor at the region’s biggest law firm.” Louisa has also progressed from paralegal to trainee solicitor. A Hull University law degree student, she gained three years’ experience with a London firm, before returning to the region. She takes her first seat with the insolvency team. “I knew this was the firm for me straight away,” she said. “The doors here have opened for me and I have felt encouraged to ‘go for it’ and progress,” Amy has been working at the firm for 18

Hannah Loft.

months, having studied law at The University of Sheffield, before successfully completing her Legal Practice Course in Leeds. Currently sitting in probate, she said: “The firm is a market leader in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, with opportunity to progress.” Chloe Binstead and Harriet Sterry have just joined Wilkin Chapman. Both completed their law degrees at the University of Sheffield – although a year apart, with Harriet’s four-year course taking

Amy Murphy.

her to Paris to study French law. “What a fantastic opportunity that was, however I am settling in here well and enjoying the work very much,” said Nottingham-born Harriet. Chloe is spending her first six-months working with the probate team. “I really appreciate the fact that the firm has a highquality mix of personal and business law, and so will experience both. There really is an ‘open-door’ feel here too, which is great,” said Chloe.

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Careers

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Management teams are beefed up at dealerships

gric u lt u ral machinery dealership Louth Tractors has unveiled its new senior management line-up following a series of appointments at the firm. The five-strong team now heads up all new machinery sales, aftersales care, servicing, parts and finance across both its Louth and Great Limber depots. Led by general manager Gary Rance, they will be helping to make his renewed ‘customerfirst’ vision for the business a reality for farmers across Lincolnshire. Lliwen Jones has joined as the new sales manager. A keen horse rider and member of Lincolnshire Young Farmers, she will handle all farm machinery demonstration and sales enquiries. Aftersales manager Bryan Eaton has spent his career in customer support for all things mechanical for some of the world’s biggest brands. He will be offering dedicated, personalised support for every machinery customer. Two and a half years after she joined Louth Tractors, Emily Loveley has been promoted to the new role of financial controller. She is now the first point of contact for any customer accounts or finance query. They have all joined parts director Jonathan Urry, who will continue to make sure the company stocks the widest and most

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Colin’s well-earned retirement in store

Louth Tractors’ senior management team, from left, Jonathan Urry, parts director; Lliwen Jones, sales manager; Bryan Eaton, workshop and aftersales manager; Emily Loveley, financial controller and Gary Rance, general manager.

up-to-date range of spares in the area all year round. Gary said: “I’m so pleased to introduce the new senior team we’ve taken our time to get the right people in place. “We’ve got a great team and there’s such in-depth knowledge and dedication to providing the best customer experience right across the business. This the first of many big changes we’ve got planned for the business over the next 12 months.” The new-look senior team has been further bolstered by four

new appointments to the sales department. New sales executives Harry Strawson and Dale Coppin, and sales support Richard Towns and Emily Bennison have all joined this autumn. Harry comes from a family of arable farmers in North Lincolnshire. A combines specialist, he has expertise in all types of land work machinery. Dale is Louth born and bred. A keen shot and son of a gamekeeper, he’s keen to get out and meet farmers across the county to

help with all their machinery needs. Lead demonstrator, Richard brings more than a decade’s experience on arable and land work. He is already out every week field-testing tractors, balers, drills and ploughs from the top manufacturers. Emily has joined as sales assistant at Louth. With a strong agricultural background and years’ of farm machinery experience.

STOREMAN Colin Dale has retired after 41 years of service with the same company. The 59-year-old joined Anglia Engineering Solutions when he was 18, as a labourer on the shopfloor, training to a semiskilled level. After 25 years with the South Humberside Industrial Estate business he moved into the stores role, checking and booking in all goods inwards, and working through the transition from hand-written records to computer systems. Mr Dale said: “I have met a lot of good work colleagues and class so many of them as

friends. I wish them all the best for the future, in what is a new era for them as well.” The company has recently been merged with On Line Design and Engineering, with the Immingham headquartered company having taken a controlling share in AES back in 2010. Married with two grown-up children, the Cleethorpes resident is looking forward to spending more time with friends, family and his two dogs, as well as playing a few more rounds at Waltham Windmill Golf Club. Steve Laird, On Line Group’s finance director said: “Colin has been a central part of the business for the last 41 years and will be missed by all of his colleagues.”

Qualifications and additions at accountancy practice Careers in accountancy have equated to success for two young people from North Lincolnshire. Abi Wilmore and Chris Driver have passed their professional examinations to become qualified chartered accountants at RNS, which has offices in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton. It comes as the firm has also appointed three additional members of staff. Chris, who joined RNS in July 2015, went to Winterton Comprehensive School, followed by Scunthorpe’s John Leggott College and graduated from Durham University with an economics degree shortly before joining RNS. He, like Abi, passed the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales’ ACA exams. Chris said: “I’m delighted to have passed my exams and would like to thank the partners for their ongoing support.” Abi, who attended Huntliff School in

Abi Wilmore and Chris Driver are congratulated on qualifying as chartered accountants by partners Karen Lyth and Adrian Ingleton at RNS Chartered Accountants. Kirton Lindsey, started with the firm in 2013, shortly after leaving John Leggott College. Abi was “really pleased” to have passed the ACA exam.

She said: “I am grateful for all the support the firm has given me while completing my exams.” Brigg partners Karen Lyth and Adrian Ingleton congratulated both. “Abi and Chris are the latest in a long line of trainees to come through testing exams to become fully qualified chartered accountants,” they said. “The firm is proud of its record in providing top quality training, which benefits our clients as well as those undertaking it. “We’re also pleased that Abi and Chris are local to the area, giving them additional knowledge, Izzy understanding and Baddeley. commitment.” The three new recruits are trainee accountant Sam Neal,

New recruits Georgia Bradley and Sam Neal. plus Georgia Bradley and Izzy Baddeley, who will work in business administration and reception. Scunthorpe-born, Sam is a former student at St Bede’s School and John Leggott College. Georgia went to Brumby School and North Lindsey College while former Frederick Gough School student Izzy was offered a permanent role after passing her NVQ as part of an apprenticeship.

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Business motoring Commercial

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New vans for lifting specialist Mike Read, managing director at Read Hyundai, hands over four new vans to Pete Harvey, managing director at BJB Lift Hire in Grimsby, left, alongside Tarquin Philo, group business centre manager Read Hyundai, right.

EAD Hyundai has supported a fellow North East Lincolnshire company as it strengthens its fleet of service support vehicles. The Humberston headquarters of the expanding motor group has supplied four new Hyundai iLoad vans to the Grimsby lifting equipment specialist as it ensures its team can respond to clients in the best way possible. From an Estate Road Two base on South Humberside Industrial Estate, BJB’s team of technicians provide mobile service support across its network, routinely covering

machinery operated in location from the Highlands of Scotland to the English South Coast. Given the breadth of the service network, Tarquin Philo, Read Motor Group’s business centre manager, said: “It is vital for the team at BJB that they are supported by a van with a reputation for reliability and good specification, keeping them on the road, securely and in comfort.” He handed over the vehicles with managing director Mike Read, having seen the fleet support side of the multi-dealership business bolstered in recent months as the

geographic footprint of the Hyundai and Suzuki specialist has increased with acquisitions of dealerships now stretching into Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, as the Lincolnshire concentration has also been enhanced. Pete Harvey, BJB director, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Read Hyundai. “They have supplied our vans and other vehicles now for a number of years and we receive very, very good service from them. It fits well with our ethos of, wherever possible, using local suppliers.”

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Business

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Relocation puts CARS on the road to success

£500,000 investment is accelerating the growth of a Grimsby automotive business. Accident repair specialists and vehicle bodyshop, CARS of Grimsby, has purchased, refurbished, and relocated to new premises in one of the borough’s busiest industrial hubs. The move has enabled the business to expand its repair services for large commercial vehicles, employ new staff, and set plans for a more eco-friendly workplace in motion. Jason Barker, managing director, established CARS of Grimsby in 2012. He said: “We were getting asked more and more about repair work for trucks. So, in addition to our original Birchin Way premises, we took on a small, second unit in 2016. We made the decision to alter the business to do truck repairs alongside our services for cars, and it’s all grown organically from there.” The tenancies for the original

Birchin Way unit and the second space on South Humber Industrial Estate came to an end when he found an ideal, larger property, also on the estate, up for sale. The 5,000 sq ft unit has allowed CARS of Grimsby to unite its services and workforce and expand its facilities, increasing from one spray booth to three with a dedicated facility for trucks, while investing in state-ofthe-art, energy-efficient equipment. The introduction of this new machinery is a part of the business’ eco-plan. LED lighting and Solar panels have been installed, and environmentally-friendly paint is used on all vehicles. A brand new colour-matching camera system means less paint is used too. Already, CARS has seen bills be dramatically reduced, helping to save thousands of pounds. The next phase of the eco-plan is to introduce electric vehicles into its loan car fleet and install a charging point, which the public will be able to use on week-

Steve Parker, E-Factor Business Growth Hub advisor with Jason Barker, managing director of CARS of Grimsby, at his new premises on South Humberside Industrial Estate, Grimsby.

ends. Mr Barker added: “We’ve replaced all our sanders, welding equipment, spay booths, everything really, so that we use less energy. It has been a big investment, but the savings are massive. Now everything is under one roof, we have more security and ultimately, it’s costing less money.” To assist with the refurbishment of the space, Jason was able to access a grant with the help of

E-Factor’s business advisors. Steve Parker, Business Growth Hub advisor for Lincolnshire LEP, assisted in completing the application, forming business plans and forecasts, and submitting supporting evidence, helping to secure £30,000 from the Growing the Humber fund. Mr Barker said: “The support has been phenomenal. I don’t think I would have had time to research or do the paperwork because we’re always

Custom Solar is hot property! A GIANT solar array, installed on the roof of one of ABP’s huge Immingham warehouses, has been recognised with an industry award. The port operator announced plans to add 20MW of panel generating capacity last year, making it one of the biggest corporate solar power producers in the UK. One scheme sets atop a 30,260 sq m warehouse, making it one of the UK’s largest rooftop solar arrays. The site, which went live in April, totals an impressive 4.5MW, enough to power almost 750 homes. At the recent Solar Power Portal Awards, the site was named Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year. Before 600 clean-energy professionals, the work by contractor Custom Solar, was recognised as best in show. It will make a CO2 saving of almost 1,500 tonnes a year, with the port using the majority of the generated electricity, with a small amount being exported from site and back to the national grid. It is used to power port equipment such as cranes, conveyors, lock gates and offices. Mark Frith, port manager for Grimsby and Immingham, said: “It’s pivotal that

businesses in our region are making a concerted effort to reduce their CO2 emissions. As the UK’s largest port by tonnage, we’re extremely proud to be able to work with professional contractors such as Custom Solar, who have enabled us to make a real difference in reducing our carbon footprint.” In an additional effort, all external lighting is being replaced with lower-power LED bulbs. Gary Sucharewycz, director at Custom Solar UK, said: “We are delighted that our works have been recognised. It is one of the largest commercial rooftop installations in the UK over recent years and the design, engineering and installation that went into enabling this project to progress was of the highest standard. “It is a well-deserved accolade for everyone involved in what has been a real team effort between Custom Solar and ABP. We are very proud to be working with such a forward-thinking client and we look forward to continuing our work together, assisting them to achieve their aspirations in the deployment of renewable energy solutions across UK ports.”

ABP and Custom Solar representatives celebrate winning the Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year at the Solar Power Portal Awards.

PICTURE: SIMON D JONES

busy working. It seemed out of reach, but they’ve made it possible.” Since relocating, CARS has expanded its workforce and employed two new members of staff. Mr Parker said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with Jason and the CARS team. The new facilities are just fantastic and it’s great to see that new jobs have been created already. We wish them every success for the future.”

The award-winning solar array is installed at Port of Immingham.

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Property & Construction

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

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Expert confident of attracting new tenant to former Mondi site

GRIMSBY 37, BETHLEHEM STREET ALL ENQUIRIES Period, Listed 3 storey building Approx. 321 sqm/3459 sqft Sympathetically refurbished Suitable for retail, office, possible mixed use, licenced premises, restaurant use, subject to appropriate consents and approvals Modern services Courtyard entrance from frontage

RENT: £15,000 p.a. exclusive

LOUTH 37, UPGATE ALL ENQUIRIES Former licensed 40 cover restaurant premises with spacious sell contained 4/4 bedroomed flat over Visual location on main thoroughfare Extensive inventory of fixtures and fittings Considerable potential Incentives available by negotiation EPC Ratings Restaurant: C: Flat: D

PRICE: £320,000

GRIMSBY

The former Mondi factory in Scunthorpe.

UNIT 2/3 BULL RING LANE Retail/office premises Approx. 1272 sqf;/118 sqm Deep return frontage to Market Wide frontage High pedestrianised footfall New lease available EPC Rating D

RENT: £10,000 p.a. exclusive of outgoings

GRIMSBY 18-20, PASTURE STREET Prominent 2 storey retail/office/ work space Approx. 1200 sqft/112 sqm (GIA) Ground floor sales reception and private office approx. 547 sqft/50.83 sqm First floor approx. 645 sqft/60 sqm in 3 rooms Kitchenette/WCs on each floor EPC Rating D

RENT: £8,000 p.a.

GRIMSBY UNIT 20, GARDEN STREET Recently extended and refurbished retail premises Approx. 306 m/33292 ft (GIA) on 2 floors Ground floor sales approx. 186 m/2001 ft (GIA) Frontage approx. 16.9m/55.6 ft Wide window display frontage Suit alternative uses (subject to consents) EPC Rating C

RENT: £18,500 p.a. exclusive of outgoings

GRIMSBY 20-22, ABBEYGATE Double fronted retail unit Approx. 88 sqm/947 sq ft Ancillaries include kitchen/staff room, office and 2 WCs Suit a wide variety of uses, subject to appropriate consents EPC Rating C

RENT: £13,000 p.a. exclusive of outgoings

CUNTHORPE’S extensive and readily-available skilled labour force could help to secure the future of a substantial factory in the town. That’s the view of Duncan Willey, the commercial property expert tasked with finding a new occupier for the 100,000 sq ft Foxhills Industrial Estate facility. Appointed alongside Fox Lloyd Jones from Leeds, Roxburgh House on Clayfield Road, and the adjoining industrial units on Atkinsons Way, had both been occupied by packaging firm Mondi. The substantial office and warehouse accommodation measures 50,252 sq ft with the production facilities at Atkinsons Way virtually equal to it. It was previously produced easy-open polyethylene films and performance laminates, supplying food and non-food businesses across the UK. Unfortunately, the international packaging and paper group, which has its headquarters in Vienna, opted to close the Scunthorpe plant and move its operations to Deeside in Wales. Now a new tenant is being sought for the site on the Foxhills Industrial Estate, which used to employ around 80 people. Mr Willey, the divisional director of PPH Commercial, said: “The closure of Mondi is clearly disappointing for the town, and was due in part to a decline in demand and the centralisation of production and distribution to Deeside. “Obviously, it’s been a challenging time for Mondi employees and their families but I’m hopeful a new owner can be found who will bring jobs back to this

Duncan Willey PPH Commercial divisional director.

prominent site. “The fact the area benefits from an extensive and readily available skilled labour supply, from manufacturing and production to distribution skills, will make this site very appealing to potential tenants. “Despite being a fairly new instruction for us, there has already been a reasonable level of enquiries. “We’re confident we will be able to attract a new business as this large facility is ideally suited to a variety of production, manufacturing, warehouse or distribution uses.” The packaging business was originally brought to Scunthorpe by businessman Marc Wheatley more than 30 years ago, but was later sold to Austrian-based Mondi.

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Property & Construction Business

The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Councillor John Briggs, shakes hands with general manager Michael Lavizani, surrounded by staff, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa and Golf Resort launch.

Hotel undergoes rebrand N orthern Lincolnshire’s largest hotel has a new look after being rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort. Nestled in 190 acres of woodland at Broughton, just off the eastern approach to Scunthorpe, the 188room hotel is still operated by RBH, the UK’s leading independent hotel management company. It joins an existing 50 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in the UK, including those in Hull and Lincoln. Michael Lavizani, general manager, said: “We are delighted

to bring DoubleTree by Hilton’s renowned hospitality to the woodlands of north Lincolnshire, bringing to life new opportunities and a destination for travellers and the people of Broughton alike. “Guests will be welcomed with our signature, warm DoubleTree cookie, exemplary facilities and our caring service.” From early days as Briggate Lodge, a 21-bedroom hotel opened in 1988, the site has seen continual expansion. A particular jewel is the multi-award-winning 27-hole championship golf course, named the Best Golf Course in the East of

England in the 2018 Today’s Golfer Travel Awards. It also features a full spa and leisure centre offering, including gym and pool, two restaurants and more than 1,000 sq m of conference / function space, with capacity for 400 guests. The rebrand was first revealed in May, and followed owner Aprirose’s acquisition of Hampton by Hilton London Docklands and Hilton Reading. Four other hotels in the group are also in the process of converting, replacing the previous Q Hotels brand.

CEO hopes move will be catalyst for more companies to return to town centre THE chief operating officer behind Grimsby’s regeneration partner, Engie, hopes the move to New Oxford House will be a catalyst for more companies to return to the town centre. Martin Smithurst, who heads up the places and communities division in the north, was speaking at the official opening, following the £1.5 million refurbishment. It was taken on after law firm Wilkin Chapman vacated the prominent building, for the new Cartergate House, itself delivered by Engie. Key council figures joined the regeneration partner in welcoming the 180 staff to what is classed as the town’s civic quarter, from Europarc, with a suggestion that the relationship could be further improved thanks to the proximity. Mr Smithurst said: “There has been some distance between North East Lincolnshire Council and Engie in the past. It is a lot easier to work together if we are closer together and I think this will start to have benefits for us all over the coming years. “I think it was the right thing to do, and

Engie’s Phil McConnell and Martin Smithurst, with North East Lincolnshire Council and Clinnical Commissioning Group chief executive Rob Walsh, NELC leader Ray Oxby and portfolio holder for regeneration, Peter Wheatley, at the official opening of New Oxford House, where the local authority’s regeneration partner is now based.

the right thing to do for the town. We have brought 180 people in over the past few months, that is great footfall, people spending money in the town centre and a vibrancy being brought back. I hope this can be a catalyst for more. Up and down the country it is something that is needed, and hopefully in Grimsby this is a catalyst. The team has done a terrific job to bring back a building that was a little bit lifeless. It has been re-energised and that is something the town can be proud of. “There are modern new offices that stimulate morale and energy.” NELC staff who work closely with Engie

on economy and regeneration projects have also moved in, along with the Smart Energy Greater Lincolnshire Team who are also joining them for the next few years. As part of the reorganisation, North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group has been welcomed to the Municipal Offices, with Rob Walsh chief executive of both it and NELC. Phil McConnell, operations director for the local Engie team, said: “It is a really good addition to the town centre, and particularly the civic quarter. It feels like we are getting joined up across the board, which is what we wanted to do.”

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Business

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We do like a summit by the seaside

second annual Seaside ideas for Cleethorpes was born at Summit will take place in the Seaside Summit. I’ll certainly be 2019 after 200 businesses back next year.” from across North East Also on stage was fashion retailer Lincolnshire came out to Melanie Tillett, conducting a quessupport E-Factor’s inaugural coastal tion-and-answer session with Ben business event. Keaton, founder of Lincolnshire Hosted as a part of the Coastal media production company, Communities Project in conjunc- Bracket Energy. Together, they distion with North East Lincolnshire cussed how Cleethorpes is at the Council, it gave businesses the heart of the Tilletts brand, and how a opportunity to hear from speakers successful online business flourmaking the most of their opportuni- ished from the Sea View Street bouties within the leisure, retail and tique. tourism sectors. Melanie said: “Born and bred in The keynote speaker and com- Cleethorpes, the town is very imporpere of the evening was James Sin- tant to me and no matter where I clair, who had developed his busi- have been in the world, I have ness from a children’s entertainer always felt my connection to home. after leaving school in Essex, to a £10 Sea View Street, where our flagship million leisure and entertainment store is located, has become a thrivempire with 350 staff. James spoke ing and vibrant place not only for to the delegates about ‘the perfect tourists but for local businesses to business’ and his take on making the bloom and grow. most out of the resources available “This town is filled with so many to entrepreneurs. opportunities for entrepreneurs that On the home front, Will Douglas, I wanted to use my time at the sumdirector of Axholme Brewery and mit to offer my advice and experiDocks Beers, shared the journey of ence for anyone looking to take their this emerging brand, from sourcing first steps into creating their own ingredients from Cleethorpes local business. A town only beach to investing in becomes a community Grimsby’s first when people start brewery in 50 truly caring for years. each other and He said: each other’s “I, like growth.” This town is filled with so many othThe Rummany opportunities for ers I ble Band entrepreneurs that I wanted to spoke to, closed the use my time at the summit to left at the event. end of the Tim Madoffer my advice and experience evening d i nson, for anyone looking to take their feeling Business first steps into creating their inspired Growth Hub own local business not just by adviser at the event itself E-Factor Busiand the aweness, said: “We Melanie Tillett some fish platter were absolutely supper, but by the delighted with the way the coming together and meeting evening turned out, both in terms of so many Cleethorpes business of the sell-out attendance from our owners. It was invigorating to hear local businesses but also with the their personal success stories during education, insight and inspiration dinner and networking, and it was brought to the event by our fantastic educational to hear the keynote speakers. The feedback from everyspeaker. I left with three or four one has been entirely enthusiastic actions to deploy in my own busi- giving us the confidence to start ness. organising next year’s even bigger “The resort’s SMEs are undoubt- and brighter event. edly the lynch pin of its success. “In the meantime, we urge busiHaving an event to recognise their nesses to keep an eye on new workefforts and to give us all a chance to shops in the resort which are conmeet and break bread is so worth- stantly being added to our while. I’m willing to bet that more programme.” than one of the next great business

Keynote speaker at Seaside Summit and the evening’s compere, James Sinclair, centre, with the E-Factor Business team, from left, Tim Maddinson, Kevin Franklin, Steve Parker and Julie Sweeney, at The Beachcomber, Cleethorpes. PICTURE: LINDSAY COWIE

Unwrapping the Christmas campaign adverts It is beginning to feel a lot like it is nearly Christmas... The battle of the ads is well and truly underway, and not without controversy. Iceland has had its best efforts banned for daring to raise a ‘political’ issue of palm oil and the industry’s impact on the orangutan, while it seems perfectly okay for Sainsbury’s to hurl a child towards an electric socket, after decades of safety initiatives trying to keep the two separate. The backlash brought on from the freezing out of Iceland on the small screen has no doubt had the same effect the running of the campaign would have, indeed it probably enhanced it, in a time when support for the perceived ‘institution’ - be it political class or public body - seems to be at an all-time low. It has generated so much attention via the web, with many high profile sharers of the video, as environmental awareness peaks too. Blue Planet’s wake-up to plastics - 17 minutes of

festive fun, has it seemed so easy. How we’ve made these extravagant adverts such a part of our Christmas countdown only serves to back up the commercialisation criticism of the family time of year, but they do an amazing job, and even This year’s John Lewis in my cynicism is Christmas TV advert interspersed with 2018 features Elton marketing marvel. I’m John. adding to the free column inches taken up on the television that has back of these expensive transformed attitudes productions right here. around the globe It started with the Cocaunderlines just what Cola truck in my mind, and power television still has. it feels as though since So who’s winning? For X-Factor took out a near me, Sainsbury’s was a monopoly on the shade too close to John Christmas Number One Lewis’ school year start slot, the big popular campaign with the epic culture win for winter is assembly hall production, the acclaim that your and I think the company festive advertising may just have done it campaign is held in. again. Sir Elton John has Whether we’re revered come to the fore, and with or revulsed by the big a new year biopic to rock brands doing their best to the box office, you’ve got make you spend with the admire the mutual them, it ensures their benefits of such a name is out there. splendid piece of And when another commerce. brand jumps on it too, Not since Grimsby Town then that only endorses it jumped on the striker of further, while bringing a the same name for some nice win for the piggy-

backing business that is this time Lidl, and fair play to them with their keyboard note on Twitter. Such guerrilla marketing - no we’re not back with Iceland - isn’t limited to social media mind. I’ve also seen how Greggs has reversed its shop front logo in Newcastle where the lit sign reflects on the annual tourist attraction that is the city centre’s fabulous Fenwick’s window display. Not all good though. Do spare a thought for Father Christmas this year, for one wag has brought him right up to 2018 legislation, building on Bing Crosby’s insight. “He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice; he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice – Santa Claus is in contravention of Article Four of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679.” At least when Hall and Oates decided to put a Kiss on My List out in 1980, they had the foresight to include the disclaimer “I don’t feel the need to give such secrets away”.