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Wednesday, November 7, 2018
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
AMBASSADOR’S ‘FASCINATING’ VISIT TO DRAX POWER STATION page 5
FIRM PRAISED FOR ‘DRAGGING PROFESSION INTO 21ST CENTURY’ page 7
GARDEN CENTRE FIRM TAKEN OVER BY GRANDSON OF THE FOUNDER page 8
The latest business news at humberbusiness.com
SIEMENS’ TRAIN FACTORY PLANS BACK ON TRACK
C4Di founder joins Leaders’ FIRM ‘SURVIVES LEGAL CHALLENGE FOR £1.5bn TUBE CONTRACT’ Lunch line-up
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
Siemens appears to have survived a legal challenge from rivals for its £1.5bn London Underground contract, paving the way for its £200m train factory in Goole. Earlier this year, Transport for London (TfL) announced it had chosen Siemens ahead of a joint venture consisting of Bombardier and Hitachi, to build almost 100 new tube trains for the Piccadilly Line. Siemens, which hopes to employ up to 700 people in skilled engineering and manufacturing roles at the new East Yorkshire factory, had an anxious wait when its rivals launched a legal challenge to the High Court against TfL’s awarding of the contract. However, in the High Court on Friday, it was ruled that London Underground and Siemens could push ahead with the signing of the contract. Goole’s MP, Andrew Percy, welcomed the news on his official Facebook account. He said: “Residents may have seen reports this evening that the High Court has lifted the suspension on Transport for London and Siemens signing the new contract for the tube line upgrades, which were an
Siemens’ £200m train factory is expected to be built in Goole, creating up to 700 jobs
important part of the £160m train factory investment in Goole. “This is indeed excellent news, but I can’t say much more until full details are made official in the coming days. Not everything that is being reported is substantive, but I
“The factory could well be back hope and expect good news in the on track and confirmation will coming days. “Rest assured this is very good follow in coming days.” As it stands, Siemens will make, news, and once confirmed would mean that the contract can be signed supply and maintain the tube trains and any further challenges would be limited. Turn to Page 2
Business growth specialist John Connolly has joined the line-up for the IoD’s fourth Humber Business Leaders’ Lunch. The co-founder and managing director of C4Di (The Centre for Digital Innovation) will talk about the #ScaleUpHull initiative at The Deep on November 14. #ScaleUpHull was launched in October at Hull Minster by C4Di in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs. It aims to help fledgling businesses, high-growth scale-ups and traditional organisations through mentoring, business support and advice on investment and finance. Mr Connolly, pictured, has extensive experience of setting up technology businesses and taking them from concept through to profitability. He sits on the boards of tech start-ups and charities. Pat Coyle, chairman of the IoD in East Yorkshire, said: “I was hugely enthused by the launch of the partnership between C4Di and Barclays Eagle Labs and I’m delighted that John will be joining us to speak about #ScaleUpHull in more detail. “Everyone is welcome for what promises to be an excellent networking event with highquality speakers.”
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
BUSINESS
Businesses ‘unprepared’ for sweeping tax changes
Siemens’ rail factory plans back on track From Page 1
needed to replace aging rolling stock on the Piccadilly Line in London. The contract is part of a TfL programme which also involves replacing rolling stock on the Bakerloo, Central, and Waterloo & City lines, with trains of the same design as those on the Piccadilly Line. As well as making the Piccadilly Line trains, Siemens would also have options to supply these trains. Under European rules, the award of the Piccadilly Line contract was automatically suspended when Bombardier, Hitachi and fellow unsuccessful applicant Alstom launched legal action. Lawyers for Bombardier, Hitachi and Alstom said the award of the contract to Siemens would harm their global reputations. They said the contract was “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” and the award to Siemens created “a risk that employment at UK facilities may be reduced”. But the judge at the High Court said: “It is likely that alternative opportunities will be found for their employees and facilities in the UK.” Bombardier, Hitachi and Alstom can still press ahead with complaints about the tendering process, but their claims are not scheduled to be heard in court before January. In the meantime, Siemens and TfL can sign the contract tomorrow, as the new Goole factory moves a step closer.
MAKING TAX DIGITAL IS BEING IMPOSED BY HMRC IN APRIL 2019
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worrying number of Hull businesses are not ready for sweeping changes to tax legislation being imposed by HMRC next April. Making Tax Digital will force all VAT-registered businesses with a turnover of more than £85,000 to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using new software. The major initiative is being introduced in a bid to modernise the UK tax system using digital data, but despite there being less than six months to go into the law is imposed, concern is growing that businesses across the region are unprepared for the shift. Andy Jewitt, a specialist at Hullbased 360 Chartered Accountants, said: “This is the biggest change
to the UK tax system since selfassessment was introduced in 1998. Manually entering your VAT figures into the Government Gateway is no longer an option. If businesses don’t ensure their software is compliant, then they are inviting potential tax investigations and possible fines. “I can’t stress how important this is.” According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 183,000 VAT-registered businesses across Yorkshire and Humberside in March 2018, and there are concerns that many will be unaware of the forthcoming compulsory changes. Research suggests 41 per cent of small business owners nationwide were still unaware of the transition as of June this year.
Richard Lacey, partner at Harris, Lacey & Swain
Last month, HMRC launched its Making Tax Digital for VAT pilot scheme and invited more than half a million businesses to try the process for themselves. A partner at Hull accountancy firm Harris Lacey & Swain has also shared his top three tips on how businesses can prepare for the changes. Richard Lacey said: “A good working partnership with your accountant is always the best place to start. They should inform you on what Making Tax Digital means and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible. “Working with cloud software is vital. Once data has been inputted, software developers essentially do the leg work. We are moving away from data entry to data automation –
for example, if you scan bills or take a photo of receipts, it can drastically reduce the time it takes to prepare your VAT return. “Finally, make sure you register for a government gateway. You will need this for any VAT submissions to be compliant. If you haven’t done this, your accountant can do this for you.” According to HMRC, 1.8 million businesses still file manual returns. The new legislation particularly affects these people, but even those who use accountancy software may have to change the way they do things or at least upgrade to the latest version. Depending on when your financial year ends, it may also be wise to introduce Making Tax Digital software before the April 1 deadline.
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Businesses across the Humber are being warned not to be caught out this year and to prepare further in advance for all heating and energy requirements, in case of another “Beast from the East” winter. Goole-based biomass company Y Pellets is advising customers to think ahead given last year’s events, which saw the company delivering thousands of extra tonnes of wood pellets at very short notice to assist UK organisations that had failed to plan or had no contingency procedures in place. It is now working with existing clients nationwide and across different industries to pre-plan delivery schedules and pre-empt their required pellet stock levels based upon anticipated energy
usage should the “Beast” return. Chris Wilson, pictured, general manager of Y Pellets, said: “Despite the weather warnings, some organisations still left it very late to order wood pellets last year, with certain companies being totally caught out by the harsh weather conditions. “Clients, especially those in more remote or rural locations such as hotel destinations or agriculture producers, as well as those with constant heating demands like residential care homes, schools and public buildings, should start considering now the real possibility that this could happen again and pre-plan as much as possible, estimating their biomass requirements.”
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
BUSINESS
US ambassador’s ‘fascinating’ visit to power station
Fron left, Will Gardiner, Drax Group chief executive, Ambassador Johnson, Andy Koss, Drax Power chief executive, and Stan Phillips, agricultural counselor
TRIP CELEBRATES ‘SUCCESSFUL TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP’ By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
T
he US ambassador has completed a trip to Drax Power Station to learn about the country’s largest power station and its contribution to the UK economy. Robert Wood Johnson, the ambassador of the United States of America to the UK, had a tour of the power station and heard about how Drax has upgraded two thirds of its generating units to use sustainable biomass instead of coal. About 60 per cent of the biomass, used by Drax to produce enough renewable electricity for four million households, comes from the sustainable working forests of the US South, making it the biggest importer of US agricultural products. Drax also operates three pellet plants in the US South, which produce biomass for the power station in North Yorkshire. Mr Johnson met with Drax Group chief executive Will Gardiner and Drax Power chief executive Andy
Koss to hear about the transformation of the power station and their plans for the future. He said: “Being here at Drax has been fascinating – the scale of the place is incredible, and the innovative projects and new technology being trialled here are very exciting. “Drax makes a really important contribution to the US economy. I am pleased to be here to mark the important investment they make.” The ambassador heard about Drax’s plans for a Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage pilot project, due to get under way this autumn, which, if successful, could enable the power produced at Drax to become carbon negative, making a vital contribution to efforts to tackle climate change. The power station also outlined proposals to repower the two remaining coal units to use gas, and develop up to 200MW of battery storage, as well as the proposed £702m acquisition of some of Scottish Power’s flexible and renewable power generation assets, including pumped storage and hydro.
Mr Gardiner said: “We were delighted to welcome the ambassador to Drax Power Station to celebrate the successful transatlantic relationship between Drax and the US, which plays a vital role in enabling us to source the biomass needed to produce enough flexible, renewable power for millions of homes and businesses in the UK.
“We play a valuable role in the communities where we operate in the US, creating jobs and breathing new life into areas previously affected by industrial decline. “Since the acquisition of a third pellet mill we now employ almost 250 people over there, with plans to grow our self-supply of biomass so we’re producing up to 30 per cent
Two law firms named in leading industry guide TWO law firms have cemented their places in one of the legal sector’s top industry guides. Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Myton Law have been named in the Legal 500, an annual guide published in October, which recognises the country’s best law companies. In the guide, the Andrew Jackson team is quoted as being “outstanding on all fronts when it comes to client care,” with another source describing it as an “excellent all-round firm”. Mark Pearson-Kendall, pictured, managing partner of Andrew Jackson, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to read the feedback we have received in Legal 500’s latest publication. “Our rankings within this industry guide always matter a great deal to the team because the results take account of our clients’ experience of the firm.
“To receive recognition across several practice areas, along with numerous lawyer recommendations, is a fantastic endorsement to have received from them. “I am very proud of the team for delivering a strong and consistent client offering across the whole business.” Legal 500 said the “personal service” offered by Myton Law had been considered to be “excellent all-round, and provided London standards at a very competitive cost”. Scott Yates, director at the firm, said: “It is the first year that Myton Law has applied and we are delighted to be in Legal 500 the first time round. “We are also pleased that, as well as our longstanding shipping and road logistics expertise, our strength in the rail logistics sector – a result of bringing Chris Thornes on board from DB Cargo UK in 2016 – is acknowledged.”
of the pellets used at the power station.” Drax contributed around £1.7bn in GDP to the UK economy and supported more than 18,500 jobs here in 2016. That included more than £500m to the Northern Powerhouse’s regional economy and support for 6,000 jobs here.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018  HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
BUSINESS
Law firm is praised for ‘dragging profession into 21st century’
New pale ale for brewery
Gary Gallen, of rradar, receiving his award from Andrew Neil
PICTURE: Robert Beaumont Associates
JUDGES PRESENT BUSINESS WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
J
udges who presented Hull law firm rradar with a prestigious award said the disruptor had “dragged the traditional legal professional into the 21st
century�. rradar, which has offices in Hull, Leeds and Glasgow, triumphed in the north east category of the Spectator’s Economic Disruptor of the Year Awards, organised in conjunction with private bank Julius Baer. The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony in central London. Gary Gallen, founder and chief executive of rradar, said: “The calibre of entries to these inaugural awards was incredibly high and to be recognised as a regional winner is hugely important to us. “It’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment from the team at rradar. “Without their passionate belief in our business, our vision for the future of legal services just wouldn’t have happened. “The awards evening was a truly inspiring event and we were delighted to share the fantastic venue with so many other inspirational and innovative organisations and invited guests.� rradar is expanding fast, with plans for further growth with new offices opening across the UK in the near future. The firm is also part of the London Stock Exchange Elite Programme, the first law firm to ever be included in
these awards and prestigious lists. Andrew Neil, chairman of the Spectator and of the judges, said: “rradar is an exceptional law firm, which is a disruptor in the truest sense of the word. “It has dragged the traditional legal professional into the 21st century, completely missing out the 20th century. That is a truly magnificent achievement. “The judges were especially impressed by the manner in which rradar always puts its clients first. “By using technology in a very efficient and focused way, the firm provides swift, relevant and costeffective advice. This process has turned the profession on its head. “There is no doubt that rradar has a very bright future indeed. Its approach is of special benefit to young and expanding businesses, who need legal advice, but cannot pay the earth for it. “The firm is a worthy winner of our inaugural North East Disruptor of the Year Award.� Martin van der Weyer, business editor of the Spectator, said: “We received entries from every corner of the UK, in business sectors ranging from advanced genetics to ice cream and from musical instrument-making to cyber security. “Overall, we’ve been thrilled to learn about the creativity, enthusiasm and dedication of the entrepreneurs behind the entries. “Many of these businesses will clearly be big names of the future, and we’re proud to have made contact with them.�
An independent family-owned brewery in East Yorkshire is launching a new pale ale named after the five-star constellation Cassiopeia. The new beer is the fifth in Wold Top Brewery’s Constellation Series, and is the tenth limited edition cask beer that the brewery has developed exclusively for pubs and restaurants during 2018. Cassiopeia, 3.8 per cent ABV, is brewed from lager, wheat and cara malts and cascade hops. Alex Balchin, brewery manager at Wold Top, said the low-strength beer will be available from November 1 for a limited period of four weeks. He said: “Cassiopeia is full of flavour despite having a lower ABV, which makes it an ideal thirst quencher. “It’s also interesting in the fact that it’s a single-hop beer and so extracting the desired flavour, bitterness and aroma from just one variety presented a challenge, but we’re delighted with the result.�
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8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2018
BUSINESS
Garden centre company taken over by the founder’s grandson DIRECTOR RETIRES AFTER MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY AT THE FIRM’S REINS By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
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multi-million-pound East Yorkshire garden centre business has been acquired by the grandson of its original founder. Langlands Garden Centre, which is based in Shiptonthorpe and has branches in Leeds and Sheffield, turned over more than £7m last year, and currently employs about 180 people. Director John Ducker, whose father, Walter Ducker, founded the business in 1955, is retiring after more than half a century at the reins, and is handing over to Walter’s grandson, James Ducker. The business provides plants, home and garden furniture to a growing client base across Yorkshire and the UK, and continues to diversify its operations by opening giftware, farm shops, café bars and awardwinning eating outlets. James Ducker, who has now acquired Langlands, said: “After almost 30 years in the business, I can honestly say that I love coming into work every day, and this is down to our amazing team and loyal customer base. “For customers, it will be business as usual. Looking forward, I’m keen to maximise our nurseries potential and develop the food offering across the business, with more of a ‘field-to-fork’ focus. “I know that with the team’s long-standing industry experience and expertise, customers will continue to benefit from the same high standards of service and support that we have endeavoured to provide throughout our 63-year history.” The management buyout, overseen by RSM corporate finance, sees James Ducker become the majority shareholder with his father, Robert Ducker, retaining a shareholding. Langlands Garden Centre, which is headquartered in Shiptonthorpe with further
After almost 30 years in the business, I can honestly say that I love coming into work every day, and this is down to our amazing team and loyal customer base James Ducker
operations in Whinmoor, Leeds and Loxley, near Sheffield, employs more than 180 staff and has a turnover of £ 7.5m. On his retirement from the business after 54 years, John Ducker said: “Ian and I, together with our wives Sarah and Eileen, would like to thank all of the Langlands staff both past and present for all their hard work and support over the past 54 years. “It is greatly appreciated and we wish them and the business every success. “Thanks also to Tony Farmer, of Garbutt & Elliott, and Martin Frost, of Lupton Fawcett, for all their help and support throughout the transaction.” The deal will also see John’s son Ian, who has also worked in the business for many years, leave to pursue other business interests. Steve Hubbard and James Atkinson, of RSM’s corporate finance team, supported the management team in the buyout. Mr Hubbard, corporate finance partner at RSM, said: “Langlands is an ambitious regional business with a loyal customer base and huge potential to respond to the growing opportunity in the market. “We’re delighted to have supported a long-standing client to achieve the next phase of growth as the business looks ahead to the future.”
A management buyout has been completed at Langlands Garden Centre PICTURE: RSM
Logistics firm expands its Hull operations WORRIED ABOUT TAX?
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Logistics firm Rhenus Logistics has moved its Hull facility to a larger site, in a bid to fuel future growth. The new premises, at the Saxon Business Park in Hessle, marks further investment for Rhenus in its UK operations. Relocating from a previous facility in Wellington House, Beverley Road, the new location provides closer links to local infrastructure, giving the Rhenus
team greater accessibility to customers across the Humber region. The move has also enabled Rhenus to enhance its customer focus, with the latest versions of its popular web-booking and track and trace customer tools now available. Gary Dodsworth, pictured, country manager at Rhenus UK, said: “Due to our continuous growth, the decision to move the
Hull facility to the Saxon Business Park signifies a major step forward for Rhenus’s operations in the region. “Over the past 12 months, Rhenus has seen numerous developments across the UK region, including a new facility in Manchester, additional routes launched to both Europe and Asia and an expansion of their temperature-controlled logistics division.”
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
APPRENTICE LANDS KEY SALES ROLE AT GLAZING SPECIALIST
MONTHS OF ‘ESSENTIAL’ WORK ON HUMBER BRIDGE
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The latest business news at humberbusiness.com
REVEALED: THE STAGGERING NUMBER OF CITY SHOP CLOSURES
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
Almost 30 retailers closed their doors in Hull city centre in the first half of 2018, worrying new figures have revealed. The blight of the high street has
been well publicised, with bigname store closures including Toys R Us and Maplin set to be joined by House of Fraser in Hull in the coming months. Figures released by professional services network PwC have now shown 28 Hull stores shut in the city
centre between January and July. The figure is beaten only by Leeds, where 35 closed in the same period, and puts Hull well above the likes of York (17), Sheffield (15) and Grimsby (13). A combination of growth in online shopping, a shift to in-home leisure,
and overbearing rates and rent costs have been cited as reasons for the decline. Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at PwC, said: “Our latest research highlights the chalTurn to Page 2
Energy sector is in spotlight Business leaders and students will join a host of experts this month at a conference aimed at exploring the potential of the region’s energy sector. The Humber Energy Conference 2018 is hosted by the Energy Institute (EI) in association with event sponsors OSL Consulting Engineers, F.E.S. (EX) and Roxby Training, and has attracted a range of speakers from around the industry. The event, which takes place at the University of Hull’s Canham Turner Building on Wednesday, November 21, will reflect on key issues raised in the EI’s Energy Barometer 2018 – a report on the views of UK energy professionals. Alastair Robertson, Energy Institute Humber Branch member and director of OSL Consulting Engineers, said: “The conference will cover some of the major issues the energy sector currently faces, with particular focus on potential future skills shortages, the impact of energy policy and the importance of effective risk management.” Expert speakers at the event include Mr Robertson, risk expert Elvis Hernandez, EI energy analyst Kinga Niemczyk, Phil Glover (Humber LEP), David Nash (ECITB), energy efficiency expert Ian Gibbs and chartered energy engineer Mike Tooke. To find out more and book your place at the conference, email humber@energyinst.org or visit www.energyinst.org/whats-on
2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Business N ews Revealed: The number of city store closures From Page 1
lenges facing the retail and leisure sectors on Britain’s high streets. “The continued rate of store closures reflects the new reality that many of us prefer to shop online and increasingly eat, drink and entertain at home. “The high street is adapting to an overcapacity in retail and leisure space resulting from these channel shifts.” Better news for Hull, however, comes with the fact that 25 new stores opened in the city centre in the first half of the year. With the current retail climate as unsettled as it is, however, shoppers could expect to see stores opening and closing their doors at a much faster rate. It was a similar story in Beverley, where six stores closed between January and July. Over in Goole, two stores were recorded as shutting, with four disappearing from Bridlington’s high street. Ms Hooker warned the turmoil is unlikely to ease any time soon. She said: “Openings simply aren’t replacing the closures at a fast enough rate. “Specifically, the openings across ‘experiential’ chains, such as ice cream parlours, beauty salons and vape shops, haven’t been enough to offset closures in the more traditional categories. “Looking ahead, the turmoil facing the sector is unlikely to abate. Store closures in H2 due to administrations and CVAs will further intensify the situation.” Huddersfield was the only town that saw a positive net change across Yorkshire and the Humber in the first half of the year. There was, however, some positive growth news across the region’s high streets, with barbers, beauty salons, nail salons and pawnbrokers among the fastest growing in the first half of the year. With more big-name stores, including Debenhams, announcing struggles, Hull’s high street is likely to look very different in the months ahead.
Landmark as green energy passes fossil fuel capacity for first time HUMBER LOOKS SET TO BE AT HEART OF FUTURE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
T
he Humber region has played a starring role in reaching a landmark which saw renewable energy capacity overtake that of fossil fuels for the first time. Green energy now offers 42GW of electricity across the country, surpassing the 40.6GW available through fossil fuels. It is the very first time renewable energy has achieved the feat, and the Humber looks set to be at the heart of future development in the sector. On the offshore wind front, Race Bank officially opened in June, and is capable of generating 573MW of electricity. Many of the turbine blades have been manufactured in Hull, and East Yorkshire’s contribution is far from over. Hornsea Project One is expected to become the world’s biggest
offshore wind farm once work is completed. It will be followed by Hornsea Project Two, and an application for Project Three was submitted to the UK Planning Inspectorate this summer. Biomass has also played a significant role in the growth of renewable energy. More than 3GW of electricity capacity is currently produced using biomass, with Drax capable of generating up to 2.6GW at its power station near Goole. Andy Koss, Drax Power 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.” The growth in offshore wind power has made Britain the world’s leader, with 45 per cent of global wind capacity stationed here. The Humber is ideally placed to become a world leader of its own in offshore wind, with multinational corporations as far away as China and the US already tapping into the region’s wealth of expertise and talent.
A third of fossil fuel generating capacity has retired over the past 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. The figures have been released following research carried out at Imperial College London, for Drax. Dr Iain Staffell, of Imperial, said: “The cost of balancing the system has doubled in the last four years. “The amount of flexible generation on the system is a key driver. “Balancing costs rise when the output from flexible generators such as gas, coal, biomass and hydro falls below 10GW.”
Recruitment agency wins national award Sutton Recruitment, formerly Jark Hull Ltd, has won a national award for being “The Best Recruitment Agency to Work For”. The agency has had a successful 2018 so far, adding more staff to its team and gaining a string of new business. Sutton’s managing director, Graeme Sutton, is the man who steered Jark (Hull) Ltd into independence,
before rebranding the business and is delighted to see the hard work of his team recognised. “It was a fantastic opportunity” he said. “It was facilitated by The Recruit Venture Group. Their financial and technical support allowed me to turn a dream of running my own business into a reality. “Delivering the sort of performance that wins this
Award feels good - it’s like we’re giving something back. Proving we were worth their support and proving my team and I are having an impact.” David Head, editor of Recruitment International, was one of the judges on the panel for the award and echoed those sentiments. team who worked for each He said: “Sutton’s nomination was very strong, other and that spirit and togetherness has delivered you could see this was a
excellent results in challenging times for the recruitment industry.”
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018  HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
Business N ews
Apprentice lands key sales role at glazing specialist
in brief
New supplier for wind farm
20-YEAR-OLD SECURES PERMANENT POSITION IN COMMERCIAL TEAM By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
A
20-year-old who started out as an apprentice at a Hull glazing specialist has been handed a key sales role at the company. Luke Drewery, 20, of Hull, started his business administration apprenticeship at EYG in 2016, and impressed his employer so much he has now secured a permanent position in the firm’s modular sales team. EYG currently has 13 other apprentices across its commercial, domestic and trade businesses, working towards qualifications including business administration, manufacturing and advanced IT. Luke said: “I’m thrilled to have been given this chance, especially given the success in the department over the past 12 months in which some excellent relationships have been established with customers and the department has performed well beyond targets. “It is obviously a challenge for me given the business has done so well over the past 12 months, as the expectation is now to not only maintain the work levels but build on that success and drive further growth. “I like a challenge, though, and am always happy to back myself to do well. “The job really suits me, especially having spent a lot of time during my apprenticeship on the factory floor and in processing through my apprenticeship.� Luke’s appointment follows the recent addition of more new faces to
the EYG commercial management team, after enjoying another year of growth and securing a string of impressive new contracts in England and Wales. Having recently secured four new contracts worth around ÂŁ3.5m in value, the firm has added production manager Ryan Wright and design manager Daniel Wilson to its ranks. Luke said: “I’ve had the experience of working alongside senior people in the trade sales teams, dealing with builders and advising them on doors and windows. “The route I have taken has given me a really good understanding of our products, which best suit customers, and how important it is to be a reliable point of contact for customers at all times.â€? Commercial director Steve Swallow says the modular market is a key focus for the business, and is confident Luke will repay the faith shown in him. He said: “Apprenticeship programmes are all about giving young people the chance to learn the skills they need to advance in a business and forge successful careers, but they need the businesses they are with to be prepared to give them responsibility and a chance to prove themselves. “Luke has done this throughout his time with us, from working on the factory floor to then within the trade sales team. “He has naturally become more and more involved with modular as the business has grown in recent months, and it was the right step to give him more responsibility – and more recognition – for the work he has been doing.â€?
Luke Drewery has landed a key sales role at EYG
A Dorset-based renewables company has secured a contract to become a supplier to a major wind farm being built off the coast of Hornsea. Ă˜rsted, the leading offshore wind developer, has signed a contract with Manor Renewable Energy to provide the full temporary power package of generators, personnel and vessels in case of need during the turbine installation and commissioning for Hornsea Project One. Commencing in January, MRE will utilise its own multi-purpose vessel, the Manor Venture, with an onboard capacity of 40 tonnes and accommodation for 12 personnel. Toby Mead, director at MRE, said: “We’re delighted to once again be working with the global leader in offshore wind, on what will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm.â€?
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To ďŹ nd out more about these fantastic opportunities visit www.ernest-wilson.co.uk
T: 0113 238 2900 E: info@ernest-wilson.co.uk W: ernest-wilson.co.uk The Business Centre, Deanhurst Park, Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 7LG TRIED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1956
4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Business N ews in brief
Firm expands its sales force An SME funding specialist has expanded its sales force as it targets ambitious and sustained growth into 2019. One Stop Business Finance, based in Pocklington, has appointed two new business development managers to its ranks. The independent company, which specialises in providing funding to SMEs who have found difficulties in accessing funds from their existing banks, has welcomed Kelly Frith, above, and Helen Dale, below, to its team. As part of One Stop Business Finance’s nationwide expansion plans, which includes doubling turnover for the fourth successive year, they will be tasked with
helping SME customers in all industry sectors in the Thames Valley and West Midlands regions respectively. Andrew Mackenzie, managing director at One Stop Business Finance, said: “We’re delighted that Kelly and Helen have joined OSBF and will be part of our expanded and strengthened team. “They bring valuable knowledge, skills and experience which will be crucial to keep our ambitious growth plans on track as we provide funding solutions to an ever expanding SME client base. “Our customers value our ability to be a more flexible funding provider with the capability to offer truly bespoke solutions, and that will always drive our service as we grow.”
The Humber Bridge PICTURE: Martin Brent Photography
Months of ‘essential’ work to start on Humber Bridge ENGINEERING SPECIALIST TO CARRY OUT SAFETY PROJECT
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ssential work which will ensure the long-term safety of the Humber Bridge is to begin next month. Hull-based engineering specialist Spencer Group will carry out the project, which involves the design and construction of a bespoke access platform, allowing engineers to inspect the bridge’s “hangers” – the super-strength steel strands that suspend the bridge deck from the main cables. Three hangers will be accessed and removed, one by one, using the custom-built platform at heights of up to 65m above the estuary, and 15m above the Humber Bridge road surface. The chief executive of the Humber Bridge Board said the work was “essential” for the long-term safety of the bridge. Dr Kevin Moore said: “This project is essential to the long-term health
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
of the bridge and helps ensure the safety of our millions of users, whether they are in a car, on a bike, or on foot, taking in the spectacular views the structure affords. “We have worked with Spencer Group on a number of occasions and they have always delivered a first-class engineering solution. “We like working with companies like Spencer Group because of the level of innovation and engineering expertise they bring.” Spencer Group is renowned for its expertise in long-span bridge repair. The current Humber Bridge project is expected to be completed within 15 to 20 weeks on site, with a further eight months of off-site planning and testing. The Humber Bridge deck is suspended from the main bridge cables
by super-strengthened hangers. The three hangers that will be removed for inspection will be replaced by three new replacements, supplied, tested and installed by Spencer Group. Spencer Group managing director Gary Thornton said: “We’re delighted once again to work on an important project that will contribute to the long-term future of the Humber Bridge. “Having successfully completed major bridge works all over the UK and in Europe, it’s particularly pleasing to bring our unique knowledge, experience and resources to deliver complex and challenging projects such as this to the Humber Bridge. “We can see the bridge from our riverside headquarters in Hull and it’s an iconic sight that, for so many East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire residents, symbolises ‘coming home’. “As main contractors on this
Warning issued after collapse of law firm The collapse of a firm that pledged to look after people’s assets and save them thousands in care fees and inheritance tax has prompted another warning about the work of unregulated advisers. Legal specialists at Wilkin Chapman solicitors have issued a series of warnings over the past 18 months, sparked by issues across the region. Recent news that a company called Universal Wealth Management is in administration has seen the advice repeated in a
bid to stop people, especially the elderly, falling victim to similar unregulated advisers. Alison Elwess, pictured, senior solicitor at Wilkin Chapman, said: “It is vital that people understand how anyone can set up as a will writer, with no requirement for any prior training or knowledge. This is the same when it comes to selling trusts. “These salespeople are very good at appearing to be informed and will often hold events where individuals or couples are
persuaded to trust them with their assets. “Many people assume these unregulated advisers are cheaper than seeking proper regulated legal advice, or that they offer better value. “But be warned, their fees are often higher, and they may well sell a product that is both expensive and completely unnecessary. “Or, as in the case of Universal Wealth Management, they may face unnecessary costs to take back control of their property.”
project, we are also pleased to be collaborating with our engineering and design colleagues at Atkins, who are providing technical advice to the client, the Humber Bridge Board.” It is not the first time that Spencer Group has worked on the Humber Bridge. In 2015, a complex £4m Humber Bridge project delivered by the engineering company was nominated for the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building Award, part of the British Construction Industry Awards. This project involved the replacement of load-bearing “A-frames” that connect the main bridge deck to the towers at either end. New work on the bridge has been planned to keep disruption to a minimum, with much of the project expected to take place at night, with some lane closures during the off-peak daytime period as well.
6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Business N ews
Pricing pressures sees dip in profits at Aunt Bessie’s
in brief
but new owner positive over frozen food firm’s future By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
New solicitor appointed at city law firm HULL law firm Rollits has made a new solicitor appointment with the recruitment of John Ashworth, pictured, who successfully completed his training contract with the firm in September. A former student at Hymers College and a University of Hull law graduate, John joined Rollits as a trainee solicitor in September 2016. His “period of recognised training” included a secondment to Hull 2017 City of Culture for seven months, during which time he got valuable experience of legal work within the culture and creative arts sector. George Coyle, dispute resolution partner at Rollits, said: “We are delighted that John has joined our highly regarded dispute resolution team. “Over the past two years he has proved himself to be a valued member of the Rollits team and I look forward to working with him and see him develop into the top-class lawyer I know he will become.” Based in the Hull office, John will specialise in commercial dispute resolution work, including disputed debt claims, property disputes and breach of contract claims.
P
rofits fell slightly at Hull frozen food giant Aunt Bessie’s last year, as the company admitted “fierce market competition” was putting pressure on prices. The business, which was acquired by Nomad Foods, owners of Birds Eye, in June, did however report an increase in turnover in the 2017-18 financial year. Operating profits were down from £13.6m to £13m, in what was the final year of ownership by the William Jackson Food Group, but the well-known Yorkshire Pudding producer remained positive over its performance. In August, its new owner announced it was raising its expected earnings for 2018 by £4m Aunt Bessie’s in Freightliner Road, Hull. Below, inside the factory following the purchase. The company said in its annual accounts, filed earlier this month: “Competition in the retail market permanent pressure on prices. “Trading conditions remained “As a business we are susceptible challenging during the year, so it is remains fierce and, as many of our pleasing to note that the business products directly or indirectly are to movements in raw material costs. supplied to retailers, there is The variability of summer weather maintained its performance. in recent years has impacted the yield and quality of many crops.” Turnover rose from £108.9m to £110.7m in the past year, as sales also climbed. Aunt Bessie’s is based in Freightliner Road, Hull, and employs around 400 people. The brand was created in 1995, and today 20 million Yorkshire puddings are made in Hull every week. Speaking to the Mail in June, at the time of the buyout, Birds Eye managing director Wayne Hudson said Aunt Bessie’s was a brand that had been “long admired”. He said: “The aim is to accelerate growth. Aunt Bessie’s is a market
Safety specialist raises £15k for charity WORRIED ABOUT TAX?
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Hull-based safety specialist Arco has raised more than £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support following a week-long programme of fundraising. Events included a charity bake-off, which took place at Arco’s head office in Hull, and featured renowned chef James Mackenzie, of The Pipe and Glass in South Dalton, as a judge.
Arco employees were challenged with putting their baking skills to the test to create a culinary masterpiece before they were judged under the categories of best tasting, best decoration and best overall bake. Following judging, the cakes were auctioned off and the proceeds collected for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Karen Narey, campaign manager at Arco, said: “We have supported Macmillan for the past 13 years and the team always look forward to helping out and getting involved. “This year’s total of £15,313 is extremely impressive, so I would like to thank everyone at Arco for getting involved and helping raise vital funds for the cancer charity.”
leader in Yorkshire puddings, and this gives us more opportunities than we have in our existing portfolio. “We feel we are well placed to work with the existing team to build on the success and heritage of the brand, and continue to drive it forwards.” Aunt Bessie’s said it was confident that, despite the small dip in profits, the potential for growth outweighed any risks or uncertainties facing the business. It admitted, however, that in the coming year, there would continue to be “a tight control of capital. New owners Nomad Foods saw revenue increase by almost 4 per cent in the first half of the year, compared with the same period in 2017. James Mackenzie judges Arco’s charity bake-off competition
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
YOUR MONEY POUND NOTES
Financial fact Home owners stay put for 19 years on average before moving, a report from Barclays Mortgages has found using data from property analysts Hometrack. AMAZON FASHION LAUNCHES ‘TRY BEFORE YOU BUY’ SERVICE Prime Wardrobe lets Amazon Prime members try items from Amazon Fashion – before deciding whether they want to buy them. On receipt of their order, members have seven days to make a verdict, and then pay only for what they want to keep and return the rest. COMPLAINTS TO FIRMS INCREASED IN EARLY 2018 The PPI scandal and banking woes helped to drive complaints to record levels in the first half of 2018, according to the City regulator. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said complaints continued to increase for the fourth half-year in a row, reaching a new record level of 4.13 million complaints made to 3,161 firms. The bulk of complaints continue to be about PPI – which accounted for 42% of all complaints in the first half of 2018. WARNING to pension savers Pension savers are being warned to hang up on cold calls about their pots. The Financial Ombudsman Service says pension freedoms – allowing people to take their savings as lump sums – have opened the floodgates for phone line fraudsters. The FOS received 14,912 complaints about this and it upheld a third. Regulated financial advisers and reputable firms don’t contact people out of the blue, urging them to put pension savings into investments, often demanding quick decisions. Be wary of offers of a free pension review, a too-good-to-miss investment opportunity or offers to access your money before age 55. If the advice you receive, or the investment, is not regulated then you’ve lost your money. You can check if an adviser is regulated through the Financial Conduct Authority’s register at register.fca.org.uk
You don’t need to give out your life story when chatting to someone for the first time
How to spot a rom-con
W
hat would you do if someone you were dating asked you for money? While some people may not hesitate before handing over cash to help someone they care about and are romantically involved with, it may be a warning sign of a scam. One in three romance scams end up with victims losing more than £5,000, according to new research from Barclays. That’s a hefty amount of money! Of course, the early days of dating are always a bit hit-and-miss, and there’s a degree of good faith involved – but it’s a good idea to be switched on to the possibility that scammers are out there. Here we look at how these scams often work, the warning signs to look out for, and what you can do to protect yourself...
Online dating may now be the norm, but some people still use it to carry out scams. Vicky Shaw finds out how to stay safe
may then disappear into thin air – leaving their victim heartbroken and dealing with the financial blow. How much money are victims losing? Barclays found that 37% of romance scams result in losses of more than £5,000. Over half (57%) of cases result in losses of at least £2,000.
Who’s most at risk? Barclays found that 45-64-yearold daters are particularly likely to be vulnerable to this type of scam. Only 45% of people in this age group undertake basic checks to ensure the dating websites they use are reputable. But it’s not just this age group which may need to take greater care, What is a romance scam? as more than four-fifths (43%) of These scams often start after daters admit they would trust meeting someone online, perhaps someone after speaking to them on an internet dating website. through a dating website for just two Scammers will build trust with their victim, who believes they are in weeks – even without meeting them in person. a relationship with them. The research also found They may use fake online profiles 18-24-year-olds are particularly and build up the relationship likely to say they would lend quickly, but avoid meeting in someone they were speaking to on a person. They are adept at coming up with dating app a large amount of money to help with a ‘medical emergency’, sob stories before persuading saying they’d be willing to lend victims to part with their cash – perhaps claiming they need money £112.40 on average – compared with 55-64-year-olds, who would lend for medical or family reasons. £18.60 as a typical amount. Once they have the money, they
On average, daters said they would lend someone £74.24 if they claimed they needed the money for a medical emergency. Men are particularly likely to trust a potential partner quickly, with more than half (53%) saying they would trust someone up to two weeks after they start talking, while a third of women said the same.
a potential partner for the first time, with only 38% saying they would search a potential partner’s name or username online to check their reputation. ■■ Judging the reliability of a website by its appearance. Many daters do not check the reputation of the websites they are using before meeting someone in person. ■■ Trusting someone too soon: 51% of people would trust someone after meeting them once, with another one in ten (11%) admitting they would lend a potential partner money to help pay for rent after just three dates.
What could put daters particularly at risk of a romance scam? Barclays has identified tendencies which could put those looking for love particularly at risk – bearing in mind some people are not who they say they are online. These are: ■■ Judging someone’s character by their social media profile: 26% of people believe the best way to judge whether someone is trustworthy is their social media profile, compared with 13% who are most influenced by past marital status. ■■ Judging someone’s character by their job: 21% of people would judge someone based on what kind of job they claim to have, with doctors or teachers seen as most trustworthy. ■■ Throwing caution to the wind when meeting someone for the first time. One in 10 people do not carry out any basic checks before meeting
How can you stay safe? Here are some tips from Barclays to help protect yourself from a rom-con: ■■ Take your time, especially when talking about yourself. You don’t need to give out your life-story the first time you chat – and you shouldn’t. ■■ Check to see if there are other records of the person you’re interested in online. If possible, use a search engine to check their profile photos. ■■ Always keep your bank and account information private. ■■ Be wary of people who ask you to transfer money to a ‘safe account’ – ignore anyone who asks you to do this. ■■ Report suspicious behaviour, trust your instincts, and immediately stop communicating with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable or apprehensive.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2018
Business N ews Time is running out to enter regional business awards With the closing date for the 2019 Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards now less than a month away, businesses are being encouraged to shout about their successes by submitting entries. A total of 11 awards are up for grabs this year, including New Business of the Year, Innovative
Business, Employee of the Year and Contribution to the Community. Awards committee chairman Garrey Haase said: “Sometimes people are reluctant to shout about their successes, but we know that there’s a wealth of really fantastic businesses from a wide variety of different sectors in
The Guildhall, Hull
the local area and we really want to celebrate their successes. “It’s quick and easy to enter, and being shortlisted could really help to raise the profile of your business. What have you got to lose?” The closing date for entries is December 3. To enter, visit www. goolebusinessawards.co.uk
City is taking centre stage during event HULL PLAYS HOST TO SERIES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACTIVITIES By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
H
ull is taking centre stage this week as it hosts a series of major events aimed at inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in the city. Global Entrepreneurship Week runs until Friday, with almost 700 young people from more than 50 schools taking part in events across Hull. Speakers during the week include Adam Corbally, a former contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice, and international Microbiz champion Tony Robinson OBE. A selection of young Hull entrepreneurs from the Making Changes For Careers (MC4C) programme are also in the line-up for the week, as they aim to inspire future business owners. Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader at Hull City Council, said: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is all about how small ideas can take root and become viable business plans, with the potential to grow into sustainable companies. “Hull City Council hopes to set an aspirational agenda for today’s young people in the city to set up their own businesses, start social enterprises, improve their communities and or become enterprising employees or students. “The council and its partners are delighted, yet again, to be part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, under
the theme of supporting young people and establishing effective partnerships, and are very pleased to be supporting its enterprising young people on a daily basis through a number of schemes including the award winning Youth Enterprise Bank, £5 Blossom and the MC4C programme for young people.” Hull is putting its weight behind Global Entrepreneurship Week for the 11th year, to show how enterprising its young people are. Throughout the month, the city will host more than 20 events and activities relating to entrepreneurship across its schools and colleges. Ewan Gaffney, managing director of GEN UK and the entrepreneurial week, said: “This November, the Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates its 11th anniversary. “Over the 11 years Hull has played a significant part in these celebrations and has always demonstrated its commitment to engaging with enterprising young people, including groups in South Africa such as The People’s Fund and The Hook Up Dinner and sharing good practice with young people across the UK and the rest of the world.” Global Entrepreneurship Week in Hull is being sponsored by a number of small and large private, public and charitable organisations. They include the council, Kohler Mira, Humber LEP, Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, University of Hull, Swift Group, Hull College, KCOM, Hull BID and EYMS.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
‘Celebrating the great and good in our city’ THE BEST OF BUSINESS FROM ACROSS THE REGION CELEBRATED THEIR ‘drive and resilience’ AT THE 2018 HULL DAILY MAIL BUSINESS AWARDS
The very best of business across Hull and East Yorkshire was celebrated last week at the glittering 2018 Hull Daily Mail Business Awards. Fifteen awards were presented during the night, held at the city centre’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Thursday, November 15, as well as the prestigious Lifetime Contribution Award. There were plenty of new winners at this year’s awards – alongside some familiar faces – in what proved to be a truly special night for all involved. Neil Hodgkinson, editor of the Hull Daily Mail, praised businesses across the region for their “drive and resilience,” amid uncertain times in the political world. He highlighted several major business developments from the past year, including the £210m sale of Aunt Bessie’s to Birds Eye owner Nomad Foods, the opening of Hessle’s ergo centre, and Res Q creating 200 new jobs after securing a £50m contract with Vodafone.
Neil Hodgkinson, editor-in-chief of the Hull Daily Mail
Mr Hodgkinson also took the chance to speak out on the proposed Yorkshire Energy Park – a campaign backed by the Mail. He said at the awards: “I decided we should back the consortium – including our very own Sewell group - and campaign strongly for the go-ahead of the Yorkshire Energy Park. “A potential 2-4,000 jobs, a better future for our children, an improved local road structure, increased local trade and some excellent new sporting facilities is a worthy ambition. “Global companies such as eON, Dell, Legal & General, Vodafone and BYD from China, Asanti DataCentres Ltd, and the Warwick Manufacturing group, part of the Russell Group Warwick University, are among those signed up as supporting. “And this week we announced Spanish company Eco Motion are committed having previously not considered the Humber.” Almost 500 people attended last week’s awards, hosted by presenter and journalist Helen Fospero.
Mike Pennington Hull Daily Mail , managing direct or Former Special Forces soldier Matthew ‘Ollie’ Ollerton, who joined the Special Boat Service in 1994, had the audience on the edge of their seats with his keynote speech, after Channel Four SAS Who Dares Wins colleague Ant Middleton was forced to pull out due to personal reasons. Mike Pennington, Reach Plc’s regionals revenue director, said: “The event has always been, and will continue to be, a fantastic opportunity for the business community to come together and celebrate the great and good in our city. “The Business Awards are always special ... a staggering number of high-quality entries, a full house, a new venue in the city’s flagship DoubleTree by Hilton, a few surprise but above all, a room packed full of people who care about our city, as well as ‘doing business’ in all sectors across Hull and the East Riding.”
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HULL DAILY MAIL BUSINESS AWARDS 2018
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Looking back with pride on another successful year for the region’s best in business firm favourites in the spotlight at business awards 2018 By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
When the clocks struck 12 on January 1, signalling an end to Hull’s unforgettable year as UK City of Culture, there was some scepticism that the spotlight would remain fixed on the region. But, oh, how Hull responded. 2018 has turned out to be an equally impressive year and as the celebratory festive period approaches, let us hope the region’s business community takes a moment to look back with pride. Major businesses in Hull – Cranswick, Croda, Ideal Standard, KCOM and Turner Price to name just a few – have all announced profit rises since the start of the year. With more of the city’s big employers, such as Smith & Nephew, also revealing they are on track to hit targets for 2018, business is truly looking up in the Humber. Neil Hodgkinson, editor-in-chief at Reach Regionals North East, Humber and Lincoln, highlighted some of the biggest business announcements from the last eleven months during his speech at last week’s Business Awards.
Among them was confirmation of a £210m deal to sell Hull frozen food success story Aunt Bessie’s to Nomad Foods, in a move which will see both the name and jobs remain in the city. Another big piece of job news for the city came recently, when call centre special-
ist Res Q announced a £50m new five-year contract with Vodafone would create hundreds of new vacancies. It is not just Hull that has enjoyed a stellar 2018, though. Let us not forget the wider success of East Yorkshire. Siemens – a name which in Hull has
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Guest speaker Ollie Ollerton
Neil Hodgkinson, editor-in-chief of the Hull Daily Mail
become synonymous with quality engineering of wind turbine blades – confirmed its new state-of-the-art train factory in Goole would go ahead, creating around 700 new jobs. On the green energy front, the ergo centre in Hessle opened its doors, creating a place for smaller businesses to tap into the region’s burgeoning sector. Just a stone’s throw away, work is also now underway on the Aura Innovation Centre, creating a world-class cluster of renewable expertise. From food and technology, to energy, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, the region is booming. Despite all the success though, challenges still remain. The retail sector has rarely faced a more uncertain future than it does today, and the constant problems Brexit poses businesses across East Yorkshire look set to linger. Mike Pennington, managing director at the Mail and Reach’s regional revenue director, said: “I view Hull from afar now, travelling around the country, and I still see very clearly what is happening with the landscape, the investment, the culture, the planned changes to the infrastructure and many more areas that are developing to strengthen the Humber as a place to do business. “Further challenges remain, namely the retail sector, the city’s night economy, collaboration of the region’s LEPs, central government funding, social challenges, as well as our football team languishing near the foot of the Championship, with a proposed takeover. “As you can tell, I am still incredible passionate about Mike Pennington, Yorkshire and the East, and I Hull Daily Mail managing director am desperate for us to build on
Business from the frontline
all the good that has come our way over recent years.” There is so much still in store for the region, not least the potential construction of the Yorkshire Energy Park. Thousands of jobs could be created in highly skilled roles, at global companies. There is still much uncertainty surrounding the plans, but if the park goes ahead, it would put the Hull and Humber region on the map. As the nation’s – and world’s – gaze will inevitably be drawn in all directions now the City of Culture hype has gone, the energy park could just be the perfect thing to keep the spotlight on Hull.
As ONE of the first former UK Special Forces members to talk openly to the media and reveal their true identity, Matthew “Ollie” Ollerton had an incredible story to tell as the key note speaker at this year’s awards. A former Special Forces operative with both the SAS and SBS, Ollie has undertaken operations in some of the most dangerous and remote locations on the planet and is one of the most highly trained fighters in the world. After leaving school and joining the Royal Marine Commandos, Ollie’s exploits in Northern Ireland and Iraq soon earned him recommendation for the SAS. After joining the Special Boat Service, he undertook high profile missions involving hostage rescue, counter narcotics and counter terrorism, among other things. Ollie then went on to use his expertise as a private
bodyguard where he was responsible for employing and training a 2,000 strong Iraqi guard force, before heading to South-East Asia to command a three man team infiltrating child trafficking rings, a cause that is still close to his heart today. Once Ollie returned to the UK in 2014 after 13 years overseas, he started developing a concept that would put these years of training and experience to best use and would benefit others. With this, BREAK-POINT was born; a leadership and development course aimed at the public and corporate sector also supporting veterans suffering the effects of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ollie is today part of the team behind Channel Four’s SAS Who Dares Wins. He is responsible for helping to create the show’s notoriously tough content, which relates to the Special Forces Selections and Operations.
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Training and Development: WIllerby
Holiday firm wins for training scheme Holiday home manufacturer Willerby scooped the first award of the 2018 Business Awards for its outstanding commitment to training and apprenticeships. The company has created 200 new jobs in Hull in the last two years and has seen its revenue grow from £147m in 2016 to £166m last year. What is equally impressive, is the fact more than 90 per cent of the production senior management team have grown with the company, and 20 per
cent of the workforce are currently in formal training. Peter Munk, CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this incredible award and it really is testament to the hard work and devotion of the entire Willerby team. “The business continues to go from strength to strength. Investing in opportunities for young people is something I’m particularly passionate about and our apprenticeship scheme allows us to really nurture young talent in the local
community. We’re proud to say that 100 per cent of our apprentices have gone on to full time employment with us. “It’s an exciting and rewarding time at Willerby and we’re looking forward to another year of growth and investment in our people.” Apprenticeships are a core part of Willerby’s business model. With 22 in the current intake, previous years have seen a 100 per cent transition rate into full-time employment.
Willerby picked up award thanks to excellence in training
Our five-year collaboration with Smith & Nephew is developing talent and driving innovation hull.ac.uk
Exporter of the Year: Bio-D
Clean sweep for cleaning company Bio-D has risen rapidly since it began exporting in 2005. Last year the eco-friendly cleaning product specialists recorded a 30 per cent increase across all of its international markets. Bio-D now exports to almost 20 countries from across the globe, including China, Russia and South Korea. Lloyd Atkin, managing director at Bio-D, said of the accolade: “It is great to get recognition for the work and exporting that we do in Hull.
“We are a business that, maybe, is not very well known in the city, so it is really good to be recognised at the awards. “It is sad in a way that we don’t do more business in Hull, so receiving this award in front of many brilliant companies from the city is important.” Bio-D was founded in the 1980s by Michael Barwell, who had a passion for creating cleaning products that would not harm the environment, or the people using them. Based in Bergen Way, Hull,
the cleaning product manufacturer produces more than 20 product lines, including items such as washing up liquid and floor cleaner. Earlier this year, Bio-D introduced new packaging made entirely from postconsumer waste. The firm said that with increasing global concern over a rise in plastic packaging usage, it hopes the introduction of the new packaging might encourage other brands to follow its lead.
Exporter of the year Bio-D presented by Simon Bird of ABP
ABP Humber Ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Hull and Goole are proud sponsors of the Exporter of the Year Award. www.abports.co.uk
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Community Involvement: cobus communications
Giving something back to the city Cobus Communications decided after 27 years of business in Hull, it was time to put a significant contribution back into the community. Through its Cobus Foundation, launched in 2010 by managing director Michael Smith, the company has raised more than £110,000 for charities, and given more than 3,000 hours of time to supporting organisations. Cobus’ current chosen charity is Hull 4 Heroes, which helps veterans transition
back into their civilian life. Michael Smith, managing director at Cobus, said: “This award means everything to us. We are really proud to have won the award after all the hard work we do at Cobus. “The Cobus Foundation is a very important part of the whole group, and we feel we have a responsibility to give something back. “We always wanted to create something that had some longevity and would make a real difference. We have
created some brilliant relationships with the organisations and charities we support. “I hope we can continue to do that into the future.” Cobus is supporting Hull 4 Heroes as it opens a new centre in Hull – donating cabling infrastructure, data points, a telephone system, CCTV and engineers’ time to make the dream a reality. Cobus has also in the past supported Paul For Brain Recovery.
Community Involvement award winners, Cobus Communications
The UK’s Leading Supplier of Safety Equipment and Workwear Proud to sponsor The Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2018 www.arco.co.uk
Connexin has been recognised for its work in the tech sector
Innovation and Technology: connexin
Fast-growing tech firm is really thriving Named as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Tech Companies in the Northen Tech Awards, Connexin has put itself at the centre of Hull business. The company has already unveiled a ground-breaking pilot project with Hull City Council to provide smart bins across the city. Aimed to improving waste collection, the bins will notify the council when they are full
or have been vandalised. Connexin has also this summer delivered the UK’s largest commercial carrier-grade LoRaWAN network, right here in Hull. Mark Smith, of Connexin, said of receiving the Innovation and Technology Award: “Connexin is a truly ambitious company. “It is delivering services and technologies that are making a real difference, and its work with smart
cities across the region is putting it on the map. On the night of the Business Awards, our two founders, Furqan and Alex, are in Barcelona for a smart city expo, and we are starting to see UK cities talked
about across Europe. “It is about making the vision real – everyone has vision and a mission statement, but it is how you use them to make a difference to peoples’ lives.”
Connexin has also teamed up with Hull Collegiate and supports the £10 challenge – an initiative aimed at helping young people in the city to develop entrepreneurial skills for the future.
Proud to sponsor the
Innovation & Technology award
BP.com
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Green Award: pure renewables
Eco-thinking is at core of business Pure Renewables is a firm which truly has green at the heart of everything it does. The company’s core business is in the design, specification, supply and installation of heat pumps, solar panels, solar thermal heating and mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. Pure Renewables has embraced environmental policies across the business, and in 2016 secured ISO 14001 accreditation for its green focus.
Chris Whitelock, who founded the company in 2007, said: “I am really, really thrilled for the whole team. This is absolutely a team effort. “What we do is really green, so it says a lot for us to have won it. This is a really important award for us. The Humber is a Green Port, and that is key. It has helped put us on the map to some degree, and we are currently working on some really exciting things for the future. “But this is also about
creating employment in Hull – we want to create jobs and that is the vision for us moving forwards.” Not content at helping others become more environmentally friendly, Pure Renewables has improved its own operations. Last year, the company purchased a new office and warehouse space, with plans in place to install solar panels on the roof and replace the existing gas boiler with a heat pump system.
Pure Renewables walked away with the Green Award on the night
Customer Focus: beverley Motor works
Motor team keeps up winning streak Winning a Business Award is one thing, but retaining it the very next year is true testament to Beverley Motor Works’ outstanding customer focus. Founded by Alan Lewis and Richard Hayes, the company was first created out of a frustration at the poor customer care being delivered to customers by well-known dealerships, for a hefty price tag. Eight years on, and the business has in excess of 2,500 customers. 90 per cent of these
established customers return year-on-year for MOTs, servicing and motor maintenance. Mr Lewis and Mr Hayes said of retaining the Customer Focus award: “It is brilliant to get recognition for the team”. “It has been a team effort, and we find it is what everyone does at the company that makes it work so well. “We’ve got ten in the team at the moment. Customer retention is paramount to the business, but we also need to keep picking up new customers.
“Our aim now is to expand the business and grow the business. “But, obviously, as we grow we need to keep doing well what we do well now. “There will no doubt be more changes to the industry from Brexit, so it is about being aware of what is happening and what the competition is doing.” As testament to its service, out of 1,300 reviews, Beverley Motor Works has a nearperfect customer satisfaction score of 99.1 per cent across the board.
Beverley Motor Works presented by sponsors BAE systems
A Proud History of Aviation Excellence Cutting edge design, development, manufacture, testing and through-life support of world-leading military aircraft. www.baesystems.com
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Business of the Year (Small): Sauce
Small business is making big impact With a client list which includes some of the city’s biggest businesses, including Ideal Boilers and Siemens Gamesa, C4DI-based software developer Sauce is making all the right waves. The company last year won Start-Up of the Year at the 2017 Business Awards, and has continued its impressive work by scooping the 2018 Small Business accolade. Sauce has swiftly established itself as a go-to resource for multinational organisations
and innovative tech companies. Claire Clark, director of development at Sauce, said of the award: “We are all very excited, and it is all thanks to the efforts of the team we have. “It is a very exciting time for Sauce. Since starting up we have grown into something really special. Everyone enjoys what they do and this award shows that. “We are working with some of the biggest businesses in Hull. We want to make a
change, and have a positive impact on the community we are in. “We will be back next year, and hopefully will be in a position to enter the Medium Business of the Year category.” Sauce’s work with Siemens Gamesa landed it with an award at the 2017 Digital Awards in Hull. Siemens MyTime scooped the best mobile app at the annual ceremony, adding to Sauce’s previous success in the awards.
Sauce, presented by Luke Taylor of Sponsors Smailes Goldie
Congratulations to Sauce, winners of the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2018 We’re proud to sponsor the Small Business of the Year Award To find out more, please call 01482 326916 or visit www.smailesgoldie.co.uk
Business of the Year (Medium): APD communications
Comms specialist impressed judges Technology pioneer APD Communications rounded off an impressive 2018 by winning the Medium Business of the Year Award. The judges were impressed by APD’s rapid revenue growth, which has seen turnover increase by 36 per cent over the past two years – as well as its contribution to employment in Hull and long-term plans and company strategy. They also praised APD’s development of innovative communications technologies for mission-critical control
rooms, which are gaining customers around the world. APD has now secured a 69 per cent market share of the UK police sector, with orders worth more than £3m across Europe and the Middle East. Rhiannon Beeson, commercial director at APD, said: “We’re thrilled to win this award, especially as we are a company born and bred in Hull and proud to call the city our home. The award recognises our many innovations and achievements and the strong growth we have delivered over
the past two years and that we’re confident we’ll continue to drive in the years ahead. “Most of all it’s a tribute to the amazing people across the business and the passion they bring to their work developing and delivering technology that keeps the public safe.” APD is transforming how the emergency services interact with the public through the company’s development of innovative communications solutions that integrate telephony, radio and CCTV to enable rapid response.
Medium business of the year title won by APD Communications
Proud to sponsor the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards 2018
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Business of the Year (Large): connexin
Leading the way in smart city push The brainchild of founders Furqan Alamgir and Alex Yeung is now on a mission to transform Hull into one of the country’s leading smart cities. With a mission to connect people and the Internet of Things, Connexin has made big waves in Hull this year. “We are delighted to have won Large Business of the Year at the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards. Great work to all the team,” a spokesperson said. Alex Yeung, co-founder, tweeted: “Tremendously proud
of the Connexin team for winning the award.” This time last year, Connexin received £10m of investment from Silicon Valley tech giant Cisco Systems and Digital Alpha Advisors. At the time, Digital Alpha’s managing partner Rick Shroti said the investment was a “leading UK player in smart city technology.” Connexin is currently building a £5m data centre at the Bridgehead Business Park. When the facility opens in
December, it will create 60 new jobs, and aims to accelerate Hull in its race to become of the country’s top smart cities. “With our roots entrenched in Hull, we are incredibly proud to be part of the local business community,” co-founder Furqan Alamgir said. A partnership with Hull City Council has also seen smart bins piloted across the city, which alert the council to when they need emptying, or if they have been vandalised or need emptying.
We do what we do to help people and businesses thrive. To put them in a better, stronger, more prosperous position than they were yesterday.
The hands-on, straight-talking law firm gosschalks.co.uk
Employee of the Year: sam such
Sam Such a good employee for RESQ ResQ’s Sam Such joined the business as a telesales agent back in 2012. He has since worked his way up through the ranks and is now a call centre manager at the company. With his new role comes with huge responsibility. Sam has been behind some of ResQ’s highest-earning and most successful campaigns. He is also no stranger to supporting the company’s charity efforts, and recently took on the challenge of
coaching ResQ’s football team for a fundraising match. Speaking about receiving the Employee Of The Year award, Sam said he was “over the moon,” but added it was all down to the support he had received from ResQ. He said: “The business deserves this more than me. I am the result of the company believing in me and what I am about. “I have been at ResQ for six years, now. The company rewards hard work, and that is
what all of this award is about, really. “I just need to carry on the good work now, and identify the needs of the business. “ResQ has had a really good year. The business is continuing to grow, and that is testament to everyone there.” Sam Such now leads an impressive team of around 300 people at ResQ, and is responsible for ensuring targets are hit and clients remain happy with the service they receive.
Sam Such of ResQ presented with his award by sponsors Cranswick
PROUD SPONSORS OF HULL DAILY MAIL BUSINESS AWARDS
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Entrepreneur of the Year: chris whitelock
Pure dynamism drives firm growth In 2007, Chris Whitelock founded Pure Renewables on the back of a news broadcast he had watched on TV. The bulletin, from thenenvironment secretary David Miliband, announced that renewable solutions would play a significant role in confronting the UK’s “energy crisis.” In Chris’ own words: “A shiver ran down my spine and I knew I had to do something.” Chris launched Pure Renewables with little prior knowledge about the sector he
www.sewell-group.co.uk
was entering. Through his dynamic leadership, the business has reached several key milestones, and is continuing to grow. On receiving the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Chris said: “I am, obviously, absolutely thrilled to win this award. “At Pure we are working as hard as we can to bring money and jobs into the city. It is about creating new opportunities. “If we can use this award to
@SewellGroup
bring more business into Hull, then that would be a job really well done.” With a host of lucrative contracts under its belt – most notably an £835,000 contract to replace the heating system at Hull’s Lees Rest Houses – Pure Renewables is forging a successful path in the sector. The business has seen yearon-year business growth, and is now launching a student placement scheme in a bid to inspire the next generation of renewable entrepreneurs.
Chris Whitelock with Paul Sewell of Sewell Group and Helen Fospero
500 people, 5 disciplines 6 offices, 30 locations, 1 Great Yorkshire Company.
Start-up Business of the Year: Steve Ball Recruitment
Impressive start at recruitment firm Steve Ball said if a few years ago someone had reeled off a list of businesses to him that he would be working with by the end of 2018, he would not have believed them. Steve Ball Recruitment launched in April 2016, with an aim to provide quality recruitment for local business. Specialising in the supply of permanent and supply staff to the engineering and construction sectors, the company has now grown to employ five members of staff,
with a sixth joining next month. In its second year, the agency achieved an impressive turnover of more than £1m, and has filled dozens of positions across the East Riding. Steve said: “When I started the business, the aim was simply to crack on and do well. “The success of the business is a credit to the people that work with me, who have made the company what it is today in such a short amount of time. “To reach £1m turnover in just year two is brilliant and the
clients we have got really appreciate our work. Next year, we are looking at entering Small Business of the Year, so expect us to be back again.” Leaving behind a solid job with a company car, pension and healthcare options, Mr Ball said he wanted to “make his own decisions and have control over his future.” Working with both multimillion pound businesses and local SMEs, Steve Ball Recruitment is forging a successful path for itself.
Steve Ball Recruitment staff collect their award
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Apprentice of the Year: James Needham
From unemployed to star apprentice James Needham joined the architectural division of the Eltherington Group in December 2015 as a shy young man who had been unemployed for a year, but with a desire to thrive. The apprenticeship he was offered was a unique and bespoke one and required James to estimate the cost of fabrication of architectural products. As if that wasn’t enough, James embarked on a college day learning welding and
fabrication course in Hull. Before this, James had never welded before. Speaking about receiving the Apprentice of the Year accolade, James said: “I am just ecstatic. “I am delighted to win the award. I have been at the company for just under three years and it has brilliant. “The support I have received has been amazing. I owe everything to them. They have helped me and, through their training and development, I
have come on a long way. “The respect is so important. They are there to teach you, and you are there to learn. They pass the information and skills on to you, and it is how you use that knowledge that is important.” James has also attended and completed several technical drawing night courses. He has also enjoyed keeping the full team up to date on an aluminium water feature he designed and built from scratch.
James Needham of the Elthrington Group presented by Steve Yardley of sponsors Hull College
Tourism and Hospitality: patrington haven
Park is a haven for tourists once again In the last three years, Patrington Haven has gone from strength to strength, winning a Best Holiday Park REYTA in both 2017 and 2018. Turnover in the last four years has risen from over £2.5m to over £4.5m – an increase of 74 per cent. In September 2017, The Spa at The Country Club was launched with the aim to provide luxury health and beauty treatments to caravan owners and the area.
One year on from its opening, the spa turned over an impressive £65,000. Patrington Haven said of its award last week: “We are so delighted to have won the Hull Daily Mail Business Award in the Tourism and Hospitality category. “We’d like to say a thank you to all of the team and owners – you make the park what it is. We are over the moon with the achievement. Thanks to the Patrington family.”
Hull to London from just...
Opened in 1984 by Graham Sparkes, the park is still family owned and run to this day. Set in 40 acres of East Yorkshire countryside, the park boasts what it describes as “some of the best facilities in the whole of the UK.” Patrington Haven said when it comes to selling caravans at the park, it employs “the grandma test.” “If we wouldn’t sell it to our own grandma, then it won’t do,” the park said.
Patrington Haven presented by Susie Brindley of sponsors Hull Trains
Save up to 60% by booking in advance and direct with hulltrains.co.uk
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Contribution to the East Riding: WAFFLE21
Innovative place where business can really thrive In 2017, a pair of entrepreneurs decided to transform an empty building in Beverley into a place where businesses and professionals could work, meet and network. Those two men were Matthew Lax and Phillip Scaife, and their venture was Waffle21. Sitting on the edge of Beverley’s industrial estate, Waffle21 currently supports a number of start-up businesses, offering professional
services to help get their ideas off the ground. The venture has now scooped the first East Riding Contribution Award. Mr Lax and Mr Scaife said of the win: “Everyone in the team has the ambition and the drive to make Waffle21 a success. “When it all started, we wanted to create somewhere where other businesses could thrive, and not be alone.
Winners of the Contribution to the East Riding Award Waffle21, presented by Councillor Stephen Parnaby “It gives them a space to speak to existing businesses and learn about the skills they may not have. “It is a journey for us. It started out with a drunken conversation, and we have got to where we are.”
Since opening, Waffle21 has become home to a number of business networking groups, as well as hosting a series of Google Digital Garage events. As well as its office spaces and
breakout rooms, Waffle21 also boasts an impressive Business Lounge, where businesspeople can work, meet clients, relax between meetings and take time out of the office.
Taking care of business and supporting business growth
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Lifetime Contribution Award: Lord Christopher Haskins
‘Not afraid to stand up for what he believes in’
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair described his experience as “invaluable” and Sewell Group managing director Paul Sewell hailed his achievements as “enormous”, but who is Lord Christopher Haskins, the winner of the 2018 Hull Daily Mail Lifetime Contribution Award? Born near Dublin, Ireland, Lord Haskins moved to the country more than 50 years ago, and quickly came to call East Yorkshire his home. The son of a dairy farmer, Lord Haskins briefly flirted with the idea of becoming a journalist, before opting against it and launching into a career in business. He rose to become the chairman of the
successful FTSE 100 Northern Foods and Express Dairies, a business with an impressive client base across the chilled food sector. Lord Haskins, who lives on his farm in Skidby, is also chairman of the Council of the Open University, and was the man Tony Blair’s Labour government turned to as its “Rural Tsar” at the height of the foot and mouth crisis. Mr Blair said in a video message showed at the Business Awards on Thursday night: “Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a consistent and formidable voice for rural Britain, always standing up for their best interests. “His no-nonsense approach was invaluable
to me and the Government, particularly during the foot and mouth crisis when he became the ‘Rural Tsar’.w I could not have got through it without his council, and determination. “He has never been one to stay silent, or been afraid to stand up for what he believes in. He is still a strong voice, making valuable contributions to the Brexit debate, using his energy and enthusiasm to ensure rural communities are not left behind.” Lord Haskins’ contribution was recognised in 1998, when he was awarded a life peerage. He continues to this day to speak out for Hull and the East Riding in the House of Lords. Today, Lord Haskins is chairman of the Humber LEP, and has tirelessly campaigned to
have the county’s voice heard at the highest levels of government. Sean Royce, executive vice-president at KCOM, joked when introducing Lord Haskins at the Business Awards ceremony that “anyone who has achieved the Herculean task of bringing together four local authorities probably deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, not just the Lifetime Contribution Award”.
Proud sponsors of the Lifetime Achievement Award To get connected call 01482 337733 or visit heybusiness.kcom.com
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STRATSTONE Hull Citadel Way, Hull, HU9 1TQ 01482 601130 Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 530e M Sport Saloon: Combined 128.4mpg (2.2 l/100 km). CO2 emissions 49g/km. *Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. During the test plug-in hybrid vehicles use a combination of battery power and petrol fuel after the battery had been fully charged. All figures are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. Plug-in hybrid vehicles require mains electricity for charging. Stratstone is a trading style of Stratstone Limited who is acting as a credit broker and not a lender. †£2,635 initial rental. Business users only. Stratstone Limited is a credit broker/intermediary that can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to provide funding for your vehicle. They may incentivise us for introducing you to them. Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Retail customers only. Participating retailers only. Cars must be hired through BMW Contract Hire, subject to availability. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle. Hiring examples based on a 36 month BMW Contract Hire agreement for the models shown, all with initial payments followed by 36 monthly rentals commencing in month 2 and a contract mileage of 24,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 11.94 pence per mile. Excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable. Terms and conditions apply. All finance is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you. Prices, offers and finance are correct at time of printing and are subject to change without notice. Vehicles must be ordered and registered by 31 December 2018. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Images shown for illustration purposes only. Prices are correct at time of going to print for orders placed and accepted between 1 October to 31 December 2018. Advertised finance is provided by BMW Financial Services (BMW FS), RG27 9UF. Whilst we have close links with BMW FS and commonly introduce customers to BMW FS, we do not work exclusively with BMW FS. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. Stratstone Limited, Loxley House, 2 Oakwood Court, Little Oak Drive, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 0DR.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
LUXURY CAR SHOWROOM PLAN COULD CREATE JOBS
MEET THE TEAM KEEPING SHIPS SAILING SAFELY ON THE HUMBER
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FOOD GROUP EXPANDING AFTER SALE OF BRAND
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The latest business news at humberbusiness.com
‘A HARD BREXIT COULD DAMAGE UK FOOD SECTOR’
Richard Chalk, of Rison Software
Software firm’s new partnership
Adam Couch, chief executive at Cranswick
BOSS OF HULL’S BIGGEST FOOD PRODUCER SHARES CONCERN By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
The boss of Hull’s biggest food producer has spoken of the consequences a hard Brexit deal could have on the sector. Adam Couch, chief executive at Cranswick, said the importance of the UK striking a deal that protected the country’s food sector “could not be overstated”, as lingering uncertainty continues. Cranswick released its half-year
results for the six months up to September 30 yesterday, and revealed it had invested a record amount of £41m into its operations in that time. Mr Couch spoke of his concerns surrounding the upcoming Brexit deal. He said: “Food is one of the largest sectors in the UK, so the importance of getting the right Brexit deal cannot be overstated. “It is important there is something in the deal for the free movement of
goods. Export is a key factor for our business. “The last thing we can afford is a hard Brexit. That would be the worst of all worlds. “It is important we get some clarity as we need to know what we are getting into,” Mr Couch said. The food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing more than £100bn to the economy every year. Turn to Page 2
Beverley’s Rison Software has announced a new partnership, which will help businesses meet compliance laws such as GDPR. The deal, with MPAC’s Group of Companies, will see MPAC supply compliance material in the UK for Rison Software’s Virtl.X platform, which currently has more than 250,000 registered users worldwide. Virtl.X monitors a company’s efficiency, reputation and staff performance to help businesses increase their effectiveness and profitability. By signing up to the platform, businesses will now be able to increase efficiency by holding all necessary compliance documentation, as well as purchasing and delivering training for necessary staff members – all in one piece of software. Richard Chalk, managing director of Rison Software, said: “Online platforms have become ever more important to businesses and the associated legal requirements, such as the GDPR laws that come with them, are increasingly crucial. “By partnering with MPAC, Virtl.X will help companies from all industries navigate and maintain the complicated area of compliance.” Nick Andrews, managing director of MPAC’s Group of Companies said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rison Software to our stable of partners.”
2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018
Business N ews What Croda’s £7m Goole warehouse could look like
‘Hard Brexit could harm food sector’ From Page 1
When considering the UK is now only 50 per cent selfsufficient when it comes to pork – a figure which once stood at around 80 per cent – a hard Brexit deal could have a devastating impact on businesses such as Cranswick. Despite the threat, however, the Hull food giant is pushing ahead, with significant investment in its existing facilities. Work is also under way on Cranswick’s new world-class £60m facility in Suffolk, which is expected to be completed by the end of the next financial year. Cranswick is remaining rooted in East Yorkshire, though – the business recently struck a new deal with Holderness farmer Rick Buckle, as well as purchasing two new farms in South Cave and Reedness, near Goole. “We are renowned for investment across the business, whether that is in production, processing and, more recently, in poultry,” Mr Couch said. “If you do not continue to invest, you can see your business deteriorate. A lot of our competitors are finding that, and it makes us fit for the future.” It is not just the movement of goods and exports market that is vital. Mr Couch said recruitment at Cranswick would also take a hit if a hard Brexit deal was reached. He said it is “important to get the skillset of people from abroad as well as at home”, and added many of the company’s employees travel across Europe for business. The company, headquartered at the Sutton Fields industrial estate, recorded pre-tax profits of £44.8m for the first six months of the financial year - up from £44.4m. Revenue was also up between April and September 30, compared with 2017, from £714.6m to £719.2m. Cranswick has also recently unveiled its new £27m continental foods facility in Lancashire, and is continuing to invest heavily in its pork and poultry operations.
Chemical giant planning to open £7m warehouse SITE TO BECOME COMPANY’S WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION HUB
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
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pecialist chemical giant Croda has announced plans to invest more than £7m in a state-of-the-art warehouse in Goole. The site, on the Goole 36 enterprise zone, will become the FTSE 100 company’s worldwide distribution hub for products made at its bases in Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge. Croda has said jobs are expected to be created at the new warehouse, in a move which would see the business join other big names, including Tesco and Guardian Industries, at Goole 36. Siemens Mobility is also set to commence work on its new £200m train factory on the enterprise park, as business booms in the East Yorkshire town.
Maarten Heybroek, president of Croda Europe, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of securing a site in Goole for this investment as we are hugely proud of our Yorkshire heritage. “Our founding Rawcliffe Bridge manufacturing site and our Global Headquarters, Cowick Hall, are both located less than ten miles away. “In line with our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, we will use the latest technologies to minimise our environmental impact and offer the most advanced safety features to our people in a facility of this kind. “This announcement demonstrates the company’s commitment to UK manufacturing and provides long-term job security for the workforce who will move from our existing operation and for the new quality warehouse roles we will create.”
Croda said it plans to relocate its existing warehouse from Thorne to the Goole site. The chemicals specialist has said the move is designed to “stay close to its manufacturing operations along the M62 corridor, and keep easy access to the UK-wide road network”. Based in a national Enterprise Zone for business development, Croda also hopes to take advantage of future investments, such as the inter-modal terminal project which aims to further connect rail, road and port infrastructure. East Riding Council’s leader said he was delighted Croda had chosen Goole as the location for its new warehouse. Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE said: “The council welcomes Croda’s multi-million-pound proposal for a new worldwide distribution centre at Goole 36, marking another great
moment in the company’s long and proud history in the East Riding. “Subject to planning approval, this development would see a number of new highly skilled jobs created and will also benefit the local economy with the company establishing its International Training Centre at the site. “I’m delighted that Croda, like many other international businesses, have selected Goole as their preferred choice. “This is due to its prime location and the support offered by organisations such as East Riding Council, with its Enterprise Zone status and the excellent connectivity of the site to the extensive motorway network, port facilities and rail connections.” Croda International Plc creates, make and sells speciality chemicals that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere.
Engineering specialist signs new partnership National engineering and manufacturing specialist E3 Recruitment (E3R) has signed an exclusive partnership with leading trade association CATCH, an industry-led partnership which supports the engineering, process, and renewable industries in the Humber region. The partnership follows CATCH’s merge with YCF in April this year, a membership organisation for the manufacturing and process industries, with which E3R has partnered since its inception in 2013.
The merge expanded both networks and reach adding a skills provision, a £12m training facility, and approved contractor support to YCF’s offering. Katie Hedges, head of membership services at CATCH, said: “E3 Recruitment have been a subscribing member of YCF Limited and its cluster since E3R’s inception in 2015. “Having built our relationship over several years, we are confident that, as our exclusive recruitment partner, they will serve our members needs particularly
well, whether that is recruiting, speaking at our events or providing guidance at our networks. “The wider CATCH team and I look forward to working with them.” Andrew Pilling, E3R director, also said of the partnership: “We are delighted to be partnering with CATCH and continuing our partnership with YCF. “Both are a perfect strategic fit as E3R specialise in chemical and pharmaceutical, oil and gas and energy and utilities recruitment. “We are looking forward to embarking on the partnership.”
CATCH’s CEO David Talbot, left, with E3R director Andrew Pilling
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
Business N ews in brief
Artist’s impressions of the new Mercedes-Benz showroom in Meltonwest
Group invests in care home management
Luxury car showroom plan could create jobs mercedes-benz submits RELOCATION proposals By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
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lans have been submitted for a new MercedesBenz showroom in East Yorkshire, creating almost 100 jobs. The development, on the Meltonwest Business Park, would include showroom space, workshop and MoT bays, offices and landscaping. Mercedes-Benz already has a site in Saxon Way, Hessle, but there is “inadequate space available for expansion” on the land. The Meltonwest application has been submitted by the TylerParkes Partnership, on behalf of Listers Group and Wykeland Group. A planning statement on the “prestige” development, submitted to East Riding Council earlier this month, said: “The Listers Group business has grown exponentially since its inception in Coventry in 1979. “It now comprises some 52 franchised dealerships in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the East of England, together with three paint and body shops, three PDI centres
and a head office in Stratfordupon-Avon. “Mercedes-Benz is presently located at premises in Saxon Way, Hessle, but the site is becoming inadequate and there is insufficient space available for expansion to meet current and future brand requirements. “There is, therefore, a pressing need to relocate. Despite an extensive site search, this is the only appropriate site which could be identified by Listers to meet such needs.” The new luxury showroom, if
given the go-ahead, would create up to new jobs. Two apprentice positions would also be created, rising to five, and training programmes would be available to employees. The application said the development would “generate a significant amount of jobs and have a positive impact on the local economy”. It said: “This will be a striking contemporary building of a very high design quality, designed to not only follow the corporate identity required for the brand,
but to also give interest to the elevation and streetscape. “The use of the showroom glazing to the side elevations and the different types of cladding for the showroom help to break down the mass of the building, as well as provide a varied facade.” The 100-acre Melton West Business Park has been developed by Wykeland and is already home to businesses including Heron Foods, wine merchant House of Townend and Allam Marine. The plans will now be considered by East Riding Council.
Hull-based Hica Group has invested further in its care home leadership team with the appointment of a new senior home manager. The move has seen Adam Ward, currently registered manager at Elm Tree Court, a specialist dementia home in Preston Road, east Hull, take on an additional role as senior homes manager. He has filled one of three roles, designed to fit around his current job and created by the care group to boost management operations across its network of facilities. Mr Ward will act as a main point of contact for a number of Hullbased Hica Group homes, including Raleigh Court, Wilton Lodge, Overton House and Albemarle. Mr Ward, pictured, who has more than 12 years of experience in managerial roles and more than six years in the care industry, said: “I’m thoroughly enjoying my new role and the additional responsibilities it brings. “Everyone is really supportive, and I’ve already spent a lot of time meeting, sharing best practice and learning from other managers and staff.” Chief executive Penni Brown said: “Adam is an exceptional staff member and he’s always looking for new ways to be involved. “Alongside managing Elm Tree Court, this role gives him the opportunity to share his broad knowledge across the homes.”
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4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018
Business N ews Meet the team keeping ships sailing safely up and down the Humber
The Humber Sounder vessel used by the team at ABP
TIRELESS WORK TO PREVENT BOATS RUNNING AGROUND
By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
Tom Wilson, a surveyor in the hydrographer team at ABP
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very 30 minutes, a ship travels up or down the Humber. That may not sound like a lot in principle, but when considering that figure applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, it makes the Humber one of the busiest channels in the country. The Humber is also one of the most unpredictable routes in Britain. Its constantly shifting sand and mud banks means every five days, depths can change by as much as 20cm. So how do ships know where is safe to sail, and where will see them run aground? That is where a very important team of just ten people at Associated British Ports (ABP) fits in. The hydrographer team comprises of six surveyors and three coxswains, led by senior hydrographer Mike Abbey. The group carry out 700 surveys every year, using state-of-the-art sonar technology to map the shifting sand banks, and keep the Humber trading. Covering a distance from 20 miles out into the North Sea, right up to Goole on the River Ouse and Gainsborough on the Trent, it is an imposing task. Mr Abbey said: “It is about safety and it is about navigation. We survey every five days, because in five days the river can change by 20cm, which is the minimum clearance we have for ships. “The boats are fitted with a sonar system, which goes pinging down
into the river and bounces off the seabed. We then measure the speed of sound in the water, put it all together with some very clever GPS technology, and create a detailed chart of where ships can go. “I suppose the hardest thing about the job is getting perfectly accurate results every time without fail. If we don’t, then there is a very expensive lawsuit on our hands.” Surveyors can spend anything from a couple of hours, up to eight and even 12 hours at a time out in the Humber. Their boats are, fortunately, fitted out with all the mod-cons – think
hob, microwave, the full works. Once their survey is completed, the data is processed into a chart which is made available, free of charge, for any shipping company that needs it. Tom Wilson has been a surveyor for four years. He said: “I studied at Hull University, and came here for some work experience for a few weeks once I’d graduated. “My dad is a pilot on the river, and I got thinking there must be lots of jobs that involve the Humber, and what could I do to be part of that? “There can be some early starts in
The team can spend up to eight hours out on the Humber surveying
the job. You can start surveys from 5am or 6am, depending what the tide is doing, and can spend around eight hours out at a time. “It is a brilliant to get into if you like a mixture of office work and field work.” The team is out in all weathers, and Mr Wilson admitted it took him a while to get used to life at sea. “For a while, I would feel OK while on the boat, but when I would get home and try to go to sleep, you would feel a rocking motion when you closed your eyes. You get used to it pretty quickly, though. “You see the Humber in all
conditions. Some days it is sunny and warm and the water is calm, and others it is very different.” Mr Abbey said the Humber was important for the whole country’s economy and, therefore, keeping ships sailing safely up and down it was paramount. The hydrographers are a team few outside of the ABP and shipping circle would be familiar with, yet spending just an afternoon with them, the importance of the work they do quickly becomes clear. Tirelessly working to keep the Humber trading, they deserve a whole lot of respect.
6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018
Business N ews Belazu is a premium ingredient supplier of vinegars and oils
From left, Belazu product director George Bennell, MD Adam Wells, William Jackson Food Group CEO Norman Soutar and Belazu sales director Charlie Hodges
Hull food firm expands after strategic sale GROUP THAT SOLD AUNT BESSIE’S ACQUIRES INGREDIENTS SUPPLIER By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
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illiam Jackson Food Group has followed on from the £210m sale of its famous Aunt Bessie’s brand with the acquisition of another new company. The Hull business, which sold the Yorkshire pudding household name in the summer to Birds Eye owner Nomad Foods, has bought luxury ingredients company Belazu. The purchase is William Jackson’s second since the Aunt Bessie’s sale, and its chief executive said it had “helped redefine the group for the next phase of its growth”. Norman Soutar, chief executive of the William Jackson Food Group, said: “The strategic sale of Aunt Bessie’s has enabled us to redefine the group for the next phase of its growth. “The group has been around for 167 years and has changed significantly during that time, and with each change our family shareholders have taken a long-term view to ensure a robust business remains in place for future generations. “We’re a sixth-generation family business with 2,000 colleagues in great businesses nationwide and we’re delighted to be welcoming Belazu to the family. It’s an incredibly innovative business, and we’ve had our eyes on it for a number of years.”
The sale of Aunt Bessie’s to Nomad Foods was announced in early June. Within weeks of the deal, William Jackson Food Group had confirmed the purchase of Lancashire-based ingredients supplier Wellocks. Wellocks employs almost 500 people, and has a client base which includes some of the country’s top chefs. William Jackson has followed up the deal this week with the acquisition of Belazu. The London-based supplier is the UK’s top-selling balsamic vinegar and premium olive oil brand. It also sells culinary paste and preserved lemons via retail channels. In addition to selling into Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Ocado, the international brand operates across premium food service channels with high-quality authentic Mediterranean olives, antipasti, grains, pastes and vinegars. Adam Wells, managing director of Belazu, said: “This is a really exciting development in our story; we’re thrilled to be joining a food group with such heritage and a long-term view, and which shares our values. “Crucially, it’s business as usual for our colleagues, customers and suppliers with the backing and experience of William Jackson Food Group.” William Jackson Food Group also owns online organic grocery delivery business Abel & Cole, Hull bakery Jacksons, The Food Doctor and MyFresh.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
your money POUND NOTES
Friends don’t always pay their way FRUGAL FRIENDS LEAVe BILL-PAYERS SHORT OF CASH, SURVEY FINDS Four-in-10 (40%) people have someone in their friendship group who doesn’t pay their share. The research, from mobile payments service Pingit, found more than half (54%) of people claim they have lent money to pals, never to see it again. On average, they’re down £74 over the past 12 months due to their friends. SCHEME TO HELP BUILD SAVINGS POTS BEING TRIALLED at work Workers will be helped to build up a “rainy day” accessible pot of cash alongside their pension savings under a new initiative being trialled. The “sidecar savings” trial is due to go live in some workplaces over the coming months, with workers starting to make contributions in 2019. Timpson will be the first employer to roll the trial out within the organisation of over 5,600 workers. Employees do not have to take part and they will sign up if they want to. The initiative has been launched by Nest Insight – the research arm of workplace pension scheme Nest. HOUSEHOLDS ‘SITTING ON HIDDEN DEBT MOUNTAIN’ Households are potentially sitting on a £96 billion hidden debt mountain, with more than two-fifths of people owing sums which they have kept secret from their family, partner or friends, a government-backed body has found. The Money Advice Service (MAS), which is urging people to talk about money, said the average hidden debt across the UK amounts to £4,164 per person. It calculated that if the figures are projected across the UK adult population, the total hidden debt amount could be as high as £96 billion. Have your say on new £50 bank note People have until December 14 2018 to say who they’d like to see on the Bank of England’s new £50 note. The Bank wants it to feature someone who’s contributed to science and the chosen character will be announced in 2019.
Try vintage shops for this year’s party dress
Dough Ho Ho!
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Stick to your Christmas budget and you’ll be laughing in 2019
Here’s how to make sure your pockets jingle all the way through to the new year, writes Tricia Phillips
e are expected to spend an average of £538 each on Christmas – which is £152.70 more than we can afford. One-in-four of us will be forced to rely on plastic to pay for the festivities, while around one-in-10 will end up in the red and dip into credit to fund at least part of an overdraft. Christmas.” Similar numbers will turn to While it’s easy to spend beyond expensive store cards to fund their your means, there really is no need spending, according to research by to start yet another year with a debt investment firm Hargreaves hangover. Here are seven tips to Lansdown. avoid a festive overspend: Women spend the most on presents, food and drink, and men stick to your Budget splash more cash on going out and Half of people start well by the little extras. deciding on their budget – s plitting Overall, women spend more at the sum they can afford between £601, compared to £524 for men. their expenses. This is the The average person will best way to keep costs spend £311 on presents, under control. £121 on food, £51 on Once you have going out and £49 on a budget, the extras such as trick is to stick decorations and to it and not festive outfits. be lured into Sarah Coles, spending personal finance more. analyst at Throughout Hargreaves the shopping Lansdown, said: season you’ll “From the first be tempted to Christmas advert to the overspend Don’t be lured by last-minute junk email, – there’s a whole so-called bargains you’ll be under pressure to industry devoted to spend a fortune this Christmas, so making you do this. it’s no wonder that most of us end Before you do, force yourself to up blowing the budget. leave 24 hours before making a “We might start well by carefully purchase to be sure this is planning what we’re going to spend. something you really need. If you Unfortunately, by the time we’ve decide to go ahead, work out where made it through the festive hype you can squeeze the extra cash from and the ‘irresistible bargains’, more in your budget. If you can’t make a than half of us will go overboard – saving elsewhere, don’t buy. racking up an average overspend of £152.70. Ditch the expensive extras “It’s one of the reasons why so Some things we do because they many people end up falling back on are traditions, but they’re expensive
and nobody really values them. Do you really need festive liqueurs or fancy Pick up second-hand toys crackers? for a fraction of the price Don’t just assume everyone else wants to wary of the finish on unbranded stick with old traditions, ask them. toys. Vintage is all the rage, so dig out Adults, meanwhile, may well love some of those cool, older and fun a vintage gift. Even hard-to-please festive bits instead. teenagers may agree to technology that’s a year old if it means they get Resist upshifting brands their favourite brand. Look out for Sales of premium ranges soar at refurbished items that come with a Christmas as we throw caution to the wind and treat ourselves to posh warranty like new. ham and top-of-the-range cheese. Use technology to shop around There’s no reason why you can’t Before you buy anything, go eat the same things you enjoy all online to see if another shop has a year round. If you’re determined to better deal, or there’s a discount treat yourself to a few luxuries, it’s voucher you can add to the mix. worth trying the cheaper premium If you have time, leave the item in ranges at the budget supermarkets. the digital shopping bag for a couple of days, and the retailer may send Slash your gift list you a special offer. If you’re struggling to stretch your This is a canny trick that often budget, cut the number of presents you buy. Talk to groups of friends or works a treat. If you are planning to buy from family and agree not to buy for one Amazon, look the item up on another this year. CamelCamelCamel, which tracks You can just buy for the children, or run a secret Santa, so you buy for prices of Amazon items, to help you know if you really are getting a good one person in each group. deal. You can also sign up for alerts when the price drops. Buy second hand Younger children aren’t going to care whether it comes in the original Stretch Christmas If all else fails, agree to see groups packaging, so you can of people in the New Year. Then you pick up second-hand toys for a can buy their presents in the fraction of the price. January sales or consider a cheeky Just ensure there is no damage re-gift or two. that could be dangerous and be
8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018
Business N ews in brief
Estate agents help homeless at Christmas
The sector deal would come as a major boost to the offshore wind industry. Inset, Benj Sykes, co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council
Hessle-based estate agent Beercocks is doing its bit to help Hull’s homeless this Christmas. The business’s ten branches across the region will act as drop-off points for donations of tinned food, tea bags and winter jackets. Beercocks has teamed up with The Brunch Club in Brough, Riverhouse Coffee Co and Rollits LLP, which are also drop-off points, to help the city’s homeless population during the festive period. Staff at Beercocks will also be joining Riverhouse Coffee Co at its soup kitchen, held every Monday evening in December at its base in Scale Lane, Old Town, at 6pm. Anyone who wants to help with the campaign through volunteering should email info@ riverhousecoffeeco.co.uk
Offshore wind deal could create thousands of jobs ENERGY MINISTER ANNOUNCES KEY sector deal is ‘imminent’ By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz
HULL DAILY MAIL WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2018 SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, SWEETS AND STATIONERY
• Densely Populated Shopping Centre • Been in the Same Hands for Over 43 Years • Two Bedroom Accommodation • SHOWING OVER £53,000 PURE NET PROFIT • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,000 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £110,000 • REF 581702. EPC Band C. • Business and Property £450,000 Hull PIZZA BAR BURGERS & KEBABS • Tremendous Potential • Prime Trading Site • Well Equipped • Viewing Highly Recommended • Taking £7000/£8000 weekly • REF 582906. EPC Band C. • Business £125,000
FISH & CHIPS SHOP WITH OUTER SEATING AREA PLUS OWNERS RESIDENCE • Commanding Main Road Trading Position • Only Retirement Forces This Reluctant Sale After 31 Years • Less Than 20 Hours Frying Time per Week • Has Taken Over £5,000 Weekly in the Past • Lovely, Detached Three to Four Bedroom House • Weekly Turnover Approximately £1,850 • REF 581871. EPC Band D. • Business & Property, Offers Over £399,950
FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE
FISH & CHIPS SHOP
• Retirement Sale After Many Years • Densely Populated Residential Area • Vacant Spacious Two Bedroom Family Accommodation • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND SCOPE FOR MUCH MORE • £12,000 to £13,000 Weekly Turnover • Adjusted Net Profits in Excess £60,000 • REF 557577. EPC Band D. • Business and Property, £340,000
• Monopoly Position Well Populated Village • Worked In Five Lunches and Five Teas • Retirement Sale After Many Years • Detached Three Bedroom Bungalow • Weekly Turnover £1,500 • Net Profits £30,351 • REF 557657. EPC Band E • Business and Property £329,950
SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, GIFTS & STATIONERY • Worked in Very Easy Hours Over a Five and Half Day Week • Bustling Shopping Centre Location • Retirement Sale After Over 20 Years Here • Self-Contained One Bedroom Accommodation • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,500 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £30,005 • REF 581719. EPC Band C. • Business and Property £325,000
East Yorkshire
Scarborough
North Lincolnshire
Hull
GYM & HEALTH CENTRE • Includes Cardio Vascular Area, Fitness Studio, Solarium, Hair Salon, Beauty Salon • Run Entirely By Staff • Genuine Reason for Sale • A STUNNING GYM - VERY SENSIBLY PRICED TO SELL • Weekly Turnover £6,500 • REF 582895. EPC Band D. • Business £75,000
Hull
North Yorkshire
HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY
FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE, COUNTER NEWS WITH FULL LOTTERY
• Densely Populated Student Area • Run Mainly By Staff • Seating for 16 Customers • AN EXCELLENT BUY • Weekly Turnover £3,300 • REF 581536. EPC Band C. • Business £39,950 Hull
• Well Established Concern PRIME POSITION • Oozing Potential for So Much More • Highly Profitable Concern • Priced to Sell Due to Other Business Commitments • Weekly Turnover £7,500 plus Lottery, Paypoint, Parcels & ATM • REF 581652. EPC Band F. • Business £39,950 Filey
To find out more about these fantastic opportunities visit www.ernest-wilson.co.uk
T: 0113 238 2900 E: info@ernest-wilson.co.uk W: ernest-wilson.co.uk The Business Centre, Deanhurst Park, Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 7LG TRIED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1956
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n offshore wind sector deal, which, by 2030, could deliver thousands of new jobs in coastal areas such as the Humber, could be unveiled before Christmas. Energy Minister Claire Berry told the House of Commons this week that a key deal is “imminent”, and also pledged a £60m budget for the next renewables auction in May. The Offshore Wind Industry Council has been working closely with the Government on the Sector Deal, which aims to build on the UK’s global leadership in this clean technology. Five major wind farms are operational or planned for off the coast of East Yorkshire, with potential to generate more than 5GW of power. Benj Sykes, co-chair of the Offshore Wind Industry Council, and UK manager for renewables giant Ørsted, said: “This is an important announcement by the minister, taking forward new auctions to deliver on our ambition to meet a third of UK power by 2030. “Industry and Government are close to agreement on a sector deal that will set the pathway to 30GW and we need to look at the details of how the next auction contributes to that goal. “We welcome the minister’s announcement that a transformative sector deal is imminent. Offshore wind is becoming an industrial powerhouse.
“As the minster has made clear, it’s a key technology in our country’s transition to affordable clean power, and the backbone of a low-cost energy system in the years ahead. “With the right deal in place, we can continue to attract billions of pounds of investment in new infrastructure, secure our power supplies, and create thousands of skilled jobs, including our supply chain, which already extends to every part of the country.” Westermost Rough and the Humber Gateway are both already operational offshore wind farms, and between them generate more than 400MW of green power. Three more major projects are in the pipeline for off the coast of East Yorkshire – Hornsea Projects One, Two and Three. Project One will be completed by 2020, and will generate 1.2GW of power. Project Two will follow in 2022, with an expected capacity of 1.4GW. Project Three is also planned for the future, with a possible 2.4GW of power. Offshore wind targets would receive a major boost if the sector deal is unveiled before the close of this year. The industry is currently targeting 30GW of power by 2030 across the country. With the deal, the domestic and export market for offshore wind products and services provided by UK-based firms is expected to be worth £4.9bn a year by 2030, by which time 27,000 people will be working in the industry.