Hull Business Editions December 2018

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

STORIES BEHIND SOME OF hULL’S TOP FAMILY BUSINESSES

DOCK MASTER: THE CITY’S PORT IS ‘AS BUSY AS EVER’

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HAULAGE FIRM SEE PROFITS RISE AFTER strong year

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The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

‘DRAX’S CARBON CAPTURE PROJECT PUTS UK ON MAP’

Group for women in business

Clean Energy Minister Claire Perry

Drax Group

Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister

ENERGY MINISTER IMPRESSED BY VISIT TO POWER STATION By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

The UK’s Energy Minister said Drax has “put the UK on the map” with its innovative new carbon capture and storage project.

Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, visited the power station, near Goole, which has embarked on an ambitious path to become the first carbon negative plant in the world.

Drax’s £400,000 pilot project is expected to catch a tonne of carbon dioxide created during the biomass combustion process every day.

If successful and the technology is scaled up, it could enable Drax to achieve negative emissions, meaning the power it produces would reduce the amount of carbon dioxide accumulating in the atmosphere; vital in tackling climate change.

Ms Perry said: “This major milestone in developing cutting-edge technology to reduce emissions while growing the economy shows our modern Industrial Strategy in action.

“Backed by government-funded innovation, Drax has helped put the UK on the map when it comes to carbon capture ahead of pivotal

talks with global leaders in Edinburgh this week, which aim to supercharge the global deployment of this game-changing technology.

“This project at Drax is already helping to put the UK on the map when it comes to carbon capture.

“The development of this cuttingedge technology to reduce emissions while growing the economy shows our modern Industrial Strategy in action.

“It is game-changing technology, which is why we need to supercharge its deployment.”

The carbon capture project has been identified as an essential

technology for achieving global climate targets, and the UK Government appeared to give its seal of approval to the concept at a world summit held in Edinburgh last week.

During her visit to Drax Power Station, the minister met the team behind the innovative project and heard about the commissioning of the plant, which got under way this week.

The Government recently announced it was providing £20m to develop carbon capture equipment at industrial sites, as well as Turn to Page 2

A new female-focused network supporting local businesswomen, entrepreneurs and creatives has launched in Hull.

The Standout Set aims to bring together entrepreneurial women in the area who currently run their own business or are considering taking the leap into selfemployment.

The group will provide support in the form of online resources, before expanding with workshops, networking events and coaching sessions.

The network is growing online, with the first The Standout Set events set to be held early next year.

The Standout Set has been created by Laura O’Donnell, a writer and business owner who has run a PR and communications consultancy in Hull for the past six years.

Ms O’Donnell said: “For many people, working for yourself is the ultimate goal, and there are brilliant new businesses launching here all the time.

“I know from my own experience that while running your own business can be great, it can also be tough – it can be lonely and it can become all too easy to doubt yourself and not reach your full potential.

“I want to create a group that provides practical advice while also establishing a supportive community to help minimise all of the unhelpful ‘noise’ that can stand in your way as a female entrepreneur.”

■■For more information about The Standout Set, visit www. lauraodonnell.co.uk

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

Business N ews

Key offshore wind alliance reaches a major milestone

Energy Minister Claire Perry visiting Drax

‘Drax’s project helping put the UK on the map’ From Page 1

to repurpose fossil fuel infrastructure, such as reusing old gas pipelines to transport carbon.

Since upgrading two thirds of the power station to use biomass instead of coal, Drax has become the UK’s largest renewable power generator and the biggest decarbonisation project in Europe.

Will Gardiner, chief executive at Drax Group, said: “Our BECCS (Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage) pilot project is the UK’s first step to delivering a key technology in the fight against climate change.

“If this project is successful, it could enable Drax to become the world’s first carbon negative power station, something many would never have dreamed possible a decade ago.

“At Drax we want to create a low carbon future – to do that we have to test the technologies that could allow us, as well as the UK and the world, to deliver negative emissions and start to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.”

global leader joins not-for-profit organisation By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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key offshore wind partnership seen as the voice of the industry across the Humber has reached a major milestone with the addition of global leader Ørsted.

The Team Humber Marine Alliance, a not-for-profit business which represents the interests of the marine and offshore wind sectors, has now reached 250 members. Ørsted, the renewables giant which has become the latest member of the alliance, operates three offshore wind farms from its base in Grimsby and is currently constructing Hornsea One and Hornsea Two off the East Yorkshire coast.

The business has joined the likes of Siemens Gamesa, ABP and Boston Energy in the organisation.

Mark O’Reilly, chief executive of Team Humber, said Ørsted had joined the organisation at a time when there was “intense interest” in the Humber region from other areas of the world that were embarking on an offshore wind journey.

He said: “They are seeking advice on how to ensure a robust supply chain and how we work together for the prosperity of our region.

“The breadth of our membership has been key to this success and having such a high-profile business helping us mark our 250 milestone adds to our credibility and provides

From left, Emma Toulson, Mark O’Reilly, Lauren Little and Jason Ledden

great networking opportunities for our established membership.”

East Yorkshire has recently played host to trade visits from delegates in China and the US, as the world continues to turn to the Humber for expertise in the offshore sector.

Hornsea One will be the largest offshore wind farm in the world when operational in 2020, with

Hornsea Two taking over this title in 2022. Hornsea One alone will be capable of supplying renewable electricity to well over one million homes.

Emma Toulson, Ørsted’s lead stakeholder adviser, said Team Humber Marine Alliance played a vital role in connecting and mobilising the offshore wind supply chain,

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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Teresa Thomas, partner and head of employment at Wilkin Chapman solicitors

employees who may have cited the individual as a reason for leaving; ■■Once your case is built, invite the employee to a meeting by letter, setting out the full background to the situation, meet with the employee to outline your concerns, document the meeting, dismiss if you have sufficient grounds and give them a right of appeal.

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as well as putting the region at the centre of offshore wind on a worldwide stage.

“Joining Team Humber will help us access local expertise and contribute to the region’s ambitions,” she said.

“We are looking forward to being part of this vibrant group of Humber businesses.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews ‘Hull is truly on the up’

Andy Capes, partner at RSM in Hull

Partner at leading tax firm hopes £1m investment will fuel ambitious growth By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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eading audit and tax firm RSM hopes investing £1m into its Hull operations will help it hit ambitious 110 per cent growth targets by 2022.

The business, which is currently expanding its offices in Humber Quays, is in prime position for future growth, with key rival PwC recently confirming it was closing its Hull office in 2020.

Andy Capes, managing partner at RSM, said 2018 had been a hugely positive one for Hull, on the back of its City of Culture year.

He said: “We are seeing big, sixfigure jobs coming into Hull, which the city previously has not seen.

“It is a hugely exciting time for the region. We are seeing new industries emerging, and East Yorkshire offers a quality of life you cannot get in other places.

“For RSM, we are managing to get more and more people from across the country to come to Hull. It has always been a fantastic city, with big businesses like Smith & Nephew and RB, but people have maybe talked it down too much.

“Maybe the national media focus changed as a result of 2017, but Hull is truly on the up.”

RSM is enjoying much success

A world first for pet food giant PET food giant Burgess Pet Care has launched a new product specifically created for indoor rabbits - a world first for the pet care sector.

Burgess Pet Care’s Excel Indoor Rabbit nuggets have been created to meet the intricate nutritional needs of rabbits that are living indoors.

Research shows a rise in the number of rabbits living indoors, and the new product has been launched to meet the demand.

Alex Thorne, senior brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Our own research has shown that 50 per cent of rabbits are now kept indoors.

“We know that many rabbit owners do this to ensure they get the constant care and attention they need, but rabbits spending so much time indoors miss out on the nutrients and vitamins they would get outside from their foraging behaviour, as well as natural exposure to sunlight.”

from its Hull office. Mr Capes said he had set ambitious growth targets over the next four years, and by 2022 hoped to see a 110 per cent rise in turnover.

The company is set to take up new space within the same Humber Quays offices, and has invested around £1m into its Hull operations.

Mr Capes said RSM’s move to Humber Quays had proved fruitful.

in brief

PICTURE: Nick Bond

“We moved here during the recession, because the old building needed investment, and this had just become available,” he said.

“From here we can offer all the services the likes of PwC can offer, and if clients want to stay local, we can serve their needs.

“We are getting lots of interest and opportunities – clients clearly want to deal with people who are in Hull.”

RSM offers audit, tax and consulting services to middle-market leaders across the UK. The firm is also a member of the Team Humber Marine Alliance - a group of 250 organisations that works to promote the offshore wind and marine industries in the Humber.

Mr Capes said: “Other countries see the Humber as an inspiration when it comes to offshore wind.

“We must make sure, moving forwards, that we market the region as the Humber. That is so important.”

KCOM’s new university partnership Students in Hull will have access to the fastest internet speeds in the country after internet provider KCOM announced a new partnership with the university.

The University Quarter (UQ) is a community of new and fully refurbished accommodation, provided in partnership with the University of Hull.

KCOM will install its Lightstream service in all 200 properties in the University Quarter, making download speeds of up to 1Gbps accessible to tenants.

Richard Stott, head of the University Quarter project, said: “Living close to the vibrant University of Hull campus is important for students, which is why substantial investment in the University Quarter, adjacent to the campus, is good news for the university, student community and city of Hull.

“The University Quarter has been built with the needs of modern students at the very heart of it and access to ultrafast internet will provide our tenants with the necessary support that allows them to thrive in their academic lives and relax in their social lives, all included at no extra cost within their all-inclusive rent packages.”

Alan Worthing, director of business at KCOM, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with The University Quarter to bring what is the fastest and most reliable broadband in the UK to Hull’s students.

“Because our Lightstream broadband is full fibre, we can deliver gigabit connectivity to accommodation throughout The University Quarter, making it possible for students to work and play online better than ever before.

“This puts University of Hull years ahead of other UK universities and is another compelling reason for students to pick Hull as a vibrant and cuttingedge destination for their studies.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

Business N ews The stories behind some of Hull’s top family businesses hil Winter looks at the city’s oldest and biggest family P businesses, their histories and the people running them

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aking over the running of any family business, big or small, must be a daunting task for anyone faced with it.

It could be that the company has been under the family name for three, four or five generations, or simply that taking the reins means taking responsibility for staff and pay.

But family businesses are the lifeblood of cities across the country, and Hull is no exception.

In fact, Hull is lucky to have a proud history of successful family businesses, many of which date back more than 100 years.

Here are some of Hull’s oldest and biggest family businesses, their histories and the people currently running them.

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west Hull to feed his family of 20.

Fast forward to 1960, and Robert’s son, Ron, had grown the handcart business into a portfolio of half a dozen grocers across Hull and York.

Sewell Construction – a name that is still synonymous with the Hull business today – was founded Arco in 1978, and Sewell Group went on Arco is now in its fourth to become a private limited generation of the Martin family, company in 1990. which first entered the business Current owner Paul Sewell back in 1907.

Last year, Thomas Martin became entered the business in 1978 and formed Sewell Retail in 1998.

Arco’s first chief executive and sole Today, Paul is the sole owner of business leader, having led the business as joint managing director the business, which has branched out in impressive style. for more than 15 years.

Having been a major partner to Before Thomas, Arco was headed the 2017 UK City of Culture year, up by Tom and Stephen Martin – former president and vice-chairman and completed major projects in who were the third generation of the Hull such as the refurbishment of Hull New Theatre and development family to run the safety equipment of the Ron Dearing UTC, Sewell leader.

Today, Thomas’s cousin, Richard Group is now behind ambitious plans to create the Yorkshire Energy Martin, is also part of the executive Park in Holderness. board at Arco, as the 130-year-old Hull company goes from strength to strength.

J.R. Rix & Sons Rix dates back to 1873, when sea captain Robert Rix traded out of the Sewell Group Port of Hull.

Sewell Group’s history dates Robert started in business as a back to 1876, when Fred Sewell and shipbuilder, and went on to take his gang completed a project on delivery of two pairs of steamships, Sutton Chapel in east Hull. which, for the first time, bore the In 1905, Fred and his son, family name.

Herbert, formed F Sewell & Son, at J.R. Rix & Sons was formed in the the same as Robert Sewell was 1940s by Robert’s eldest son, John selling fruit from a handcart in

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Robert Rix, with a working capital of £7,000 and one motor ship.

Rix enjoyed a major growth surge during the 1950s and 1960s, brought on by the popularity and low cost of oil-fired central heating, and an increased demand for diesel from the ever-expanding road transport industry. Rix Shipping Co Ltd was formed on in March 1950.

In 1977, J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd bought the Paull-based shipbuilder J.R. Hepworth & Co (Hull) Ltd and formed a new company, Hepworth Shipyard Ltd, which built small craft such as trawlers and tugs at its location on the north bank of the Humber.

Current business owner Tim Rix is the fifth generation of the family, and today the company has interests in fuel distribution, shipping, motor cars, caravan manufacturing and property.

In the autumn of 2008, Rix also launched its new 2,000-tonne oil tanker, the LizRix, named after Tim’s daughter Elizabeth.

Rix Sea Shuttle was founded in 2012 to provide high-speed crew transfer boats for wind farm personnel and equipment from the east coast of the UK to offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

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William Jackson Food Group From a small grocer shop in Yorkshire in 1851, William Jackson Food Group is now a sixthgeneration family business.

William Jackson originally traded as a grocer and a tea dealer.

The first bakery opened in 1891 and the current Jackson’s bakery on Derringham Street opened in 1907.

The company developed a process for commercially producing Yorkshire puddings in 1968 – a move which would lead to the development of famous brand Aunt Bessie’s in 1995.

Today, the chairman of William Jackson Food Group is Nicholas

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Oughtred, the great, great-grandson of the founder of the company.

In 2012, the business acquired Abel & Cole and The Food Doctor, and the group hit the headlines again this summer when it sold Aunt Bessie’s to Nomad Foods in a deal worth more than £200m.

Shortly after that sale, William Jackson Food Group acquired Lancashire-based fine ingredients supplier Wellocks.

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Hider Foods In 1965, Hider Foods Imports unloaded its shipment of fruit and nuts onto a Hull quayside for the first time.

At the same time, Douglas Hider opened the doors of his Robinsow Row business in Hull’s Old Town, and the fine food company was born.

After 60 years in the fruit and nut business, Douglas Hider retired in 1982, handing over control of the chairmanship to his son, David Hider, who had joined the business in 1979.

The third generation of managing the family business now falls to the managing director of Duncan Hider, son of David, who joined in 1996.

Today, Hider’s best-selling brands include Green & Black’s, RJ’s Licorice, Fudges Bakery, Botham’s of Whitby, Mrs Crimble’s, Border Biscuits, Fentimans, Belvoir Drinks, Walkers Shortbread and Buderim Ginger.

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Bonus Group Bonus Electrical was founded

by Eric Boanas in 1962, and at the time the company operated out of rented premises on Mytongate.

When Eric’s son, Trevor, joined the business, it had a turnover of just £800 a month.

Trevor was paid £20 per week with a 1 per cent commission - he clearly responded well to this as just a few months later the company’s turnover had risen to £5,000 per month.

The company later moved to new premises in Flinton Street, off Hessle Road, to accommodate its growth.

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HULL DAILY MAIL WEDNESDAY 5th DECEMBER 2018 • Showing Net Profits, Prior to Depreciation of Over £70,000 • Densely Populated Residential Area • RUN PREDOMINANTLY BY STAFF DUE TO OTHER BUSINESSES • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - SENSIBLY PRICED TO SELL • Weekly Turnover £25,000 • REF 557695. EPC Band D. • Business £200,000

FULLY LICENSED CAFÉ BAR, COFFEE SHOP & ICE CREAM PARLOUR • Ultra-Modern Coffee Shop Seating Up to 80 People • Run Entirely By Staff • Scope to do so Much More Here • Showing Net Profits Adjusted to £49,000 • Annual Turnover £188,349 • REF 581888. EPC Band B. • Business £69,000

Scarborough

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PETROL STATION, MOTOR SERVICING & REPAIRS AND FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE • Commanding Main Road Next to a Large Caravan Park • Over 8,000 Vehicles Passing This Site Daily • Oozing Potential for So Much More • Four Bedroom House (Included with Freehold Sale) • Weekly Turnover £20,000 • REF 583035. Awaiting EPC • Business £65,000 • Business and Property £995,000

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT (46 COVERS)

North Yorkshire

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FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE WITH FULL LOTTERY

4 When Eric passed away, the company shares were split 50/50 between Trevor and Graham – Eric’s other son.

Bonus Electrical acquired its Blackfriargate site in the early 1980s to accommodate additional storage and office space. At this point the company had grown to a staff force of 20.

Bonus Group is today led by Shaun Boanas, who took the reins after Trevor retired.

Since the millennium, Bonus Electrical opened its own retail outlet in Willerby, realising that customers wanted to purchase lighting as well as other household goods in one shop.

The National distribution centre in Kingswood also opened for trade and public, adding to the list of multiple branches owned by Bonus Electrical.

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Reckitts Bit of a different one this, but the company founded in Hull in 1840 is still going strong today under ReckittBenckiser.

Isaac Reckitt was joined at Reckitts by his four sons. One of those,

Frederick, became the company’s first chemist, and another son, George, was its first salesman.

From this point, the business became known as Reckitt & Sons.

For the first nine years in the company’s history, the only product sold was starch.

But by 1854, Reckitt & Sons sold more than 20 products which competed in four product categories: starch, laundry blue, metal polish and washing paste.

The company’s delve into the pharmaceuticals sector first came in 1929, and four years later, Reckitt & Sons merged with J&J Colman to become Reckitt & Colman Ltd. Fast forward to the 1990s, and Benckiser was busy acquiring worldwide branded businesses, such as Beecham Household Products in the US. In 1999, Reckitt & Colman merged with Benckiser to become Reckitt Benckiser Plc. The company still has its roots planted in Hull, and is soon set to unveil its new £105m R&D centre.

• 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

FISH & CHIPS, BAR & RESTAURANT

• Run Entirely by Staff • No Expense Has Been Spared on the Recent Refurbishment • Stunning Open Plan Restaurant with Over 40 Covers • Very Well Fitted Commercial Kitchen with 4 Pan Range • Weekly Turnover £6,000 • REF 557802. EPC Band C. • Business Offers Around £89,950 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 North Yorkshire

AUDIO / VISUAL AND EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY • Retirement Sale After Over 30 Years Here • Specialising in Stage Audio and Giant 4k Displays • Highly Profitable, Oozing Potential for So Much More • VERY WELL ESTABLISHED CONCERN PRICED TO SELL • Annual Turnover £130,500 • REF 581795. EPC Band D. • Business £75,000 West Yorkshire - Re-Locatable

• Densely Populated Area • Run in Easy Hours Over Seven Days • Attractive Bar and Very Well Fitted Commercial Kitchen • Priced to Sell Due to Other Business Interests • Weekly Turnover £4,500 to £5,000 • REF 581853. EPC Band D. • Business £49,950

• 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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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

Business N ews

Dock master: The city’s port is ‘as busy as ever’

in brief

BUSINESS of shipping is booming in hull By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ResQ scoops a prestigious accreditation Hull-based call centre specialist ResQ has been awarded a ‘One Star’ status by Best Companies for 2019.

The accreditation is a special status awarded to organisations that have been able to demonstrate that the business has a “very good” culture of staff engagement.

ResQ employs almost 1,000 staff, and has its headquarters in Hull, with a further centre in Seaham in northeast England.

It has become known as a disrupter in the industry as it embraces legislation and compliance, while investing in ground-breaking technology.

Nic Marshall, pictured, chief executive at ResQ, said: “Last year was the first time we invited our employees to take part in the Best Companies survey, where we were awarded the ‘One to Watch’ category demonstrating a ‘good’ level of engagement.

“Achieving the ‘One Star’ for 2019, which denotes ‘very good’ levels of engagement, is brilliant as it demonstrates our staff are even more engaged and in tune with the business and its objectives and happy with the support they get from their managers.”

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n the complicated world of shipping, Associated British Port’s Mark Collier made one point clear – bigger ships means bigger money.

As we sat in the office of the dock master who covers the Humber, a 200m-long cargo ship edged its way, inch-by-inch, through the lock gates and into Hull’s docks.

Making sure these enormous vessels safely enter and leave the docks is no mean feat, and that responsibility falls on the shoulders of ABP’s marine team.

More than 50 people, including the vital lock head staff who oversee ships as they pass through the main lock, make up the team, and work around the clock to keep the port trading.

Mr Collier said business is booming in Hull.

“On this river, there is a ship every half an hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” he said.

“The number of ships coming through the lock gates dropped off quite significantly in 2009 – the industry really did get the backside kicked out of it.

“At the moment, though, it is as busy as ever. Ships are certainly getting bigger – it is no secret that bigger ships means bigger money.

“With the largest ships that come in, which can be up to 200m long, we have to get them through the lock gates in three parts. That can take three hours from start to finish.”

Over the decades, every variety of cargo imaginable has come in and out of ABP in Hull.

Mark Collier, dock master in Hull

Alan Benn, a lock head man at ABP in Hull

From tractors and motorcars to food products, biomass pellets and oils, the lock gates have seen everything passing through them.

Getting ships safely through the lock gates is only part of the challenge, though.

The Humber is a constantly shifting beast – sand and mud banks can make for treacherous conditions – and it is up to the river’s pilots to safely guide and navigate ships into Hull.

Mr Collier said: “Planning is

absolutely vital, and that starts from the moment the pilot ship gets on to the boat at Spurn Point.

“All sorts can happen. Some days are better than others, and the tide obviously plays a huge role.

“If we run out of time and have to turn a ship around, it can cost as much as £20,000. We have an anchorage outside the port, which ships can wait in, until the tide changes and it is safe for them to come in.”

Mr Collier said Hull was, ship for ship, the busiest port in the UK. The port’s lock gates are rarely out of the action, and are a vital cog in the ever-turning shipping wheel.

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Cutting-edge virtual reality technology has been used to illustrate a set of new high-spec apartments in Hull’s Old Town.

VR Media uses a special 4K camera to take a full scan mapping of each room, giving immersive tours for a better sense of the space.

As a new company, VR Media was set up this year by Dave Ricks, who recently sold his leather manufacturing

company, Gostelows in Hull, and Rich Purdy, who was an employee at the business.

Together as directors of VR Media, they engage with businesses wanting to adopt video tours across a variety or industries.

The business recently worked with Liberty House in Liberty Lane, a property brought forward by Iguana Developments.

Mr Ricks said: “The team at Iguana Developments is refurbishing properties to a very high standard in the Old Town of Hull.

“Anyone wanting to view the properties can inspect them online before arranging to view in person.

“We believe this increases the number of enquiries as they have a better understanding of what it looks like.”

Charles Weeks, sales and marketing manager at Iguana Developments, said: “We believe Iguana Developments offers something new to the property market in Hull city centre and were very impressed with the videos produced by VR Media to showcase what we do.

“This is a very cost effective way for us to market properties and we will certainly use it for all future developments.”

David Ricks, left, and Rich Purdy, right, of VR Media, with Charles Weeks, of Iguana Development

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

YOUR MONEY POUND NOTES

Party time costs us £49 PARTYGOERS SPEND £49 TO LOOK AND FEEL GOOD OVER CHRISTMAS Christmas partygoers expect to spend £49, on average, to look and feel good when they go out during the festive season, a survey by deals website Groupon found.

New outfits, hairdresser visits, beauty treatments and extra trips to the gym make up the typical total spend. Nearly a quarter (22%) of people surveyed said they attend three to four parties in the run-up to Christmas.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS RECEIVING WAVE OF FAKE TAX REBATE EMAILS Fraudsters are bombarding university students with large numbers of fake tax refund emails, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning.

HMRC said it is the first time it has seen a tax scam attack directly targeting university students in such high volumes.

The tax authority has received thousands of fraud reports in just a few weeks from students at colleges across the UK. Fake emails may promise people they are owed some money in an attempt to obtain their personal information.

Who do older singles turn to for financial advice?

ONE IN SIX OVER-65s HAVE NO ONE TO discuss MONEY WITH One in six (16%) over-65s have no one to talk to about money issues, Age UK has found.

People who were single – including those who have been widowed, separated or divorced – were more likely than those who were married or living with a partner to say they had no one to discuss money with.

Financial fact: Motor insurance payouts have reached record levels this year, with more than £23million typically being paid every day, according to figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

Santa crooks want to get their c laws into you

Be sure you know you are buying from a reputable dealer when shopping online and use a credit card if possible

Christmas is coming and crooks’ wallets will be getting fat with your money – if you let them warns Tricia Phillips

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t’s a jolly time of year for the unseen Santa’s little help-themselves because we are all shopping so frantically that we’re off our guard.

Online, now their favourite festive haunt, they can easily swindle panic buyers with bogus websites, social media scams and auctions offering dodgy bargain deals – particularly on must-have smartphones.

Then there are clever emails, texts and phone calls teasing vital personal details out of you.

And hackers sneaking down the technological chimney well before Santa and into your computers, tablets and phones.

Not to mention big firms making their jobs even easier with data breaches.

Last Christmas was a websnatch wonderland for cyber criminals who wrapped up £11million for themselves by conning more than 15,000 shoppers, according to Action Fraud.

From games consoles and laptops to household appliances and clothing, they have a carrot to Beware of dangle in front pickpockets of you on that when out screen of yours shopping and will stuff you like a turkey.

And then there are the Christmas crooks who like to keep it traditional. Pickpockets in packed shops, handbag and purse pinchers in crowded streets, dishonest staff in restaurants and stores nicking your card details.

Lloyds Banking Group said it saw around 25% more card transactions in December last year, compared to 2016.

HOW TO DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SAFELY ■■Keep your plastic safe. Out of sight of pickpockets. Do not let shop assistants, bartenders or staff in restaurants take it out of sight. You should be the only person who needs to handle it.

■■Be wary of those around you and ensure you hide your PIN when tapping it in. Don’t be distracted when making payments or taking cash at an ATM. Crooks use diversion tactics to swipe cards, purses and handbags.

■■Always check cashpoints for signs of tampering. Try to only use those inside banks where there is CCTV. ■■Be careful which websites you shop at. Use trusted retailers, and make payments by credit card where possible.

Look for the padlock Losses due to unauthorised transactions on plastic and cheques, the most common fraud type, totalled £358million in the first half of this year.

Unauthorised fraud covers card theft, cloning and data breaches in which the card holder did not sanction the payment.

It now accounts for eight out of 10 fraud cases.

While most of us hit the shops at Christmas, many an online crook

symbol. Type in the web address, rather than using links.

■■Ensure your devices are protected with latest security software. Avoid unsecured wifi networks on trains and in cafes.

■■Give your bank your mobile number. Many banks will ask you to verify by SMS if they look more likely to be fraudulent.

■■Found out if your bank offers card controls – Lloyds Bank app users, for example, can freeze their card instantly to stop it being used.

■■Be cautious about any unexpected calls or messages you receive – don’t click on links or give out personal details, and if in doubt, call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Remember a bank or the police would never ask you to move funds from your account because of fraud. prefers to spend his or her spare time ‘phishing’ – sneaking usernames, passwords and credit card details out of you through emails or messages. And some are determined to have a ‘smishing’ time – a security attack in which you’re tricked into downloading a Trojan horse, virus or other spying malware onto your phone.

Despite all the warnings, so many people still fall for the bogus bank, credit card firm, taxman or police.

Meanwhile the scams become ever more sophisticated and difficult to spot.

■■Check your bank statements regularly. If you spot anything suspicious, then report it immediately.

■■If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Goods could be poor quality, fake or non-existent.

■■Don’t pay for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person.

Payments this way are not protected if you are conned.

■■Use a strong, separate password and two factor authentication to protect your email account. Criminals can use your email to access other accounts, such as those you use for shopping.

■■Every report matters – if you have been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud immediately by calling 0300 123 2040.

Paul Davis, retail fraud director at Lloyds Banking Group said: “In December we see more card transactions than on any other month.

“And fraudsters are out there ready and waiting to cash in on all the busy Christmas shoppers, ready to exploit any mistakes in the blink of an eye.

“Crooks are also becoming increasingly sophisticated, changing tack all the time, with some scams so complex it can be hard to tell if you don’t know what to look for. That’s why it’s crucial for us all to stay one step ahead.”

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2018

Business N ews in brief

Digital agency in the running for two gongs Pace Communications has been shortlisted in two categories at the Northern Digital Awards 2019.

The creative communications agency is a finalist for the Small Digital Agency of the Year award, and the team’s Tom Holgate is in the running for Young Digital Marketer of the Year.

The awards, which are now in their fourth year, recognise the best digital marketing campaigns and talent across the north.

Pace MD, Anita Pace, said: “Digital channels offer our clients the opportunity to win new business, build their brands, drive engagement and control the conversation.

“It’s a key knowledge area at Pace and I’m delighted that our expertise has been recognised by this double award nomination.

“Our success in both the business and individual category demonstrates the talent we have throughout the team.”

Tom Holgate, pictured, was shortlisted after the judges read of his rapid development at Pace, where he has developed his skills across website development, SEO and PPC, and is now using those skills to mentor a junior member of the team.

A Northumbria University graduate, Tom joined Pace a year ago, and has since implemented tracking systems and testing strategies for clients, created a PPC troubleshoot guide and pitched for new accounts.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in Leeds in January.

From left, Carl Andrew and pallet co-ordinators Carl Abey and Paul Preston

Haulage firm sees profits rise after successful year BUT DIRECTOR WARNS OF BREXIT CONSEQUENCES By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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n East Yorkshire-based haulage and logistics firm has seen its profits and turnover rise after a successful 2017-18 year.

Neill & Brown Global Logistics, headquartered in Hessle, said demand for its services had “remained strong” during the last year, as turnover soared to £27.6m.

The business, which also opened a new £2.5m warehouse in Hedon Road in 2014, did, however, warn that it faced competition from rival companies in the UK, and overseas haulage firms.

Its director also recently spoke about the consequences a no-deal Brexit could have on the company.

Peter Brown, director, said: “Demand for the group’s services during the year has remained strong.

“Turnover for the year increased to £27.6m (up from £24.1m in 2017) and profit after tax for the financial year increased to £1.7m.

“The group has made a strong start to the next financial year.”

Neill & Brown was established in Hull in 1917.

Today, the haulage firm has

Neill and Brown Global Logistics is based in Hessle

operations across the world, with its fleet of vehicles travelling through countries including Italy, Belgium, Germany, France and Spain on a daily basis.

Despite its strong performance in 2017-18, Mr Brown said the company was aware of competition from rival businesses.

He said in recently filed accounts: “The group faces competition risk from both UK and overseas haulage and freight companies.

“This puts pressure on the group to keep rates low, which can be difficult given fluctuating shipping costs, fuel pieces and current rate movements.

“However, these risks are faced by all companies operating within this industry.”

Mr Brown recently also spoke about the consequences a no-deal Brexit could have on both Neill & Brown, and the haulage industry.

He said in an interview given to Business Insider: “While we have achieved continuous growth and more employment at Neill and Brown, a no-deal Brexit will have serious consequences for us and the industry as a whole.

“Over the years, logistics companies have developed supply chain systems to deal with demand from international trade – not only heavy

investment in equipment, but also in IT systems to monitor timed deliveries and collections. A no deal could render this type of ongoing investment pointless.

“Our borders must be kept open to free movement of goods. If there are duties to be paid on imports, it will create large revenues for the Government, but also increase the costs of goods to the public as the extra costs must be passed on. It will subsequently increase inflation and in turn affect investment in this country,” Mr Brown said.

The director also said a no-deal Brexit would be “a huge backwards step” for the firm.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Theatre sets stage for a successful financial year

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The latest business news at humberbusiness.com Giant Hornsea One project sees a major landmark with cable news

Hull pupils joined the likes of BP at junior engineering event

www.jonchallicom.com

BP supports school scheme for engineers

Underwater cable works completed

Major landmark at offshore wind farm By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Construction of the world’s largest offshore wind farm, off the coast of East Yorkshire, has reached a major milestone.

Hornsea One will generate enough clean electricity to power

more than one million homes, once work is completed in 2020.

On Tuesday, renewables giant Ørsted announced an important landmark had been reached with the completion of the underwater cables, which will bring electricity back to the shore.

Spanning an incredible 467km, around the same distance as Lon-

don to Newcastle, they are the longest offshore wind export cables ever to have been installed.

Duncan Clark, programme director for Hornsea Projects One and Two, said: “This record-breaking project is a step up in scale from the offshore wind farms we have today.

“It will be the first offshore wind farm in the world with a capacity

over 1GW and, at 120km out to sea, we are pioneering new technology and really at the forefront of scaling up clean energy infrastructure with each phase we complete.

“I’d personally like to thank our team, including all of the contractors who have enabled us to reach this Turn to Page 2

Pupils from across Hull spent a day with major employers including BP at an event aimed at encouraging young woman into engineering roles.

The STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) day, run

by BP in conjunction with the Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University and Ron Dearing UTC, saw more than 60 nine to elevenyear-old girls take part.

According to the Women’s Engineering Society, in the UK women account for only nine per cent of the professional engineering workforce – far lower than the European average.

It has also been widely publicised that the UK economy is experiencing a shortfall of engineers, which poses a serious threat to the economy.

Ellie Westwood, BP Hull communications and engagement advisor, said: “At BP we believe it is important to work with young people to help them recognise the exciting STEM careers available to them. We know we need to work hard to encourage more girls to look at engineering as a future career.”

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Business N ews New underwater cables complete at Hornsea One From Page 1

milestone ahead of schedule.

“Over 35 vessels were involved in delivering the installation, which was conducted safely and efficiently by all.

“An incredible feat of logistical coordination, and truly a landmark achievement for both the project and the growing offshore wind industry across the globe.”

When fully operational in 2020, Hornsea One’s 174 turbines will generate enough clean electricity for more than one million homes.

The electricity generated by the turbines, 120km out into the North Sea, will pass through one of three offshore substations, before being carried by three high-voltage export cables via back to the mainland.

Termination and testing of the cables is also being completed ahead of schedule, and is expected to conclude within the first months of the New Year.

In November, Ørsted announced that more than 100 of the 174 foundations for Hornsea One’s wind turbines have now been installed, and turbine installation is expected to commence early next year.

Hornsea One will be followed

by Hornsea Two and Three, as the Humber continues to cement its reputation as a world leader in offshore wind.

Hornsea Two will see a further 165 wind turbines added to the North Sea, before construction of Hornsea Three is expected to commence in 2020.

Humber growth set to slow as Brexit impacts Forecast predicts slump

By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

H

ull’s economic growth is forecast to slow from 2019, as high street struggles and Brexit’s impact on the manufacturing sector could take their toll on the city.

Between 2015 and 2018, Hull’s economy grew by more than two per cent a year.

That figure is predicted to slump to as low as 1.2 per cent a year up to 2021, according to a worrying new report released by Ernst & Young.

Hull, along with fellow Yorkshire cities Leeds and Sheffield, are expected to feel the effects of a blighted high street, combined with decreased immigration impacting

Concerns over the impact of Brexit may slow economy

the manufacturing industry.

Across the region though, GVA (gross value added) is forecast to increase from 1.3 per cent to 1.5 per cent a year, as cities look set to be the hardest hit.

Suzanne Robinson, EY’s managing partner for Yorkshire, said: “EY’s report warns that across the rest of the UK, imbalances in growth between different places within regions will continue to increase, with cities and larger towns pulling away from their smaller neighbours.

“However, the positive GVA growth forecast for Yorkshire demonstrates the diversity of our econ“This makes our overall economy omy, with strengths in technology, professional and financial services, much more resilient with balanced as well as the geographic spread of growth that is not confined to cities.

“But the pace of change in the these businesses. make-up of our economy gives no room for complacency. There is still a need to reskill our labour market and focus on the opportunity presented by digital and technology.”

Hull’s employment growth is also forecast to take a hit from 2019.

EY’s glum report expects the figure to plummet from two per cent a year, to just 0.1 per cent.

Hull’s expected GVA growth of 1.2 per cent puts it into the bottom three urban places in the north, alongside Sunderland and Teesside.

Mark Gregory, EY’s chief economist, said: “The slowing services sector growth has limited further increases in the geographic differ-

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ences between North and South.

“While there are positive and encouraging signs in some areas, the forecast shows that rebalancing is a more significant and complex challenge – particularly at a local level.

“Radical thinking and targeted policy action will be needed if the UK is to truly see the benefits of a more balanced economy.”

While all sectors are expected to have slower employment growth over the next three years as a result of a slowing economy, expected lower EU immigration and technological change, manufacturing looks set to take the hardest hit.

The report, released on Tuesday, also revealed a slowdown in the retail sector, especially on the high street, poses significant challenges for smaller towns and communities.

3

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews in brief

Finance firm signs £10m partnership

Samskip has committed its future to Hull, despite Brexit uncertainty Richard Walker

no news is good news as samskip pledges future of industry

It’s ‘business as usual’ says shipping giant

S

hipping giant Samskip has pledged its commitment to Hull by saying it is “business as usual” despite continued political uncertainty.

The global logistics company switched Humber ports from Immingham to Hull in the summer and also recently increased its sailings between the city and countries including Belgium and the Netherlands.

Now, in the middle of a critical time for UK and EU relations, Samskip has stood firm on its Hull operations.

Andy Foulds, Samskip UK sales director, said: “Under normal circumstances, offering to run ‘business as usual’ is not news, but the impending Brexit makes it the freight industry news that business is crying out for.

“The months ahead will see uncertainty for companies trading goods between the UK and the EU and businesses are looking to secure their supply chains.

“Samskip is moving cargo for blue chip customers, now, which have never done business with us before and which seek containerised transportation solutions to ensure the availability

of their products on the shelves.”

The call of support for the Humber comes on the back of two years of preBrexit investment for Samskip.

Samskip’s Brexit preparations began early last year, with the introduction of larger tonnage on its Rotterdam-UK routes.

Preparation accelerated this year to include the launch of a new threetimes a week Amsterdam to Hull service, and a separate link between Antwerp and Hull.

The logistics company has offices in 24 countries across the world and employs around 1,500 people.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Samskip was originally founded in Iceland.

Mr Foulds also addressed concerns with overcrowding at UK ports, in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

“Lack of space at UK ferry ports introduces the prospect of delays and trucking queues returning as goods are customs cleared,” Mr Foulds said.

“This influences where drivers want to work at a time when there is already a Europe-wide shortage of drivers. It’s a real concern to our customers.

A Hull-based financial advisors has joined forces with a national group in a £10m deal.

CFL Three trades as the Insurance Partnership Financial Services, Kirk Ella Investments, PCWM, IFA Professional Planning and Hallgarth Wealth Planning, and has offices in Hull, York and Scunthorpe.

The business has now teamed up with AFH Group, as it looks to push ahead with its growth plans.

CTL Three boss Paul Hodgson will become AFH’s regional director for Yorkshire and the North.

He said: “The decision to join forces with AFH does not indicate the end of our ambitions - quite the opposite. We’ve grown to a size where the move to the next level would require significant investment. That left us either having to raise new funding or find the right business to join.”

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4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Business N ews Young people turn back on a career in manufacturing Just two per cent of young people in the region are considering pursuing a career in manufacturing, new figures have shown.

Research conducted by Barclays found almost half of 16 to 23-year-olds said the career path did not appeal to them, with just under a third saying they did not believe they had the skills required for the job.

It comes as young people across Yorkshire turn towards careers in digital, technology and education, with manufacturing ranked last out of 19 potential career paths.

The news comes on the back of fears for the construction industry, which slipped outside of the top ten most popular careers for young people for the first time this year.

Debbie Mullen, head of larger corporate at Barclays in Yorkshire, said changing “outdated perceptions” about manufacturing would not be easy. She said: “Stereotypes are hard to break, but the potential gains that come with a re-invigorated workforce and a new wave of talent in the industry, offer a tangible return on this investment.”

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Hull Truck Theatre had a record revenue year

Grow business like show business: theatre enjoys record revenue this year Hull Income increases to £3.5m in 2017 period By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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xceptional financial performance during the City of Culture year saw Hull Truck Theatre record more than £3m of income, as it attracted almost 90,000 people to shows.

The city centre theatre said 2017 provided “a unique opportunity for the theatre to raise

Funds have been designated to mitigate three major areas of risk: rising inflation and staff costs, repairs to the theatre building and restricted scale of productions Hull Truck

its profile and present a year of exceptional drama.”

The Ferensway venue saw its income rise from £2.6m in 201617, to £3.5m in 2017-18.

A jam-packed line-up of shows during the year included Shakespeare’s Richard III and the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

Alan Dix, chair at Hull Truck Theatre, said: “The one-off opportunity afforded by City of Culture 2017 resulted in the group achieving a surplus of unrestricted general funds.

“This exceptional financial performance has allowed the group to plan for anticipated future challenges.

“During 2017, we attracted audiences from 97 per cent of all UK postcode areas. Record audiences visited the theatre, 66 per cent were from HU postcodes.”

A total of 459 performances were staged during 2017-18, attracting 88,376 audience members.

Hull Truck brought in more than £1.2m of income through its shows and other operations during the year, and received £1.2m worth of grants.

Major supporters of the theatre included Hull City Council, which provided a £313,000 grant, and Arts Council England, which granted £790,000.

“During the year, contributions were received from Hull UK City of Culture 2017 in support of the theatre’s year of exceptional drama,” recently filed accounts said.

“Funds have been designated to mitigate three major areas of risk: rising inflation and staff

costs, repairs to the theatre building, and restricted scale of productions.”

More than 3,000 hours of volunteering were given to the theatre during 2017-18.

Looking ahead, Hull Truck said it was focused on “continuing the momentum of City of Culture.”

“In 2019, the theatre will celebrate ten years in its home in Ferensway, and a planned programme of audience development, young peoples’ work and artist development will engage stakeholders and mark the start of the journey towards the company’s 50 anniversary celebrations in 2021,” Mr Dix said.

5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

Gas firm expands with a Hull branch

A

leading European gas supplier has continued its rapid UK expansion by opening a new branch in Hull.

Buse Gases, based in Bergen Way on the Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, will supply industrial gases to welding and fabrication businesses across the region.

The German-headquartered company has developed a cluster of sites along the M62 corridor, from Manchester and Dewsbury to Doncaster and now Hull, and is rapidly increasing its UK footprint.

Jim Portz, northern area sales manager at Buse, said the company had “come into Hull a bit like Lidl – offering the same gases as competitors, at a different price range”.

He said: “Buse is one of the biggest mineral water suppliers in Europe and had previously branched out to

Buse gase grows in yorkshire

speciality gases. Now it also works in industrial gases.

“We have been in Hull for about four months now, and the first period has been very, very good for us – we have got a good client list already, which giving how short amount of time we have been in the city is unbelievable.

“We have got a really cash-rich organisation behind us, and I predict we will be all across the UK within ten years.”

Buse Gases is part of the Buse Group, a German company which has its roots planted as far back as 1875.

Today, the business is the largest industrial gas supplier in Greece, and is spreading its wings across Europe.

Mr Portz said: “I used to work for Air Products in Hull for 25 years.

I used to be the boss of a guy who started working at Buse a few years ago.

“I was headhunted by him to join the company. We have already taken a lot of business away from some of our competitors.

“We want to grow organically, people are aware we are here now, and they are asking for prices.”

Buses Gases currently employs around 15 people at its site in Hull.

Combined with its other bases along the M62, Buse now has a strong Yorkshire presence, and is expected to roll out across the country in coming years.

For information, visit Bus Gases at www.buse-group.com

Jim Portz, of Buse Gas

Jerome Ellerby

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To find out more about how Yorkshire Bank can unlock the potential of your business, visit ybonline.co.uk Lending is subject to status and eligibility. Security may be required. *Businesses turning over less than £2 million qualify. Annual cash transaction limit £250k. Current Account, Other fees & qualifying criteria apply. T&Cs online.

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6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Business N ews More than 4,000 solar panels are being fitted at the Port of Goole ABP

£1m investment will benefit the environment and power homes Communications firm growing at a fast Pace Hull-based creative communications agency Pace has unveiled new premises in the city as it prepares for future expansion.

Since its launch, in September 2015, Pace has created almost 20 jobs, and is set to embark on the next stage of its development.

Originally based in Hull’s C4DI building, the agency has now moved to nearby Wykeland House, at the heart of the city’s Fruit Market.

Anita Pace, managing director at Pace, said: “I’m delighted to be moving to our new premises over at Wykeland House.

“Though we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time at C4DI, expanding quickly over the past three years means that we need additional space for our fastgrowing team.

“We look forward to making the most of our new facilities in order to expand further in terms of both team members and clients.”

Pace offers a range of marketing, design and digital services to businesses both across the Humber and the rest of the country.

It now has a team of designers and account managers, as well as communications and digital professionals.

Founded by former KCOM director Anita, Pace Communications works with a range of clients across industries including education, manufacturing and energy.

Recent client wins for the company include innovative Scottish firm MacRebur, which makes roads out of used plastic, legal cloud software developer Peppermint Technology and synthetic turf specialists, PlayPitch.

Pace was recently also named as a finalist for Small Digital Agency of the Year at the Northern Digital Awards, with the team’s Tom Holgate also in the running for the Young Digital Marketer of the Year title.

Earlier this year, Pace was shortlisted in the integrated agency category at the prestigious Prolific North Awards.

Anita Pace said: “Digital channels offer our clients the opportunity to win new business, build their brands, drive engagement and control the conversation.

“It’s a key knowledge area at Pace and I’m delighted that our expertise has been recognised by this double award nomination.

“Our success in both the business and individual category demonstrates the talent we have throughout the team.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in Leeds in January.

Bright future as port is to install new solar panels

A

major East Yorkshire port will soon be capable of running entirely off solar power following a £1m investment.

The Port of Goole, managed

by Associated British Ports, is having more than 4,000 solar panels installed onto four of its terminal rooftops.

Once the project is completed before Christmas, at peak generation times the entire port will be powered by solar.

The project will reduce CO2 by more than 450,000 kilograms each year – an equivalent of planting over 20,000 trees.

Goole and Hull port manager, Chris Green, said: “We’re proud that the UK’s most inland port, Goole, will be a significant

renewable energy generator in its own right.

“We still have enormous potential to further develop our ports to generate yet more clean energy, reducing the carbon footprint of our businesses and of our customers’ operations.”

In total, the major project will see 4,341 solar panels installed on four rooftops across the UK’s most inland port.

The panels will produce enough electricity (1.1-megawatts) to power around 154 residential homes every year.

Surplus supplies will be exported to the grid for external use, ABP has confirmed.

Britain’s biggest ports operator, ABP, is on track to become one of the largest corporate

solar producers in the UK, and recently the Port of Immingham upped its solar production to over four megawatts.

Installation at the Port of Goole has been carried out by solar installer Custom Solar over a period of around three months.

Custom Solar director, Gary Sucharewycz, said: “It’s fantastic to be working on another project with ABP Humber.

“Following the recent success of projects at the Port of Immingham and other ports across the wider ABP group, this recent installation at the Port of Goole is another positive step as ABP implements solar generation across all ports.

“Works have already started

on site at Goole and we look forward to completing and commissioning the project prior to the end of the year.”

The first installation of panels took place at the RMS Boothferry Terminal, in preparation for the sunny summer months.

The Port of Goole handles a wide range of dry bulks at a number of its terminals, including Caldaire Terminal, South Dock Terminals, Ouse Dock, West Dock and Stanhope Dock.

The docks in Goole handle around two million tonnes of cargo every year.

Bulks handled include animal feed, biomass, cement, cereals, clay products, construction materials, scrap metal, solid fuel and timber.

Software specialist expands and moves to new K2 base A Hull software specialist has continued its rapid expansion by opening a new office in the city’s K2 complex.

Tevalis, which specialises in hospitalityfocused sales and management technology, employs 70 people in Hull, and another 35 in its London office.

The move to the £7m K2 building will provide a home for the company’s growing sales, marketing and accounts teams.

James Cook, managing director at Tevalis Ltd, said: “Our company is growing fast, and we needed additional space in the city.

“We wanted separate offices, to provide security in terms of business continuity.

After exploring a wide range of different options, K2 provided the best option by far.

“The central location is convenient, the

views over the city are absolutely stunning, and the space is perfect for our business.

We’ve created a cool, contemporary environment where our team can flourish, and the roof terrace and sky garden on-site provides opportunities for flexible working.

“Another key benefit to K2 is the on-site apartments – we’re investing in some to provide accommodation for our London teams to use when they come up to Hull.”

Tevalis works with major national hospitality businesses including Jamie’s Italian and Village Hotels, as well as flagship leisure organisations including St Andrews Links and Birmingham City Football Club.

The business provides a variety of software and hardware which can help hospitality sector companies.

David Allbones and Lucy Rose

7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews POUND NOTES

Enjoying a happy retirement RETIREMENT WILL BE A ‘FINANCIAL STRUGGLE’ for 23% of workers Older workers are more downbeat about their chances of having enough money to enjoy themselves in retirement than younger employees, a survey by Aviva has found.

Only one-in-seven (13%) people aged 56-65 think they will have enough cash to really enjoy their retirement, as do 12% of 46-55-year-olds.

This compares with nearly a quarter (24%) of 22-30-yearolds and 19% of 31-45-year-olds, who are confident they’ll have enough put by to really enjoy their later years.

Across all age groups, nearly a quarter (23%) of workers believe their retirement is likely to be a financial struggle.

With some forward planning, you can create a wonderful family feast even if you are on a budget

Hosting Christmas dinner? Don’t bite off more than you can chew

F Will you buy your pet a present?

Four-legged friends ARE IN FOR FESTIVE TREATS, SURVEY FINDS Two-thirds of dog-owners say they buy Christmas gifts for their pets, according to American Express.

The research found that the festive season is a bumper time for the nation’s dogs, as doting owners will spend an average of £18.42 per dog on treats and gifts.

A quarter (25%) of dogs will receive a Christmas stocking, and over one in 10 (12%) will find themselves dressed for the season in a canine Christmas jumper! nominate your scientific celebrity for £50 banknote The Bank of England has received more than 174,000 nominations so far for who from the field of science should appear on its new £50 banknote.

People can nominate until December 14.

See bankofengland.co.uk/ banknotes/50-pound-notenominations for details.

Worried about producing a festive feast on a budget? Vicky Shaw discovers ways to trim back on the cost of those trimmings

or many families, Christmas is one of the few times of the year when all loved ones are gathered around the table.

But while it’s great to get everyone together of course, those hosting a consumer blind taste tests at traditional turkey in mind when big Christmas gathering may be a Christmas. We tested all the picturing their perfect Christmas. little worried about the cost of supermarkets’ Christmas But an alternative option, such as having so many mouths to feed. puddings and Lidl got the a chicken, could work out less Around a quarter of top five-star rating with expensive (and easier to cook!). households’ Christmas Aldi not far behind spending will go on with four stars.

Get your hands dirty food and drink, research Instead of buying pre-sliced veg from Go-Compare write a list and microwave veg packs, get stuck Money suggests.

Make a shopping list in – peel and chop your own With a few weeks still and work out portions potatoes, slice your own veg and to go though, it’s not too before you hit the only use what you need. late to start planning and shops to avoid food thinking ahead Make the most waste. make the most of leftovers about ways to help cut the of bargains A 2-2.5kg turkey crown It’s so easy to go overboard and cost of the festive feast, rather will feed six, a 3-4.5kg cook enough to feed a small army at than panic-buying at the last small turkey six to eight, whereas a Christmas, but by doing this it’s minute and blowing the budget.

Here are some tips for cutting the medium bird weighing 4-6kg will be likely that a lot of food will go to enough for eight to 10 people. waste. To avoid throwing expensive cost of Christmas dinner: If your budget is tight, you can leftover meat into the bin, use it to have bigger portions of pigs-inmake a curry or pie and freeze. You Make the most of bargains blankets, stuffing balls and vegetacan always make a stock or soup and yellow stickers bles. Plan to serve per person from the bones too.

While you’ve still got some 225g-250g of roast potatime, have a browse around the look out for supermarkets to buy reduced items, toes, two or three stuffing balls, 80g each discounts on an particularly if you’re able put them of Brussels sprouts, online food shop in the freezer for a few weeks so Many of the they’ll be readily available when you carrots and parsnips, two or three pigs-insupermarkets need them, advises Anders Nilsson blankets, 120ml of offer incentives to from MyVoucherCodes.co.uk gravy and 25g of first-time online cranberry sauce. shoppers. Ocado is consider the budget currently offering supermarkets for a change Consider alternatives 25% off your first Wedded to Waitrose? Why not try Ask guests to shop with a minimum budget supermarkets such as Aldi or to turkey bring a bottle Many people have a big, spend of £60.

Lidl which always score highly in

Write a shopping list and stick to it

Ask guests to bring a dish If you’re entertaining others at your home, you could ask guests to help out a bit by bringing drinks, crackers, or even preparing a dish or two if they live nearby.

This may seem a more agreeable option for some, than asking guests to make contributions to the cost of Christmas dinner in cold, hard cash.

Just be sure to decide ahead of time who’s preparing what dish, so you don’t end up with three bowls of roast potatoes and no other veg. ahead of next Christmas, consider growing your own While it’s too late in the year to start growing your own veg for the table now, you could always get a head-start on next year and start working on your own small vegetable patch.

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018

Business N ews Kiran Johnson

Helen Gibson

Company to create new board as it eyes future Agencia recruits experts

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eading figures from the crime and health sectors have stepped up to help an East Yorkshire business plan the next stage of its national and international development.

Agencia, based in Hessle, has won a string of awards for projects which have tackled drug use in the UK and anticorruption strategies overseas.

Now the company, formed more than two decades ago, has recruited a team of experts for an advisory board, which is charged with supporting and challenging Agencia as it shapes its future direction.

Big names to have signed up include Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter, and Kath Lavery, chair of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Helen Gibson, managing director at Agencia, said: “We have set our strategic direction, refreshed our brand and invested in our infrastructure to embed our values and attracted an energetic, courageous and inspired team.

“Now we want to grow, extend our reach and strengthen our social footprint and we believe that a key step towards this is establishing an advisory board that will constructively challenge and contribute to our strategic direction and enhance our public profile.

“This will enable us to access new networks, markets and energies as we embark on the next chapter of our story.”

Agencia’s health projects include developing programmes to reduce drug use and painkiller addiction in North Lincolnshire.

Among the successes for the company’s justice experts is an initiative to address corruption, financial crime and money-laundering in BosniaHerzegovina, and a scheme to help the authorities in Kenya combat corruption and associated criminality.

In 2017, Agencia was named Best Small Business in the UK at the National Family Business Awards.

Ms Lavery said: “All the people on the new board have vital experience in Agencia’s areas of operation and I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.

Kath Lavery

“Helen has put together a fascinating group of people, each of whom has an incredibly diverse background and we will all get a lot out of it ourselves by working together with such a great company.”

Ms Gibson said: “We describe ourselves as ‘change-makers, transforming lives.’

“In practice this means being ready to hold faithfully to our values while, at the same time, making money – so we can do more – and transforming the lives of everyone we work with.

“It is useful to have extra heads around the table, bringing additional intelligence and operating as ambassadors for Agencia.”

Agencia also recently showcased the work of Primary Care Direct, a collaboration of more than 100 health practices managers from across the region.

Kiran Johnson, a founder member of the group, said: “We set up Primary Care Direct because we heard from practices across the Humber area that they would like to have one place to access their business support from.

“We used our contacts to expand Primary Care Direct into a consortium which works nationally with GPs, federations and local medical committees.”

1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Bathroom firm gets cash boost from rival

headstone news as family firm continues work

page 3

page 5

Safety award for caravan company

page 6

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Artist’s impression of the Aura Innovation Centre in Hessle

Picture: Mercury Group

Construction firm to work on new green energy hub

Hobson & Porter wins £12m centre contract By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Hull construction firm Hobson & Porter has won the prestigious multi-million-pound contract to build a key green energy hub in Hessle.

The business, headquartered in Sutton Fields, will lead the project to construct the £12m Aura Innovation Centre at the

Bridgehead Business Park.

It is hoped the centre, when completed late next year, will provide a space for businesses large and small to collaborate to deliver low-carbon energy and clean growth.

The contract takes Hobson & Porter past the £20m mark for the value of projects it has worked on to support the offshore wind sector.

Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “We’re

very excited to have been appointed as the main contractor of this landmark project.

“The project will be our eighth scheme in the offshore energy sector, which is remarkable considering we have never stepped foot offshore.

This is a true reflection of the economic impact the sector is bringing to our region.

“The Aura Innovation Centre will play a huge role in strengthening

the region’s reputation as a leader in offshore wind innovation, bringing together the major players in the industry to foster a collaborative and forward-thinking culture in a worldclass research facility. But it will also demonstrate the fantastic opportunities available to land-based contractors looking to become involved in the offshore sector.”

Turn to Page 2

Entrepreneurial scheme reaches major landmark

A scheme which helps young people in and around Hull become their own boss has helped its 500th entrepreneur.

The John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank offers grants of up to £1,000 for individuals or groups of budding young business people who need help getting their ideas off the ground.

The project, launched in 2004 following the death of local accountant John Cracknell, has now reached a landmark by supporting its 500th person.

Councillor Daren Hale, deputy leader at Hull City Council, said: “I am pleased to hear that Hull’s Youth Enterprise Bank has supported its 500th enterprising young person. As a local authority we have a commitment to the Micro Biz Community general through our support for Micro Biz Matters Day 2019 and youth entrepreneurship, in particular through various enterprise skills programmes and youth enterprise programmes such as Making Changes for Careers, whose participants are allowed to apply for Test Market Grants as well as sponsoring Global Entreprenurship Week and supporting Hull’s enterprise skills programme £5 Blossom.”

Charles Cracknell, secretary at John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, said: “I was delighted 16 years ago when I helped set up the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank with a commitment to supporting enterprising projects and young people in Hull.

“In 2010 KCOM gave us a donation of £60,000 and we have continued to raise funds and receive support from those in the business community who have a commitment to supporting enterprising young people.”

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

Business N ews

Chemical giant splashes out £65m for pharmaceutical firm By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

F

TSE 100 chemical giant Croda has agreed a deal to buy a Danish pharmaceutical company for £64.7m.

Croda, headquartered in Snaith near Goole, reached an agreement with Brenntag Nordic on Monday morning to purchase Brenntag Biosector.

Biosector was founded in 1939, and is a specialist manufacturer and supplier to the human and veterinary vaccine market.

Steve Foots, chief executive at Croda, said: “Biosector is a rare asset, in a high value, fast-growing sector of the global pharmaceutical market.

“With an experienced high-quality team, Biosector brings worldclass protected technologies and industry-leading manufacturing facilities.

“Furthermore, the strong cultural alignment between Biosector and Croda enhances our highly technical-based sales approach and emphasis on value over volume.

“The opportunity to quickly build upon Biosector’s impressive track record to date is enormously exciting and we look forward to welcoming the team to Croda.”

Brenntag Biosector, upon completion of the deal, will be integrated into Croda’s existing health care business.

Croda, which has sites in Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge, also near Goole, is currently embarking on an exciting growth plan.

The FTSE company recently announced plans to open a state-

What Croda’s £7m new Goole warehouse could look like

Croda acquires danish firm in bid to reach new markets

of-the-art new £7m warehouse in Goole.

The site, on the Goole 36 enterprise zone, will become Croda’s worldwide distribution hub for products made at its bases in East Yorkshire.

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

The ground breaking ceremony for the Aura Innovation Centre in Hessle

Biosector is a rare asset, in a high value, fast-growing sector of the global pharmaceutical market Steve Foots

including Tesco and Guardian Industries at Goole 36. 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 proud of our Yorkshire heritage.

“Our founding Rawcliffe Bridge manufacturing site and our Global Headquarters, Cowick Hall, are both located less than 10 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.”

Croda is continuing to invest heavily in its current assets, including its manufacturing plant in Oak Road.

Construction firm wins bid for green energy hub From Page 1

Picture: Neil Holmes

In October, a host of dignitaries, including Lords Prescott and Haskins, Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy, and East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby, broke ground at the site to mark the start of construction.

The Aura Innovation Centre will become Hobson & Porter’s eighth onshore building project in the offshore wind sector, taking total revenues for the building contractor past £20m in a four-year period.

The Hull firm first ventured into the offshore renewables sector in 2014, when the company delivered

a new onshore operations base and warehouses for what was then Dong Energy Power (UK) to service its Westermost Rough wind farm.

Hobson & Porter has since delivered five further projects for the same client, now known as Ørsted, on projects throughout the region.

The Hull-based firm was also commissioned to undertake a specialist project in the sector in Northern France earlier this year.

Mr Hunter said: “The sector has a very exciting future in the Humber region and we want to play our part by working on schemes that contribute positively to this. We are a business which was established in

the early 1970s, when the North Sea fishing industries played a part in the economic footprint of our area.

“This relatively new, fastemerging market is testament to the hard work and collaboration of key decision makers in the region and we’re proud to be part of it.”

The Aura Innovation Centre will include a variety of business spaces, and will harness the power of new technology.

As the centre grows, the aim is to provide SMEs with support through each of the stages of development – from ideas generation through to R&D, testing, analysis and taking the product to market.

3

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews New recruit at city law firm

Paul McClenaghan, CEO of VictoriaPlum

Online specialist received the Court settlement in February

VictoriaPlum paid £1.7m by bathroom rival

B

athroom giant VictoriaPlum.com received a £1.7m High Court settlement in February after a rival paid to impact search engine results for customers.

VictoriaPlum.com, headquartered at the Bridgehead Business Park in Hessle, won a case back in 2016 against Victorian Plumbing Ltd, and has now succeeded in receiving damages.

The business suffered in the year the incident was going on, and recorded heavy losses of £5.7m.

Newly filed accounts for the 2017/18 year have revealed VictoriaPlum.com has returned to profit, as turnover grew by 9 per cent.

Malte Janzarik, a director at the business, said: “In November 2016, the company received judgement against a competitor, Victorian Plumbing Ltd, for infringement of its trademark in a ruling from the High Court.

“Victorian Plumbing was judged to have paid to advertise infringing text in search engine results when consumers had searched for the Victoria Plum brand. This was found to have created confusion among customers searching for VictoriaPlum.”

In February this year, VictoriaPlum. com received a £1.75m settlement from its rival. In the same financial year, turnover soared to £63m, up from £57.6m the previous year.

Profit returned at Victoria Plum, recovering from £5.7m losses to reach £200,000.

Looking ahead, Mr Janzarik said the bathroom supplier would continue to invest in its infrastructure, IT platform and operations, in a bid to fuel future growth.

VictoriaPlum.com is a major bathroom retailer, with a strong online focus.

The Hessle-based business currently employs more than 230 people.

In last year’s financial accounts, filed by VictoriaPlum, directors said the search engine infringement from its rival had “a material impact on the performance of the business over a sustained period of time.”

Speaking at the time of the High Court case, Paul McClenaghan, chief executive at VictoriaPlum.com, said: “The court found that Victorian Plumbing acted unlawfully, infringed our trademarks and was increasing and exacerbating confusion for customers.”

Yana Garvey has joined Williamsons Solicitors’ personal injury department following a training contract with the firm and subsequent qualification.

She was admitted to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s roll of solicitors on November 1, after two years with the East Yorkshire firm, and has experience in a number of departments.

Yana will deal with all types of claims, including employers’ liability, public liability and road traffic accident claims as part of Williamsons’ seven-strong personal injury team.

“Following an interesting and thorough grounding at the firm, I was given the opportunity to take a permanent position in the department and it’s an area that interests me and in which I enjoy working ,” she said.

Bill Waddington, director at Williamsons Solicitors, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer a training contract to Yana.”

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4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

Business N ews

Recycling firm grows with a new £1m centre

S&J Synergy’s new headquarters in Vulcan Street, off Clough Road Pictures: Arrival PR

Up to ten new jobs could be created by S&J Synergy LTD

By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

A

thriving Hull recycling firm is hoping its new £1m headquarters will provide a springboard to expand and create up to ten new

jobs.

S&J Synergy Ltd, which currently employs 32 people, has acquired its second site in the city - an industrial unit in Vulcan Street, off Clough Road.

The waste management business has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2012, and now works with big names including Nippon Gohsei, Jackson’s Bakery and Aunt Bessie’s.

S&J is now looking to take on as many as ten new recruits, as it prepares to embark on the next stage of its journey.

Jill Gibson, who runs the firm with husband Steve, said: “We’ve been operating in the waste sector since 2005 and chose to specialise in commercial waste since 2012, but the time has now come to go to the next level of expansion.

“This location is perfect and the

new building is sizeable, with plenty of hard-standing outside areas for our wagons and materials, so it’s ideal for our business.

“This site will mainly deal with dry commercial waste that’s clean when collected - paper, cardboard and plastics - which has been stored correctly on our clients’ site. We will then store and grade these materials so they’re ready to be recycled back into new products.”

Located in the heart of Hull and offering vehicle access to the north, east and west of the city, S&J Synergy’s new headquarters features several brick-built industrial units, including a workshop, warehouse, offices and stores arranged across 2.5 acres. The purchase of the new building has been overseen by PPH Commercial, which marketed the property for £1m.

“We’ve already upgraded the main office areas and we’re planning further investment to carry out a full refurbishment as we take on more staff and grow,” Mrs Gibson said.

“We’re also making a large investment in new machinery to process our client’s materials on site which will reduce their carbon footprint

S&J Synergy’s new headquarters in Vulcan Street, off CloughArrival Road PR

and give them a ‘cradle to grave’ audit trail for all their waste.

“We’re already in discussions with large manufacturers such as Reckitt Benckiser about how they can reduce and use recycled plastic packaging on their products and our

Andrew Kinniburgh, head of membership at EEF, and Marketing Humber MD Diana Taylor

Marketing Humber

aim is to create eight to ten new jobs over next two years.”

Ben Medhurst, the director who conducted the sale for PPH Commercial, said: “It’s always very pleasing to help any business fulfil their growth plans, particularly one like

S&J Synergy which is helping the environment.

“Hopefully, their ambitious expansion plans will come to fruition and create plenty of new job opportunities. I wish them every success for the future.”

Firm looks to support business after Brexit Marketing Humber has signed a new partnership with manufacturing association EEF to help the region’s businesses cope with the challenges they face in a post-Brexit world.

The partnership will build on work to connect business communities and raise awareness of the Humber offer, initially focusing on ports and logistics, where there are many opportunities to strengthen the relationships for import and export across the north.

Diana Taylor, managing director of Marketing Humber, said: “This is an opportunity to

connect our regional manufacturers, active in all sectors, with the national voice of EEF. “It provides our strong network of businesses, our bondholders, affiliate membership with EEF. “This will give our businesses of all sizes access to the latest information on critical business challenges and to raise the profile of the Humber on the national state.

“It will also offer the opportunity for companies to become full members of EEF with extended business support if they desire.”

Andrew Kinniburgh, head of membership at EEF, said: “We are delighted that our relationship with Marketing Humber is entering a new and exciting phase with the signing of this partnering agreement.

“We look forward to working closely with this important group of Humber based manufacturers, representing them at the highest levels in government.

“By working together we have unrivalled national and local political reach and a clearer understanding of pressing issues for Marketing Humber and their members.”

5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

175 years in business of bereavement

Firm honours long-term staff

WP Everingham & Sons has been designing and creating headstones for many decades

By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

H

andling bereavement is one of the hardest things anyone can face, both in personal life and in business.

But handling the subject of death is exactly what one of Hull’s oldest family businesses has been doing for 175 years.

WP Everingham & Sons, based in Hedon, is a fifth-generation family business, which provides both hand-carved and sandblasted grave and memorial stones.

Since namesake William Penrose Everingham led the business, way back in the 19th century, the company has been working with bereaved families to provide the perfect tribute to their loved ones.

One hundred and seventy-five years later, William’s great-grandson, Neal Everingham, heads up the business.

Mr Everingham said one of the most rewarding things was having the ability to “turn a depressing patch of earth in a churchyard into a lovely place to visit.”

Speaking about the foundation of WP Everingham & Sons, he said: The business hand engraves grave and memorial stones

“The business has never moved, it’s always been in Souttergate in Hedon.

“The first person was my greatgreat-grandfather, and after that was my great-grandfather William, which is where the business got its name.

“The building used to be a stable before we moved in, which was really handy as back then all the tools we used were made by hand on a forge, which was already in one corner of the room.

“When my great-grandfather passed away, his wife ran the business for a few years until my grandfather and his brothers took over.

“My grandfather died in 1979 and, by that time, the business dealt with almost entirely gravestones and memorial stones.”

Neal Everingham is the fifth-generation of the family to head up the business, and has since 2015 won national awards for his hand carving skills.

He said when the business first started out, the world was “a much smaller place,” and gravestones would be carved from local stone.

Today, however, granite has come to the fore in the industry and materials can be sourced from almost

Neal Everingham, of W.P. Everingham

Pictures: jerome ellerby

anywhere in the world.

“People like granite, because it’s easier to maintain and can withstand any weather conditions,” Mr Everingham said.

“What is encouraging is, despite all the new technologies and sand blasting we can do, the number of people who ask for hand-carved jobs has increased over the last two or three years.

“People can see the craft and the work that goes into it, and you can get some lovely shadowing and lighting effects that you cannot get from sand blasting.”

WP Everingham can create memorial stones which are poignantly tailored and personalised.

Mr Everingham said they had incorporated themes of all varieties into stones, to reflect the deceased’s interests and hobbies.

“Pets are very popular, and we do a lot of things like motorbikes which may have been restored and lovingly cared for by the deceased,” he said.

I think one of the hardest things is everyone handles bereavement differently.

Some people may have never experienced loss before. It is important to learn about the person, and how best to help them Neal Everingham

“Farming is very popular around here, too. We do a lot of memorial stones with tractors and ploughs and similar.

“Recently we had quite an amusing one, where the person had asked for a blackbird to be on the stone.

When we came back with the design of the blackbird, they said ‘oh no, that won’t do at all, it was much scruffier looking than that.’

“We ended up with a blackbird that had some attitude. It is all about what the person wants.”

Mr Everingham said while cemeteries were the main destination for its memorial stones, many people asked for them to be placed in a garden, or be incorporated into a piece of outdoor furniture.

He said: “I think one of the hardest things is everyone handles bereavement differently.

“Some people may never have experienced loss before. It is important to learn about the person, and how to best help them.

“We can turn a depressing patch of earth in a churchyard into a lovely place to visit.”

Looking ahead, Mr Everingham said he hoped the business would remain in the family.

“I have two young daughters, ten and 13, but already the youngest one during holidays is coming in and picking up and hammer and chisel and doing some work,” he said.

“There is a chance the business could get to 200 years with me still running it, who knows? If not the signs are all good that it will stay in the family.”

Nine employees who have clocked up a staggering 260 years of service at EYMS have been recognised for their work.

The group includes Stephen Smith, who started his career with the business in 1973 as an apprentice fitter at the Anlaby Road and Withernsea depots.

Mr Smith is now behind the wheel of EYMS buses.

The 61-year-old, grandfather of nine, has watched the bus industry evolve dramatically over the past four and a half decades.

He said: “I’ve seen pretty much every change there’s been as I have worked as a mechanic, a supervisor and as a driver.”

EYMS managing director Martijn Gilbert said: “My heartfelt congratulations and thanks go to the nine team members who celebrated outstanding career milestones this year.

“Our people are what make EYMS a great bus company – driven by passion for delivering exemplary services for our passengers and partners and it was great to celebrate the Long Service Awards with those who have shown such loyalty over the last 25, 40 and 45 years.”

Kingswood firms creating 40 jobs The opening of four national brands at Kingswood Retail Park has created 40 new jobs in Hull.

Specsavers has been joined by Card Factory, Shoezone and The Works at the Hull shopping area.

It comes as work is also underway on a new £2.5m leisure and retail park between Bransholme and Kingswood, including shops and restaurants.

Mark Russell, senior fund manager at Legal & General, owner of Kingswood Retail Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome not just one national brand to the park, but four.”

£10m financial partnership deal A Hull-based financial advisors has joined forces with a national group in a £10m deal.

CFL Three trades as the Insurance Partnership Financial Services, Kirk Ella Investments, PCWM, IFA Professional Planning and Hallgarth Wealth Planning, and has offices in Hull, York and Scunthorpe.

The business has now teamed up with AFH Group, as it looks to push ahead with its growth plans.

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

Business N ews Victory Leisure Homes has achieved a landmark first in its industry

Manufacturer recognised for its health and safety work

Landmark victory for caravan firm

E

ast Yorkshire caravan manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes has achieved a landmark first in its industry.

The Gilberdyke-based caravan maker has become the first in the UK to be granted the coveted ISO 45001 status for its health and safety work.

The award comes on the back of a gruelling 14-month rebuild of the company’s procedures.

Victory was inspected by UK standards body BSI Group, and now join just a handful of British

companies that hold the ISO status.

Gary Corlyon, director of operations at Victory Leisure Homes, said the achievement had been made more impressive by the fact the company had never undertaken an ISO award before.

“Most companies who go for ISO 45001 will already have ISO 9001, so know the framework they have to work to,” Mr Corlyon said.

“We didn’t have this, so had nothing to compare the process to. Once we’d applied to do the accreditation, an external person came in to audit

our processes and take us through the mandatory regulations we had to meet.

“I recognised at that point it was going to be a big undertaking, but one we knew was worth embarking on, because it would make our working environment safer.”

Mr Corlyon described the process as a “cultural step,” which has seen the company move from a position of uncertainty about its health and safety requirements to a strong culture of safety across the whole of the business.

Victory Leisure Homes was founded in 2009.

The company has since grown to employ around 160 people, producing more than 1,000 caravans every year.

The business outgrew its original home in Hull and is now based at a purpose-built factory in Gilberdyke.

Mr Corlyon said: “One of the most important aspects of the standard is meeting the statutory requirements and actually demonstrating those. It is not good enough just to talk about them.

“For example, the senior team in the business needed to explicitly demonstrate leadership and communication and how they are implementing these.

“Underpinning all of this is the simple proposition that people deserve to come to work and go home safely, so if you start from that standpoint, the rest falls into place.

“Going through the process has brought some real benefits to the business. Accidents and near misses are both down and it has become a happier place to work.”

Brewery launches official club-branded beer for Hull KR

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Holderness-based brewery Great Newsome has teamed up with rugby team Hull KR to launch an official club-branded beer.

KR fans have played their part in the release of the new beer, having participated in a blind tasting session and vote before the London game during the Super 8s back in September.

The beer has now been released, and is available at retailers and pubs across Hull.

It will also be up for grabs at KCOM Craven Park’s Fan

Experience Zone when it reopens.

The new brand has been created featuring famous and iconic Hull KR shirts from throughout the club’s history to honour its rich heritage.

Great Newsome director Matthew Hodgson said that the farm-based brewery, which grows its own malting barley, had been overwhelmed with interest from fans of the club, beer lovers, and local retailers since the initiative had been announced in September.

He said: “The tasting session

was a huge success and we even run out of samples.

“The fans were so keen to give us feedback so we had a lot to consider and work on. It also marks our first beer in a can, so it’s a milestone for us in more than one way.”

Hull KR’s head of marketing, Craig Franklin, said: “We are so excited to finally reveal our official beer, which forms part of our plans to freshen up certain areas of the club ahead of the new season.

“Fans told us through our Big Listen survey that they would

like to see a wider selection of beers on a matchday with an emphasis towards local and craft ales, and this ticks all the boxes.

“It’s great that supporters had a say in the final taste and that we chose Great Newsome Brewery which won two World Beer Awards this Autumn along with a Great Taste and SIBA Award. We are confident that they have created a highquality beer that will prove to be very popular.”

Visit greatnewsomebrewery. co.uk for more information.

7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

your money POUND NOTES

‘UP TO SEVEN MONTHS’ TO CLEAR christmas debt Nearly a third of people who took out a loan to pay for last Christmas took up to seven months to clear what they owed, according to a survey by Nationwide Building Society.

More than a third (36%) said the festive season last year left them in the red, leaving them with an average debt of £426.

The average time taken to clear this debt was two-and-a-half months, although for nearly a third (32%) it took up to July – seven months.

SURGE IN visits to PENSION SCAM information website There has been a five-fold increase in visits to a website from people seeking information about pension scams, following the launch of a joint campaign by regulators.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s ScamSProtect your mart website, nest-egg which allows people to check pension opportunities they have been offered and find out more about avoiding scams, is now being visited every 27 seconds typically.

The FCA and the Pensions Regulator (TPR) launched the joint drive to raise awareness about pension frauds in the summer. Victims of pension scams last year lost an average of £91,000 each to fraudsters.

Retailers fear we will head to websites for Christmas shopping RETAILERS FACE ‘NERVE-WRACKING’ RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS A record £1 in every £3 of non-food purchases were made online in November, a report has found.

But aggressive promotional activity by retailers ahead of Black Friday failed to lure shoppers, with like-for-like sales in November decreasing by 0.5% on last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG retail sales monitor found. Those behind the report said retailers now face a ‘nerve-wracking’ run-up to Christmas.

Financial fact: NatWest’s piggy banks celebrated their 35th birthday on December 5.

Launched in 1983 as part of the NatWest piggy account, the family of ceramic chums were an instant hit with young savers with more than one million issued in the first two years.

With the pressure to spend, spend, spend, it’s all too easy to get stung at this time of year. Vicky Shaw outlines some of the common traps and how not to fall for them

A

S the last minute rush for buying Christmas presents begins, make sure you don’t end up buying now and regretting later.

Here are six Christmas shopping pitfalls we should all try to avoid... online fraud More than 15,000 shoppers across the UK were conned out of more than £11 million over the Christmas period last year, according to figures from Action Fraud and City of London Police.

As people search for bargains and gifts for loved ones, fraudsters see this as an opportunity to trick people with the promise of great deals and big cash savings. Victims may find themselves defrauded on popular social media and online auction websites.

Mobile phones are a common item fraudsters use to hook victims in – with ‘bargain’ deals on some of the most popular models of smartphones, only for the phone to never actually arrive – leaving victims without gifts to give on Christmas Day. Games consoles, computers and household items have also featured in many reports.

Last year, more than 30% of reports were made by women aged between 20 and 29 – but anyone can fall victim to Christmas shopping fraudsters.

Remember, if something seems too much of a bargain, it’s probably poor quality, fake or doesn’t exist.

Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, says: “Really simple steps, such a paying via a credit card over a bank transfer or only using reputable shopping sites, can make a big difference towards protecting yourself online this Christmas.”

Buying goods which turn out to be dangerous The charity Electrical Safety First warns that fake electrical items can be virtually impossible to spot, with online shoppers misled by imagery taken from official product websites, fake official safety marks, glowing reviews and believable pricing.

They’re often retailing for just a few pounds below recommended retail value to avoid arousing suspicion – and at a time of year when genuine products are sold at bargain prices, it’s even harder to tell the difference.

The charity says people should look for the seller’s contact details – and if they are not supplied in full, shoppers should be wary. Many fake electrical goods are manufactured overseas, where they are produced as quickly and cheaply as possible. Look out for packaging which could provide tell-tale signs that goods are fake – if there are spelling mistakes or it’s flimsy quality, or if the

Present buying pitfalls and how to avoid them director at Barclays, suggests asking yourself: “Can I afford this right now?” Or, “Are there other items that I need more?” And if all else fails, consider turning social media notifications off for a while.

It’s easy to get carried away with spending or, worse, not spot the cons in search of a bargain printing is poor.

Also, fake products may not include supplementary materials, such as a manual or a product registration card or even all the parts.

If you suspect you have purchased a fake, stop using it immediately as it could be dangerous.

For more advice, visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ spotthefake.

Being too influenced by ‘influencers’ A recent survey of 15-24-year-olds by Barclays found a third (30%) regularly look at celebrity or influencer social media accounts for shopping inspiration. While it’s great to get ideas, just remember you may not have the bank balance to match the lifestyle you’re trying to emulate.

Clare Francis, savings and investments

Thinking you always need to buy new Charity shops are full of children’s toys, many of which have hardly been played with.

Sarah Coles, a personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: “Younger children aren’t going to care whether it comes in the original packaging, so you can pick up second-hand toys for a fraction of the price.

“Adults, meanwhile, may well love a vintage gift.”

Believing everything you read Many of us will search online to see what other buyers thought before making a purchasing decision – but watch out for fake reviews, which could potentially mislead you into buying something which isn’t as good as you were led to believe.

Consumer group Which? says the signs of fake reviews could include them being repetitive, the language not sounding natural, such as sounding too much like an advert, or being too short or too long.

Finally – forgetting what you’ve already got It’s easy to get carried away when you’re rushing around the shops with Christmas songs being blasted into your ears, while stores’ special offers and bargain bins can also prove a distraction, making it easy to forget what you were looking for in the first place.

To stay focused, try setting out with a shopping list – and only sticking to the items that are on it.

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018

Business N ews Engineering firm invests in the region Engineering services provider On Line Group has invested in a major telecommunications upgrade.

Based in Hessle, On Line Group provides design engineering consultancy solutions across the Humber and throughout the UK. The Group has a turnover of more than £46m, and has now underlined its commitment to the region by updating its phone systems.

Chris Howell, head of IT, communications and business systems at On Line Group, said: “We had our old system for ten years and needed to invest in a solution that seamlessly linked together all of our offices to ensure we are fit for the future.

“When we explored the Avaya solution from NGC it opened up a whole new range of options to us to make sure we never miss a call.

“Call history logs, automatic answering attendants and mobile phone client software are just some of the features helping us be at the forefront of telephony technologies. The feedback from employees has been excellent.”

LEP backs the transformation of a prominent Old Town space The redevelopment of a prominent office complex in the centre of Hull has secured £250,000 of backing from the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

The Humber LEP’s Board approved the funding, secured through its Growth Deals with Government, to help Allenby Commercial transform the Danish Buildings in the city’s Old Town.

The development will help business start-ups and businesses looking to grow.

Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP said: “The Humber is a great place to start a business.

This scheme will help to ensure that more businesses have the right facilities and space to thrive, while contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Hull’s Old Town.”

Andrew Allenby, director of Allenby Commercial,said: “The support provided by the LEP will enable us to attract innovative, growing businesses to Hull City Centre. We know the type of stylish, yet functional space these businesses need, and Danish Buildings will be exactly that.”

From left, Dominic Love, Peter Gamble and James Greenwood

Picture: Strawberry

Strawberry aiming for growth in Manchester Marketing firm to keep Hull roots but expand nationally By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

D

ynamic digital marketing agency Strawberry has announced it is expanding and opening a new branch in Manchester.

The Hull business, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has worked with big-name brands such as Deliveroo and Hugh Rice Jewellers, to improve its online presence.

The agency is now branching out, and will open a new office in Spinningfields, Manchester.

James Greenwood, joint managing director, said: “While we will always call Hull our home, we feel now is the right time to branch out and develop a presence in Manchester.

“It has a great creative and digital scene, which will allow us to better serve our growing network of national retail clients.

“This new base will help us continue doing what we do best -

solving retailers’ problems, both online and off.

“The XYZ building (in Spinningfields) is described as a home for ‘innovators, disruptors and professionals’, which is exactly what we are.”

Strawberry is one of only a handful of agencies which are Shopify Plus Partners – helping businesses build and strengthen their profile on the powerful merchant website.

The agency provides its online and offline clients with a wide variety of creative, digital and marketing services beyond eCommerce platforming.

Recent notable projects include a refresh of the online brand presence and a redesign of the new Aunt Bessie’s brand website, and the development of alcohol licensing software currently in use by some of the country’s supermarket giants.

In 2016, Strawberry’s 34-strong team moved to Hull’s C4DI in the recently regenerated Fruit Market area, a hub for digital innovation.

Manchester skyline at sunset

Picture: Vincent Cole

The agency is now looking to tap into the Manchester talent pool to recruit digital designers, developers and account managers to help cater for its expanding client pool in the region and beyond.

“While we work with clients big and small, online and off, it’s fair to say that eCommerce forms the backbone of what we do at Strawberry,” Mr Greenwood said.

“Since we were established in 1993, we’ve always looked for inno-

vative ways to help our clients’ businesses.

“We think Shopify is the most innovative solution to online retail out there and we’re proud to be one of their Plus Partners in the UK. “Delivering online success is our bread and butter and we’re looking forward to supporting retailers in the North-West.”

Strawberry will introduce itself to Manchester at a special event at the end of February.