Hull Business Editions February 2019 by Humber Business

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

‘CHALLENGING YEAR’ LEADS TO PROFITS SLUMP FOR FOOD GROUP

THE BUSINESS THAT BROUGHT MAJOR OLYMPIC PARTNERSHIP TO THE CITY

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CITY LAW FIRM ANNOUNCED AS PARTNER IN NATIONAL INITIATIVE

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The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

MP DEFENDS SIEMENS IN ROW OVER £1.5bn RAIL CONTRACT POLITICIAN LABELS CRITICISM ‘GAME-PLAYING’ FROM RIVALS By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Goole’s MP has labelled criticism of the awarding of Siemens’ £1.5bn train contract as “game-playing” from rival manufacturers. Andrew Percy, who was also formerly the Northern Powerhouse Minister, leapt to the defence of Siemens after it was accused of planning to build two-thirds of the trains for London’s Piccadilly Line in Europe, instead of at its £200m upcoming Goole factory. He claimed allegations

against Siemens were “false,” and added the company had been “totally honest” that half of its trains would be built in Austria as opposed to East Yorkshire. It comes after a letter was written to London Mayor Sadiq Khan by the MP whose constituency includes rival Hitachi’s train plant, accusing Siemens of “pulling the wool over Transport for London’s eyes”. Mr Percy wrote in defence of Siemens: “A few residents have Turn to Page 2

Finbarr Dowling, project director, shows Goole MP Andrew Percy and Cllr Richard Walker around the Siemens’ rail factory site

PICTURE: Sean Spencer

New home for paint business

Goole MP Andrew Percy

Hull-based Industrial Paint Supplies (IPS) has unveiled new premises in the city, following a period of rapid growth. IPS, formerly located in Lincoln Street, this week opened for the first time in its new home in Hedon Road. The move will mean customers will be offered a greater range of products, and will increase delivery time and national reach. Calum Doig, operations director at New Guard Coatings Group, which owns IPS, said: “This is an exciting time for New Guard Coatings Group with our expansion plan now in full swing. “We’ve been at our current premises in Lincoln Street for a number of years now, which, in all honesty, we have truly outgrown. “The move to Hedon Road could not have come at a better time.” The new site will include state-of-the-art training and presentation facilities, while allowing IPS to support the needs of its clients, which are often specific and bespoke. Mr Doig said: “With the additional floor space to increase our already impressive stockholding capabilities, the relocation creates a fantastic opportunity for both IPS and the whole of the New Guard Coatings Group, as we continue to set the standard in the distribution of protective coatings industry.”

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019

Business N ews MP defends Siemens over £1.5bn train contract row

How the £12m Aura Innovation Centre could look

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contacted me regarding some unfriendly commentary in the press recently regarding the new factory in Goole. “These have come from a union and those with an interest in Hitachi who, to put it mildly, are very peeved not to have gotten the Piccadilly Line contract which went to Siemens. “To be absolutely clear, Siemens has been totally honest from the start that about half the trains would be built in Austria, with the other half planned for the Goole factory. “Despite this game-playing taking place at the moment, nothing has changed and much of what is reported is just false.” The letter to London’s Mayor was written by Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson. In it, he claimed Siemens’ £200m train factory in Goole would not be ready in time to fulfil the Transport for London contract. He also claimed two-thirds of the trains would be built in Vienna, and bogies in Graz, Austria. It is not known where this information has come from. Hitachi also released a statement on the situation. A spokesperson said: “Failings with London Underground’s procurement, which have been challenged in the court by three different manufacturers, mean that Londoners will be paying a higher price for an inferior tube train. “The train we put forward was to be built in Britain. We believe it offered a more advanced design and better value for money, and would have provided a greater boost to the economy in London and the rest of the UK. “We continue to pursue our claim for damages against London Underground in the court.” Mr Percy said later this week he would be meeting with Siemens about the site in Goole, and revealed the company had “exciting ideas” for Goole. “The Piccadilly Line contract is the hook that makes the Goole project viable, but Siemens has always been clear that its plans include other tube upgrades, HS2 etc,” he said. Siemens was awarded the mega contract last year, but had to fight off a High Court appeal from rivals including Hitachi and Bombardier.

Fund to help attract top talent to offshore sector MILLIONS SECURED TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

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

illions of pounds of funding has been secured which will help Hull attract the best young minds in the offshore wind sector. More than £5m has been won by a consortium led by the University of Hull’s Energy & Environment Institute, which will create opportunities for more than 70 PhD students. The money will support the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), which aims to secure a “talent pipeline” in the renewables sector across the Humber. Professor Dan Parsons, director of the Energy & Environment Institute at the University of Hull, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our consortium has been awarded this substantial amount of funding to set up the Aura CDT. “CDTs are a very effective way of training a significant number of PhD students and creating an environment for real innovation to flourish through pure and applied research. “It will integrate academic and industry expertise locally here in the Humber, which is rapidly becoming the home of the offshore wind sector, bringing much-needed investment to the region.”

Hull University works with fellow higher education providers in Sheffield, Durham and Newcastle on the CDT, and combines the environment, engineering and energy sectors. The research carried out by the CDT is focused on offshore wind and the low-carbon economy, and will be centred on the Humber region. The new funding, worth £5.5m, aims to ensure the region can attract the top young minds in the industry. Professor Parsons said: “The Aura CDT will contribute to the UK’s talent pipeline for offshore wind and a low-carbon transition, developing our future leaders and ensuring that academia and industry work closely together to develop solutions for the challenges currently facing the offshore wind industry. “The CDT mechanism is a real opportunity for post-graduate students because it provides a four-year, funded doctoral training programme to a significant number of PhD students. “We will be looking to attract some of the best minds to join us and the recruitment drive for those students joining us at Hull and which my team, led by Dr Rob Dorrell, is already working on will be launched very soon for the first cohort starting this September.” The funding has been awarded by the Engineering and Physical

Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Ben George, director at the Aura project, said: “This major funding award for the CDT is critical to the Aura initiative in the Humber. “As a catalyst for collaboration in offshore wind and low-carbon energy, the hard work that the Aura team and its partners have been putting in over the past two years to bring all the key stakeholders together is bearing fruit. “The Aura CDT, which will focus on innovation in offshore wind, is helping to realise the ambitions for a low-carbon society as set out in the Government’s Industrial and Clean Growth Strategies.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott

“I am very excited the Aura collaboration is front and centre of this latest success, which many of our industry partners will be taking an active part in.” Former Hull MP and Deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott also welcomed the news. He said: “This is a fantastic success for the Humber region as we continue to establish our position as leaders in offshore wind regionally, nationally and globally. “This is another important step in moving towards a low-carbon future and clean growth economy, which is something very close to my heart. “I am very pleased to see how we are making progress right here in the Energy Estuary.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews National giant buys owner of radio station

Former Aunt Bessie’s firm calls market ‘challenging’

The company that runs Hull radio station KCFM has been sold to national media giant Bauer. The Lincs FM Group, which also runs Compass FM and Ridings FM, joins fellow media company Celador Radio to be bought for an undisclosed fee. The news follows the successful national launches of Bauer’s Hits Radio in June last year, Greatest Hits Radio in January and the announcement of the launch of Scala Radio arriving this March. Paul Keenan, chief executive at Bauer Media UK, said: “The UK’s love of radio shows no signs of diminishing and we are investing to extend our reach and broaden our offer. “Radio enjoyed record revenues last year and continues to exceed advertiser expectations, offering proven positive brand impact within an uncertain landscape.“ The Celador and Lincs FM Group stations add 1.1 million weekly listeners to the Bauer portfolio, and extends its coverage. News of the acquisition follows previous successful acquisitions such as Jazz FM, Orion Media and Nordic broadcaster SBS Discovery. However, in a twist, Hull station KCFM will be sold to Nation Radio, due to Bauer already owning Viking Radio in the region. Mr Keenan said: “Bauer’s strong position on new listening platforms – with more than 60 per cent of our listening now digital – will help secure the future of the acquired stations in the new audio world.”

Nicholas Oughtred, of William Jackson Food Group. Above, Yorkshire puddings being manufactured

William Jackson food Group revealS annual profit slump

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

rofits have plummeted at William Jackson Food Group as the Hull giant admitted 2017-18 was “a challenging year” for the company. The business, which sold its famous Aunt Bessie’s brand for more than £200m last summer, saw profits drop from £22.7m in 2016-17 to just £7.6m. Directors at the food company blamed the fall on “a tough economic climate”, and said shoppers were becoming more careful about what they bought. The business said in recently filed accounts: “The year ending April 28, 2018 was a challenging year for William Jackson Food Group. “Consumers continued to experience a tough economic climate, leading to a squeeze on disposable

income that resulted in being ever more conscious of their purchasing decisions. “This impacted our customers throughout the food supply chain.” Despite the profits tumble, turnover at William Jackson Food Group actually rose from £8.65m to £11.55m. At the time of the financial year ending, the business

Consumers continued to experience a tough economic climate, leading to a squeeze on disposable income that resultedin being ever more conscious of purchasing decisions William Jackson accounts

Distress falls in businesses still owned well-known Yorkshire pudding brand Aunt Bessie’s. Other brands in its portfolio included Jackson’s Bakery, Abel and Cole and health food specialist The Food Doctor. Last summer, William Jackson announced it had agreed a deal to sell its Aunt Bessie’s brand to Birdseye owner Nomad Foods. The £210m deal was described by the Hull company as “strategic”, as the business prepared for the next phase of its growth. William Jackson followed up the sale of Lancashire-based supplier Wellocks, and then again last November, when it bought Belazu. Speaking at the time of the purchase, Norman Soutar, chief executive of the William Jackson Food Group, said: “The Group has been around for 167 years and has changed significantly during that time, and with each change our family shareholders have taken a

long-term view to ensure a robust business remains in place for future generations. We’re a sixthgeneration family business, with 2,000 colleagues in great businesses nationwide and we’re delighted to be welcoming Belazu to the family. “It’s an incredibly innovative business, and we’ve had our eyes on it for a number of years.” Looking ahead, William Jackson said it was confident “opportunities for growth, innovation and development outweigh the potential impact of risks and uncertainties.” It did, however, admit the coming year would see “tight control of capital”, and an emphasis on cash management. From a small grocers shop in Yorkshire in 1851, William Jackson Food Group is now a sixthgeneration family business. The first bakery opened in 1891 and the current Jackson’s bakery in Derringham Street opened in 1907.

Financial distress among businesses in Hull fell in the last quarter of 2018 compared with the same period the previous year, new research has suggested. New data, released by business rescue specialist Begbies Traynor, showed for the three months to December last year, “significant” business distress in Hull fell by 7 per cent year-on-year, with the UK as a whole seeing a 2 per cent drop. “Significant” distress is often seen as an early warning sign of more severe financial problems to come. Industry sectors in Hull which saw the most substantial falls in distress year-on-year included the city’s bars and restaurants and the hotel and accommodation sector. The construction industry saw a 12 per cent drop in distress, while media businesses in the city saw a 20 per cent decrease.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019

Business N ews By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ooming Hull industries, such as offshore wind and food, could be affected by immigration changes that impact short-term EU

Proposed immigration changes could impact on the food industry

“There are lots of sectors in the region which deal with EU workers, and they could be affected by these changes. “There will also be a cool-down period for a worker who has come to the UK and then returned

home, meaning they will not be able to return for 12 months.” In the White Paper, Prime Minister Theresa May said the country would still welcome “talent, hard work and the skills we need as a country”. She also said it would encour-

age more British businesses to train their own home-grown talent. In the Immigration paper, the Prime Minister said: “This will be a system where it is workers’ skills that matter, not which country they come from. “It will be a single system that welcomes talent, hard work and the skills we need as a country. “It will attract the brightest and best to a United Kingdom that is open for business. “Migrants have made a huge contribution to our country over our history, and they will continue to in the future.” From late 2020, all EU workers coming to the UK must obtain permission. Skilled workers will be prioritised, and EU natives already

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living in the UK will be able to apply for permanent settlement. At the recent Brexit seminar, Mr Hanrahan outlined how the pointsbased system was not favourable to those lower-skilled workers on which the country had previously relied, which was envisaged as a problem with such workers already leaving. He said: “There are quite a few sectors in the region which could be affected. Farming would be one, and then offshore wind, too. “Businesses can prepare themselves by looking at their current staff base, and helping workers apply for settlement here. “The uncertainty is what makes it difficult. No one knows yet how everything will pan out.”

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WARNING TO INDUSTRIES THAT RELY ON short-term eu workers

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workers. The Government recently released its Immigration White Paper, which outlined proposed Brexit changes to the free movement of workers coming to the UK. At a seminar held recently in Grimsby, a warning was issued that sectors which rely on short-term and EU workers, such as the renewables and food market, could be hit hard. Workers in the EU currently fall under a different immigration system to non-EU workers, but this will change at the end of 2020. Calum Hanrahan, an immigration solicitor at Wilkin Chapman, said: “My initial concerns are at the moment we have a free movement, and lots of the jobs which EU nationals are doing are classed by the Home Office as low-skilled. “If the proposals in the White Paper go through, there will be a points-based system similar to what we have with non-EU workers.

Immigration change could hit area’s booming sectors

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Business N ews Creating links between class and business An EXCITING new venture creating stronger links between the classroom and local business has been launched in Hull. Up to 200 pupils at the Gillshill Primary School, in Cavendish Road, will be taking part in the World of Food 2019, an annual project run by The Ramsden Group of Companies. A similar programme has previously been staged with a primary school in Grimsby, the home of the Ramsden Group, and proved to be hugely successful and popular among both pupils and staff. The 2019 programme will involve one of Hull Today’s Extra convenience stores and the Dee Bee wholesale depot in Leads Road. Andy Morrison, Dee Bee wholesale trading director, said: “We are delighted to announce that Gillshill Primary is to be our Hull education-in-business partner for 2019. “Launched two years ago, World of Food aims to be educational and fun and will hopefully bring the classroom and industry closer together. “We know that many of us, including children, take our food for granted and the whole idea of this project is to demonstrate to the youngsters where in the world our different foods originate from and how, via road, rail, sea and air it makes its way on to our dinner tables.” A competitive element will see the children work in teams to produce pictures or a montage showing certain parts of the world and food origins.

Energy giants investing £3m as carbon capture returns to the spotlight TWO FIRMS PUMP MILLIONS INTO COMPANY SPEARHEADING TECH

A carbon capture pilot is currently running at Drax

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

wo of the region’s biggest energy giants have invested millions of pounds into the company that is spearheading carbon capture technology in the Humber. BP, based at Saltend Chemicals Park, and Drax have both given a seal of approval to C-Capture, the business currently designing pioneering technology which hopes to remove harmful carbon dioxide from emissions. C-Capture is currently piloting carbon capture at Drax Power Station, near Goole, as the technology returns to the spotlight after a threeyear absence. BP, Drax and the IP Group have, between them, pumped £3.5m into C-Capture. Tristan Fischer, chairman at C-Capture, said: “We’re delighted that Drax, IP Group and now BP have all seen that our unique technology has the potential to be applied at scale around the world as part of the global drive to tackle climate change. “We’re all very excited about the pilot project with Drax, and also that this new funding will help to develop our technology for use across a range of industries. “We are looking carefully at the broader market for our carbon capture technology, which includes not just power generation but also the

production of cement, steel and aluminium, as well as biogas, across a range of territories including India and China.” Carbon capture aims to remove carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. The emissions can either be stored in underground rock formations, or can be used in sectors such as drinks manufacturing. Business bosses including Humber LEP chairman Lord Haskins have backed the technology, which could one day “revolutionise” the region’s economy.

We’re delighted that Drax, IP Group and now BP have all seen that our unique technology has the potential to be applied at scale around the world as part of the global drive to tackle climate change Tristan Fischer, chairman at C-Capture

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BP is also backing C-Capture with its ambitious plans

It was actually around a decade ago when the potential of carbon capture was realised in the Humber. Talks were held over storing carbon in the North Sea’s depleted gas and oil chambers. Years went by, but in 2015 Drax was dealt a major blow when government funding for its carbon capture project was withdrawn, despite £100m already having been spent on proposals. Now, carbon capture is back on the radar. David Eyton, BP’s group head of technology, said: “BP believes carbon capture, use and storage has a key role to play in reducing emissions, in line with global climate ambitions. “C-Capture’s technology could reduce the cost of capturing carbon dioxide. “Our investment in C-Capture supports our ambition to advance the energy transition, and we look forward to working with them to explore opportunities to trial their technology.” C-Capture will use the new funding to further develop the technology, support larger pilot projects in other industries, and increase marketing globally.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

The business behind Olympic partnership LANDMARK DEAL WILL DELIVER ‘HUGE BENEFITS’ By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

he co-founder of a business that helped bring a major Olympic partnership to Hull said the landmark would deliver “huge benefits” to

the city. Greenlight Sports & Entertainment, a sports marketing agency based in Newport, brokered the deal between the University of Hull, Team GB and the British Olympic Association. Last week, the Olympic Torch visited the city’s university at the official unveiling of the partnership, in a deal which will also see Olympic stars visit Hull at future events. Ben Milhench, co-founder of

Greenlight, said the deal had been a year in the making. He said: “More than ever before, universities are having to compete for every student they recruit. “So, having a truly world-class and unique offering that incentivises students above and beyond the educational experience is an extremely effective way to stand out from other universities. “When we first considered this partnership, we knew it would deliver the most impact and value for the University of Hull, so we were determined to do everything it took to bring the two parties together. “It has taken a year to design, but both Team GB and the university have completely bought into it, and it is going to deliver

huge benefits to them both.” As part of a comprehensive package, the university can introduce co-branded degree courses covering a range of subjects, and has the right to host Team GB stars at its open days. There will also be guest lectures from Team GB personnel, a Team GB mass-participation event and students at the university will be able to volunteer at Team GB events. The six-year partnership also promotes staff engagement, with leadership coaching sessions and manager workshops delivered by world-class coaching professionals. It will last until 2024, taking in both the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and the Paris games in 2024, as well as the landmark Winter Olym-

Ben Milhench, left, and Guy Smith, Greenlight Sports & Entertainment founders and directors

pics, which will be staged in Beijing. Mr Milhench said Greenlight specialised in creating bespoke tieups between sport and business, which helped commercial clients gain a competitive advantage. He said: “Gone are the days when companies will stick a sticker on the side of a car and hope something will happen. They want a real value

proposition that drives a measurable return on investment. “We work with businesses to uncover their challenges and objectives and then find a solution through sport. “The solution for the University of Hull was Team GB. We build bespoke partnerships that benefit all parties.”

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Business N ews Law firm is announced as newest partner in a national initiative

Firm’s trio of new recruits Timber and metal component specialists WJ Group is anticipating an exciting 2019, after a positive year secured three new appointments at the company. The prompted timber experts, based in East Yorkshire, took on a number of new challenges throughout 2018 which saw the business grow and develop. This included the arrival of Lewis Smales, who is to be responsible for the commercial arm of the business. Joe Mason has also been appointed as sales and marketing executive, after first joining the business as part of the administration team. Ruby-may Robson completes the hat-trick of recruits, and is the newest member of the team. With experience in B2B sales, project and account management, she has joined the WJ Group as a key account manager to care for the company’s valued customers.

rradar’s Gary Gallen, left, with chief legal officer Andrew Cameron

SCHEME AIMS TO TURBO-CHARGE BUDDING LAW-TECH SECTOR By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, GIFTS & STATIONERY • Worked in Very Easy Hours Over a Five and Half Day Week • Bustling Shopping Centre Location • Retirement Sale After Over 20 Years Here • Self-Contained One Bedroom Accommodation • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,500 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £30,005 • REF 581719. EPC Band C. Business and Property £299,950 Hull

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ell-known Hull firm rradar has become the newest partner of a national initiative aimed at turbo-charging the country’s budding law-tech sector. The legal disruptor has joined Barclays Eagle Labs, and will now offer support to start-up law businesses and fast-growing companies. Hull was last year announced as an Eagle Labs hub, in a move which sees the city’s C4DI provide a space for innovative businesses to thrive. Gary Gallen, chief executive at rradar, said: “I am very excited to partner with Barclays Eagle Labs. “This partnership further cements rradar’s mission, combining education, innovation and technology as key parts of our business and we welcome the opportunity to support this fantastic initiative and provide advice and feedback, as well as network with like-minded companies on their initiatives. “The combination of our unique take on delivering smarter legal services and integrating technology into our solutions for our clients, with Barclays’ extensive experience is a winning formula for businesses, start-ups and the tech market.” The law-tech Eagle Labs incubator, in Notting Hill, London, aims to become a “thriving centre of excellence” for law-tech businesses. It will turbo-charge the UK’s emerging law-tech sector, helping companies start up, scale up and succeed. It offers co-working, incubation, mentoring, introductions to major

We’re excited to welcome rradar as a new partner and member of our community, building the strength of the Eagle Lab network Jon Hope, of Barclays Eagle Labs

companies and other crucial services for law-tech firms. Jon Hope, director at Barclays Eagle Labs, said: “LawTech is a growing field and we believe bringing together the best industry players is key to driving its success. “By connecting start-ups, law firms, and other organisations in this space we can encourage the free-flow of ideas, ultimately leading to better products and services. “That’s why we’re excited to welcome rradar as a new partner and member of our community, building the strength of the Eagle Lab network.” rradar has been a law-tech pioneer for several years. It was ranked 88th in the Sunday Times Tech Track 2018, placed in the top 50 fastest growing tech firms in the North of England for 2017 and 2018, and listed in the Deloitte EMEA Technology Fast 500 rankings 2017. rradar is also a member of the LSEG Elite group, an international business support and capital-raising programme for ambitious and fastgrowing companies. As an Eagle Labs partner, rradar will work closely with emerging businesses, helping drive growth and innovation in the industry.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Engineers are encouraging next generation

Tourism in and around hull is growth industry

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Humber Renewables Awards to launch

Chris Rayner, of C-Capture, Andy Koss, of Drax, Caspar Schoolderman, of C-Capture and Carl Clayton, of Drax

Picture: Ian Dyball

Picture: Drax Group

Renewables awards set for launch Carbon dioxide development hailed by businesses

‘Revolutionary’ carbon capture move for Drax By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Carbon dioxide has been captured for the very first time at Drax Power Station. Drax, near Goole, is currently piloting a BECCS (Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage) project, which aims to capture harmful emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. A landmark has now been

reached, as carbon dioxide is captured at the power station for the first time. It is also the first time carbon dioxide has been caught from the combustion of a 100 per cent biomass feedstock anywhere in the world. Will Gardiner, CEO at Drax Group, said: “Proving that this innovative carbon capture technology works is an exciting development and another important milestone in our BECCS project.

“Climate change affects us all, so this is of real significance. Not just for us at Drax, but also for the UK and the rest of the world. “The successful deployment of BECCS requires us to identify ways in which the carbon dioxide we’re now capturing can be stored or used in other processes and we’re working with the Government and other businesses on that. “We’re focused on working together to make the progress

required for us to tackle climate change and enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future.” The new carbon capture project is currently taking a tonne of CO2 a day. The innovative technology has been developed by Leeds-based C-Capture. Engineers started work on the pilot plant back in November. Drax has invested £400,000 in Turn to Page 2

The stage is set for the launch of the Humber Renewables Awards. Returning for an eighth year, the awards will recognise success across nine categories, honouring firms for doing their bit to make the region the envy of the world for green energy. The 2019 awards will launch this month, and will culminate in a glittering ceremony to reward the very best of renewable business. Winners in 2018 included Hull firm McAusland Turner, the Ron Dearing UTC, HOTA and Modal Training. The region’s renewables scene has hit the headlines on an almost daily basis in the past twelve months. As giants such as Siemens and Orsted continue to impress, East Yorkshire has also seen the opening of Hessle’s ergo centre. Based at the Bridgehead Business Park, the centre has provided a space for renewables and “green” business to collaborate, grow and innovate. Work is also under way on the Aura Innovation Centre in Hessle, as the world’s largest wind farm, Hornsea Project One, also takes shape. Details on the categories for the 2019 awards, and how to enter, will be released this month.

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Business N ews Energy giant hailed for capturing carbon dioxide at its plant From Page 1

the pilot, which could be the first of several projects undertaken at the power station to deliver a rapid, lower cost demonstration of BECCS. Claire Perry, minister for energy and clean growth, said: “This innovative technology has the potential to make huge strides in our efforts to tackle climate change, while kick-starting an entirely new cutting-edge industry in the UK. “World-firsts like this will help us to realise our ambition of having a first operational plant by the mid-2020s as we continue to seize the opportunities of moving to a greener, cleaner economy – a key part of our modern industrial strategy.” Business bosses including Humber LEP chair Lord Haskins have backed the technology , which could one day “revolutionise” the region’s economy. It was actually around a decade since the potential of carbon capture was realised in the Humber. Talks were held over storing carbon in the North Sea’s depleted gas and oil chambers. Years went by, but in 2015 Drax was dealt a major blow when government funding for its carbon capture project was withdrawn, despite £100m already having been spent on proposals. Now, carbon dioxide has been captured at the power station for the first time. The Government’s clean growth strategy identified BECCS as one of several greenhouse gas removal technologies that could remove emissions from the atmosphere and help achieve long term decarbonisation.

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Smith & Nephew aims to boost sales by £150m

Medical giant looking for new acquisitions as it sets 2019 target By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

mith & Nephew will look for new acquisitions in 2019 as it aims to boost sales by as much as £150m. The FTSE 100 medical equipment manufacturer said in its full-year results, released on Thursday, February 2, that it wanted to increase underlying revenue by between 2.5 and 3.5 per cent in 2019. The Hull business giant saw revenue soar to almost $5bn last year, supported by strong growth in emerging markets including China. Smith & Nephew also recently bought American medical tech firm Ceterix Orthopaedics, in a deal which could rise to more than £80m. At a conference call discussing the company’s financial performance, Smith & Nephew’s CEO Namal Nawana admitted further acquisitions could

be on the cards. He said: “In December, we added another exciting product to our franchise with our acquisition of Ceterix. “The value-creation potential from bolt-on deals like Ceterix is very clear, and we want to find similar acquisitions. “There are always good opportunities. We just have to work hard to find which ones at which time and have an order to what you do.” Ceterix is the developer of a device which helps surgeons repair meniscal tears – an injury found in the knee. A deal between Smith & Nephew and the American business was reached in early January. The final terms of the acquisition have now been finalised, Mr Nawana confirmed, but more deals could be in the pipeline for the FTSE company this year. Philip Cowdy, executive vice president of business development, said: “There are plenty of

Smith & Nephew CEO, Namal Nawana

things to look at. “At the end of the day, it’s about us looking strategically at that asset. Does it fit? Can we be a better owner? “And then it’s about looking at value. And again, as Namal said, we are going to be disciplined. Some, like Ceterix, worked for

us. There are other assets where we say it doesn’t work for us. “So it’s not about availability, I think it’s more about choice.” Heading into 2019, Smith & Nephew said it expected its trading profit margin for the year ahead to be between 22.8 per cent and 23.2 per cent.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews Property firm joins scheme to offer cash to students

Instructors Sean Edwards, left, and Matt Shackleton

Picture: Neil Holmes

Hull-based property firm Iguana Developments has joined a scheme which helps university students earn-as-they-learn. The business has taken on a 20-year-old currently studying Real Estate Management, giving him the chance to earn a salary while working towards his degree. Charles Weeks has already supported Iguana Developments on its Liberty House project, which has seen 25 new high-spec apartments built in Hull’s Old Town. It comes on the back of a government target to create three million new apprentices by 2020. Charles, who studies at the University College of Estate Management, said: “All of my lectures are online, the assessment is assignment-based and submitted online, and the exams can be taken in any major city in the UK. “After school and living in my home town of Bury St. Edmunds I didn’t want to rush into university, as I wasn’t clear about the career path I wanted. “I took a year out to travel around Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia and then came to live in Hull where my brother had settled with his job.” Charles has now committed to work with Iguana Development for the next five years. He is also a member of the Young Professionals Network in Hull, joining like-minded young people in the city.

Engineers looking to train future generations Instructors met on shop floor and now train staff

wo engineering instructors who first met on the workshop floor are now encouraging others to follow in their footsteps and help train the next generation of talent. Matt Shackleton was a workshop supervisor at Daifuku Logan in Hull when he first met Sean Edwards, who at the time was an apprentice studying at the Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA). Matt relished the task of passing on his skills to learners such as Sean, but held a long-standing ambition to train talent at HETA. In a surprise twist, however, it was former apprentice Sean who got there first, and when he became an instructor, he remembered Matt and helped him make his dream a reality. Now, the duo are encouraging more people in the city to make the move from industry to instructing. Sean’s training potential was spotted by Sarah Smith, HETA’s former

workshop manager in Hull, as he completed his apprenticeship and a BSc in engineering management. He said: “Sarah persuaded me to become a mechanical instructor. It’s very different – a lot more about managing people. “You need management and communication skills and you need to be able to understand the young people. “Matt taught me well. He always had time for people and he understood what we need to do.” It was only a matter of time

You need management and communication skills and you need to be able to understand young people. Matt taught me well Sean Edwards

before Matt took the next step, and he found Sean a willing source of encouragement. Cathy Bourne, HR Manager at HETA, is now looking for other engineers to shadow the teaching staff with a view to making the switch. She said: “We are always looking for skilled engineers who want to become teachers and there is no one better to advise them than the instructors we have here who have come from industry. “It’s not for everybody, but there are great opportunities at our sites in Hull, Scunthorpe and Stallingborough for people who can develop the management and communication skills. “It’s very rewarding work and we offer attractive terms and conditions including generous leave entitlement, pension and healthcare. “The country needs more engineers and it also needs more people to train them.” The new Hull training centre which HETA opened in August

2018 boasts a working environment, which is a big improvement on its previous home at Sutton Field industrial estate. Matt said: “We have the space and the facilities to fabricate a lot more things and create more real-world scenarios. “It’s very similar to being in a company and I would recommend it to others in industry. “The transition to education is a big one, but there are a lot of people who can help. “Sean gave me some good insight about what it’s like being an instructor at HETA and now we are both passing on our knowledge to the learners.” Sean said: “Matt adapted to the role of instructor straight away and he’s really good. He has a lot of respect from the learners. “He helped me a lot when I was at Daifuku Logan and I advised him about making the move to become an instructor, but there’s nothing I need to tell him about welding.”

Law firm hires new solicitor Senior solicitor Jane Hockless has joined the Beverley office of Stowe Family Law, the UK’s largest specialist family law firm. Jane brings with her fourteen years of experience and advises on all aspects of family law including divorce, domestic abuse, financial settlements, children’s law and separation agreements for cohabitees. She said: “I am delighted to be joining Stowe Family Law in Beverley. “Whatever the case, I adopt a down-to-earth and empathetic approach to make sure my clients are well-informed and put at ease throughout. “The breakdown of a relationship is an emotional experience and I work with compassion to support people through this difficult time.”

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Business N ews New recruit at industry body The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has appointed Emily Moncuit as its associate regional director in Yorkshire. Ms Mocuit has joined the CBI on the back of a career within the tender and procurement sectors, government regeneration, charity and community engagement industries, as well as running her own event management and communications business. She will now work alongside CBI regional director Beckie Hart in representing the views of businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber. Emily said of her appointment: “I am excited to be joining the CBI at what is a critical time for the business community in Yorkshire and the Humber. So much is changing within the private and public sector and now, more than ever, the ability to facilitate effective debate and discussion that can be used to steer positive prosperous outcomes for the region’s businesses is crucial.”

Vuba has relocated from Hull to Beverley. Pictured are directors Sean Scott, left, and Ben Brooker

Picture: Peter Harbour

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building firm which The 10,000 sq.ft. showroom is the launched at the height of the first of its kind in East Yorkshire, and “Great Recession” has one of the only ones in the country. unveiled its new and New job opportunities are also improved premises as turno- expected to be created as part of Vuba’s ver nears £3m. expansion. Vuba Building Products is now based Last Friday, the firm unveiled its new at the Grovehill Industrial Estate in Beverley home, at a ceremony which Beverley, in a move which comes on included champion Hull boxer Tommy the back of the company’s busiest ever Coyle. He recently collaborated with year. the company to offer ten young and The building specialist, founded in unemployed individuals fully-paid 2009, manufactures resin bound prod- sponsorships to attend Vuba’s training ucts which can be used as flooring, courses. commonly used in gardens and driveHe said: “On a recent trip away with ways. Sean we talked a lot about the imporVuba is expected to tance of seizing opportunities. achieve sales of £3m in “Sean was really passion2019, but it has not ate about taking the first always been plain steps to making his sailing at the firm. business available for Sean Scott, the public as well as Starting a business in managing direccontractors, so I knew the recession during tor, said: “Starthe would make it hap2009 was tough, but I ing a business pen. recognised there was a in the recession “It’s so great to see during 2009 was the new factory and to gap in the market. tough, but I recogcelebrate the fact that he nised that there was has now taken this imporSean Scott a clear gap in the martant opportunity for the ket, which presented a real business. opportunity if we stuck with it and “Inspired by this, I’m really looking remained true to our values of excep- forward to coming down for the opentional product quality and client care. ing to share some of my thoughts on “It has always been a big ambition taking opportunities in life.” to operate from a large factory with the Due to the high demand of its capability to manufacture products, resin bound ranges, Vuba now prohost a showroom and allow us to invest vides training courses for individuals in and develop our product range.” interested in becoming approved The new Beverley facility includes a contractors by learning a new trade. training centre to house the company’s The new facility includes a dedicated successful courses. on-site training centre, which provides It also includes a resin bound show- the perfect environment in which to room, allowing Vuba to display around build on the success of the training 60 of its products. courses programme.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews Brocklesby Ltd is exploring a partnership with JZ Flowers

Picture: Neil Holmes

Plans to expand renewables plant energy firm looks to team up with florist

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

arly plans to expand an East Yorkshire renewable energy plant have moved a step closer. Brocklesby Ltd, based in North Cave, launched its bio gas facility in 2017, which converts food waste into green energy. At the time of its opening, Brocklesby announced the plant had been built with future growth and expansion in mind. Now early plans have been revealed to extend the facility, as the business looks to increase its waste to energy production.

East Riding Council has approved because there are no firm technical a change of use application for land design proposals for the expansion next to the current facility, paving of the plant, it may be that the bulk of the deliveries would be directly the way for its expansion. through the existing site.” A statement submitThe plant is curted with the plans rently capable of said: “The proproducing enough posal to expand green energy to the bio gas power around plant at The proposal is to take the 10,000 homes. Brocklesby flower stems and other P ro c e s s i ng Ltd relates flower waste to the plant, up to 60,000 to producing create the correct product tonnes of food additional waste every energy from before introdusing it to year, the bio gas waste products the digestion plant. facility supplies rather than send Planning application 3.5MW of electricity to landfill. to the national grid. “At this stage, and

Early plans for an interesting partnership with nearby global florist name JZ Flowers have also been revealed. If it goes ahead, it could see the Newport-based business powered by renewable energy created using its plant stems. The application said: “Investigations into supplying renewable energy to JZ Flowers is at this moment in time a consideration. “The proposal is to take the flower stems and other flower waste to the plant, create the correct product before introducing it into the anaerobic digestion plant. “In turn, energy will be produced with a view to delivering back to JZ

Flowers and other local business outlets.” Any excess energy created by the partnership would be directed into the national grid for wider use. East Riding Council planners said in their decision to approve the change of use application: “The proposal will allow expansion of the existing plant that is established to the south of the site, and is unlikely to cause any significant effects to the public highway.” Brocklesby was established in 1987, and specialises in food waste recycling. With expertise in recycling edible oils and fats, the business has also branched out into the bio fuel and energy sectors.

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Business N ews Sponsorship up for grabs at city music festival Business sponsorship opportunities are up for grabs at this year’s Humber Street Sesh, as more than 30,000 music lovers prepare to descend on the festival. Hull’s own two-day festival of emerging music and art attracts around 32,000 attendees, providing a platform for both home-grown talent and emergent artists across the UK. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available, taking place in August, for businesses to showcase themselves to the region. From stage sponsorship, creative arts, markets, photo exhibition and VIP provision. Mark Page, festival director and founder, said “Humber Street Sesh has grown over the years into one of the city’s largest events. “Its survival depends, to a large extent, on the continual support of partners and businesses to help sustain what is a truly unique event for the city and creative community that benefit from it.” Sponsorship packages include stage naming-rights, stage branding, along with posters, flyers, event guides, street banners and programmes distributed to 15,000 households. Sponsors’ interactive logos are featured on the festival website with branding on stage pages. Humber Street Sesh 2019 takes place in Humber Street, Hull Marina and Humber Quays on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3. For sponsorship opportunities, email Elise Witty, elise@humberstreetsesh.co.uk

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Bempton Cliffs. Below, Kelly Green, of Lloyds Bank Picture: Martin Batt

Hull tourism boom fuels investment opportunity Businesses look to exploit interest in yorkshire region

he region’s nature tourism sector is a booming one. In the last 12 months, the industry was worth a staggering £24m in the county. Just eight years ago, the figure stood at a comparatively meagre £9m. The East Riding is no exception to Yorkshire’s success. Major sites such as Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Headland continued to draw mass crowds in 2018. But what can businesses do to tap into the growing sector? Kelly Green, regional director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, shared some expert advice for those looking to break into the market. She said: “It isn’t just Flamborough’s puffins bringing in tourist cash. Hull continues to benefit from the halo effect of being City of Culture 2017, which is estimated to have contributed £220m to the local economy. “As tourists increasingly see

the region as an attractive destination, local retailers, hoteliers, restaurants and visitor attractions are hoping to capitalise on the increasing demand. To fully take advantage of the opportunity, businesses and their respective supply chains will need to ensure they have the working capital available to overcome the challenges of operating in the tourism sector.

It isn’t just Flamborough’s puffins bringing in tourist cash. Hull continues to benefit from the halo effect of being UK City Of Culture, which is estimated to have contributed £220m to the local economy Kelly Green

“These include fluctuating seasonal demand, the need to bring in excess stock at short notice and taking on temporary workers for major events or prolonged good weather.” To those businesses in the tourism sector, it must feel, at times, as though factors completely out of our control can have a drastic impact. A particularly wet summer would dampen even the most optimistic business owner, before a long winter could further hamper plans. But Ms Green said that does not have to be the case. “The winter months are the perfect time to plan ahead for summer demand,” she said. “We’ll be at the side of the region’s tourism firms as they look to expand and develop their cashflow strategy. “We’ve pledged to lend up to £1.4bn to companies in Yorkshire during 2019 as part of our plan to help Britain prosper.

“We look forward to helping the East Riding’s tourism industry hit new heights with this access to finance.” Ms Kelly said another tip for businesses was to prioritise turning assets into cash. For hotels, this could be ensuring guests pay up on time, or for restaurants making sure invoices are settled. “Streamlining payment terms with suppliers and customers can help, but firms will need to be cautious that they don’t upset their debtors by doing so,” Ms Green said. “This challenge can be managed with the support of solutions like invoice finance and assetbased-lending, which can help to bridge any gaps in funding. “By having a better grip on working capital, tourism businesses are well-placed to invest, whether that’s expanding their premises, adding new services or hiring staff, to take full advantage of increased demand.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews A site in Market Weighton is said to be one of the most exciting business opportunities in the region Picture: Candid PR

Site could support ‘hundreds of jobs’

Large industrial unit comes on to lettings market By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ne of the region’s biggest empty industrial units has come onto the market, with the potential to create hundreds of new jobs. The facility, which covers a 100,000sq ft site near Market Weighton, is perfectly suited for a manufacturing or distribution company. Its current owner, trailer manufacturer Montracon, employed more than 100 people, making the site one of the most exciting business opportunities in East Yorkshire. The property has been brought to the market by Gent Visick. Paul Mack, director at Gent Visick, said: “There are few buildings of this scale that are available across the entire East or North Yorkshire regions, and it could have a hugely positive impact in terms of employment for the local and regional area. “The property also benefits from being built to a high specification including a large power and gas supply, multiple cranes, three acres of

There are few buildings of this scale that are availiable across the entire East and North Yorkshire regions, and it could have a hugely positive impact in terms of employment for the area Paul Mack

expansion land, an eaves height of up to 8.82 metres as well as 25 loading doors. “The building could also be divided up and we are offering accommodation from approximately 7,500sq ft” Gent Visick has been appointed by Montracon to find a new owner for its former home. Montracon previously employed more than 100 people at the facility, which it acquired in 1994, before moving relocating and centralising its production in Doncaster. Around half of the Market Weighton facility is still operational. The building totals approximately 100,000sq ft on a site of just under eight acres, and is suitable for either a manufacturing or warehouse / distribution company. It’s in a strategic location just off the A1079, between York and Beverley, and is less than eight miles from junction 38 of the M62. The news comes as work is also set to get underway on another major business site. Hull’s Kingston Parklands site, on land which formerly housed the city’s maternity hospital, has been described as “the city’s next big business opportunity,” due to its close location to the docks and turbine blade manufacturer Siemens Gamesa. Construction on a new facility on the site could start as early as next month. The land was, several years ago, marketed to a host of top European renewable energy companies, but plans never came to fruition. Now it is hoped development of the site will attract business to Hull, in turn creating new job opportunities in the city.

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• Adjusted Net Profits of £55,936 • Fantastic Position in a Busy Part of Town • Enjoying an Excellent Reputation • A FABULOUS BUY • Weekly Turnover £11,000 to £12,000 • REF 581382. EPC Band D. • Business and Property £160,000 Scarborough POST OFFICE & LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE • Post Office Remuneration £58,000 • Retail Sales £12,500 Weekly • Presented To A High Standard • Run Entirely By Staff • Viewing Is A Must • REF 583090. EPC Band D. • Business £79,950 York

TEN BEDROOM RESIDENTIAL HOME • 13 Residents in Ten Bedrooms • Popular and Well Known East Coast Resort Town • Run Largely by a Team of Both Full and Part Time Staff • Has Been in the Same Hands for Many Years • Annual Turnover £187,929 • REF 557613. EPC Band B. • Business and Property, Offers Around £275,000 East Yorkshire

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• 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

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FREEHOLD NEWS, SWEETS & TOBACCO • Fabulous Trading Position • Retirement Forces Sale After 26 Years Here • Run Mainly by Staff • VIEWING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HERE • Weekly Turnover £6,000 to £6,500 • REF 559208. EPC Band E. • Business and Property £169,950 Scarborough

TOURING CARAVAN HIRE • Worked in Very Easy Hours Over Nine Months • Sale Includes 11 Caravans plus Awnings & Accessories • Scope for Even More Here • SHOWING ADJUSTED NET PROFITS OF OVER £35,000 • Annual Turnover £90,610 • REF 583186. EPC Exempt. • Business £120,000 Run from the North of England SANDWICH CENTRE

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Business N ews

Branding firm in move across globe By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

in Singapore and soon realised there were two markets that operated very independently. They are China and Australia. “The Chinese market has its own needs and wants, and Australia also has a huge stand-alone market.” Ms Brooks said the move into Australia had been different to Trident’s traditional route, and came through an acquisition. “We partnered with a relatively small company, which employed ten people, but they worked in a similar way to us and had an impressive client base. “Their size made it challenging to grow beyond where they were in the region and, as a global business,

we thought there was a lot we could add. “We made that acquisition and set up in Sydney last July.” Six months later, Trident followed up the expansion with a move into another new continent – South America. With a strong North American presence in Cincinnati, Charlotte, Richmond and in Mexico, Trident opened in Sao Paulo, Brazil just last month. Ms Brooks said Trident’s ties with Unilever paved the way for the move. She said: “We have worked with Unilever in North America and Europe, so it made sense for us to grow our business around them.

“They wanted to give us an opportunity in South America, but needed a base so we could carry out the work in the local region. The way we have grown with a lot of our bases around the world is to follow our clients. We moved to Cincinnati because P&G’s US headquarters is there. “We also work with them in Mexico, Singapore and China.” The seeds were first sown between Trident and P&G more than two decades ago, when the Hull business worked on the health giant’s Wash and Go brand.

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Sonoco-Trident opens up new offices in Sydney and Sao Paulo

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Hull branding and design specialist has increased its global footprint by opening offices in two new continents. Sonoco-Trident, which has clients including multinational names including Procter & Gamble and Unilever, unveiled its new home in Sao Paulo, Brazil last month. The move comes six months after moving to Australia for the first time. The two new offices add to Trident’s worldwide presence, with bases already in the US, India, China and Singapore. Annette Brooks, managing director at Trident in Europe and Asia, said: “We first moved into Asia more than ten years ago when we opened

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PRESTIGE VEHICLE CENTRES GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD

Artist’s impressions of the new Porsche and, below, Mercedes-Benz dealerships

Luxury car dealerships to turboboost economy By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

pair of prestige car dealerships have been given the green light in East Yorkshire and will create up to 75 jobs. The combined £18m investment from Porsche and Mercedes at their respective new homes in Hessle and Melton has been rubber-stamped by East Riding Council in the last week. Porsche was the first of two big-name manufacturers to see its £8m showroom plans approved, bringing about 50 jobs to Hessle’s Bridgehead Business Park. It was followed just days later by fellow luxury German manufacturer Mer-

cedes-Benz, whose £10m move from its current home in Hessle to Melton will create a further 25 jobs. The double announcement comes as a boost to the region’s car sector, and marks major investment in East Yorkshire. Speaking at the planning committee, East Riding councillor Phyllis Pollard said of the new Porsche development: “This is a global brand of the highest quality. It’s important to send out a message about economic growth in the East Riding, so I wholly support it.” An initial 35 jobs will be created at Porsche in Hessle, with the potential for 15 more in the future. Porsche’s new home will be located Turn to Page 2

Connexin has launched a new plan offering high availability, ultra-fast and unlimited internet service for SMEs in Hull. The first 100 SMEs to sign up to the firm’s Business Accelerator will benefit from free installation funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. Worth £67m, the scheme funds capital costs of installing gigabitcapable connections into eligible SME businesses. The Connexin Business Accelerator plan is designed with the needs of small and mediumsized businesses in the East Yorkshire area in mind. Customers will be able to enjoy a high level of service designed, delivered and managed by a locally based team. Alex Yeung, Connexin’s co-founder, said: “As a local company, we spend a lot of time talking to businesses in Hull, small or large, new or well-established. They all tell us the same thing – they’d like higher speeds for their internet, but they want it to be affordable. “Our business accelerator programme was designed with them in mind: our best ultra-fast wireless broadband, paired with a £3,000 voucher from the Government’s DCMS Gigabit Broadband scheme that covers installation and all the equipment that’s needed. “With ultra-fast service and all the upfront costs taken care of, for businesses, it is a win, win.”

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Business N ews Luxury dealerships to turboboost economy From Page 1

on the south side of the Bridgehead Business Park, joining new arrivals such as tech firm Connexin and the renewable energyfocused Aura Innovation Centre. Councillor Richard Burton, of East Riding Council, said of the plans: “I think it’s an excellent development. It oozes quality

and will surely encourage more quality offices alongside it. “I think it opens the door to a really successful further development of the site.” Mercedes-Benz, will open its new £10m showroom at the Meltonwest Business Park. On top of the 25 new jobs, two apprentice positions will also be created, rising to five, and train-

ing programmes will be available to employees. Gary Kinnersley, franchise director at Mercedes-Benz in Hull, said: “This development is fantastic news. A showroom with the wow factor, the creation of 25 new jobs and an expansive used car display area creates a win-win situation for staff, customers and the local economy.”

Vivergo Fuels at Saltend Chemicals Park

Vivergo lost £58m in year before closing newly filed accounts show loss

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

ivergo Fuels lost almost £60m in the year up to its sudden closure last September, new accounts have revealed. The Saltend biofuel plant, which employed about 150 people in Hull, blamed the Government’s alleged “procrastination” over the future of renewable fuels for its demise. Newly filed accounts have now shown in the year up to the end of August – just a week before the plant closed – Vivergo Fuels made a loss after tax of £58.3m. The previous year, it lost almost £30m. A boost came in December when the owners of Saltend Chemicals Park said Vivergo’s plant was being maintained in case market conditions improved. However, in a twist, Vivergo has now said it does not expect the situation to change “in the foreseeable future”. Directors at Vivergo said: “During the year ended August 31, 2018, the company continued to develop its operational capabilities and plant performance. “However, the weakness in the EU ethanol market price seen in the year has continued to have an adverse impact on the business’ operational results. “The weakness in the EU ethanol market is directly linked to delays, by individual member nations, in imple-

menting higher ethanol inclusion rates in gasoline that will be required to meet the EU Commission’s targets for development of renewable energy sources by 2020.” It was reported last September that as many as 3,000 jobs could be directly or indirectly affected by the closure of the biofuel plant. Vivergo contributed about £600m to the UK economy, and 900 farms across the county supplied the Saltend plant with wheat. In December, the future of Vivergo received a boost when Saltend Chemicals Park site director Jay Brooks said the plant was being maintained, so if market conditions improved, production could resume. Now though, the full extent of Vivergo’s struggles have been laid out. Before tax, Vivergo lost £68.6m in the year up to the end of last August. Directors said: “As a result of the continued weakness in the EU ethanol market, the company announced plans to cease production of ethanol at its site in Hull. “The current market conditions, particularly high wheat costs and low bioethanol prices, made the operation uneconomic and we do not see these conditions improving in the foreseeable future.” Progress on the introduction of biofuel E10 in the UK has so far been slow. Last summer, a campaign was launched urging the Government to back the fuel.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

BUSINESS

Flower firm plans new depot to meet the growing demand By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

JZ Flowers in Newport, East Yorkshire. Below, preparing orders

lans to expand a major flower business that supplies bouquets to more than a quarter of the UK’s supermarkets have been submitted. JZ Flowers and sister company Intergreen, both based in Newport, East Yorkshire, produce about 12 million stems of flowers every week, and at peak times employ more than 1,500 people. Newport Buildings Ltd, owner of JZ Flowers, now wants to build a new storage facility to meet growing demand for the company’s products. A statement submitted with the plans said: “Since the original purchase of the site, further land acquisition has taken place and a decision taken to move Intergreen from Spalding in Lincolnshire to Newport. “Intergreen is a duplicate of the JZ Flowers facility and provides for the production, packaging and distribution of bouquets solely for Tesco. “Collectively, JZ and Intergreen provide 27 per cent of the UK supermarket floral bouquet requirement.” In the run-up to peak times, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, flower production at the site increases to 48 million stems. JZ Flowers is the sole flower supplier to all of Aldi’s national supermarkets, while Intergreen deals exclusively with Tesco. About 750 people are employed on the site throughout the year, increasing to 1,500 at peak times. The expansion, if approved by East Riding

PICTURES: Neil Holmes Photography Limited

Council, would create a further ten jobs. The planning statement said: “The proposed facility will provide a much-needed raw materials storage facility to accommodate increased floral bouquet production in the adjacent buildings. “The UK cut flower sector is dominated by supermarket distribution. During the past 11 years, supermarkets have grown their share of flower bouquets sold in the UK at the expense of independent outlets. “This trend has caused the creation of large pack-houses and businesses focused

exclusively on satisfying growing supermarket demand. “JZ Flowers, along with its sister company Intergreen, occupies this market segment.” JZ Flowers is also in early talks to power its Newport facility using green energy. Under the proposals, flower stems would be sent to a biofuel plant at nearby Brocklesby in North Cave. The stems would be used at the waste to energy plant to create renewable energy, before being returned to JZ Flowers for use in its factory.

Making alterations to your premises? Don’t forget to obtain permission Advertisement feature ike Stoney , Senior M Solicitor in the Commercial Property team at Wilkin Chapman solicitors

HE needs of any business will change as the years go by, and that may require giving premises a new feel, look, shape or size. If you have a retail outlet, your offering may have evolved or even diversified, or you may have an industrial unit that needs to accommodate more equipment or advancing technology.

But, be warned, if you go headlong into alterations without taking the necessary steps, you could come unstuck and even face losing your lease. Tenants of business premises will usually require a landlord-approved licence granting permission before making changes. You should get your solicitor to check the terms of your lease to determine whether this is required, as sometimes nonstructural alterations don’t need consent under the lease terms. If a licence is needed, it will be drafted by the landlord’s legal representative and stipulate any requirements that must be met by the tenant and the conditions of the consent. For example, it will often

outline the tenant’s need to fund necessary planning permissions, any deadlines, the work quality, that the tenant is liable for any damage to the premises or its surroundings, and that it is their responsibility to reinstate any alterations when the lease ends. It may also include permission for the landlord to inspect the premises once the work is completed and while it is carried out. For businesses moving into new premises where internal reworkings are required, such a licence will often be approved and agreed at the same time as the lease is secured. When negotiating any licence, the tenant should always include a term stipulating that if the alterations

increase the rental value of the premises, they should not have to bear that. Otherwise the tenant will have paid for alterations and could then find themselves paying more on a rent review! In any event, please be warned that a failure to obtain such licence (if required) or a failure to comply with any of the terms within it, could

well give your landlord a reason to legally ask you to leave. For further information, please contact Mike Stoney at Wilkin Chapman on 01482 398398, email mike.stoney@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

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Celebrating pioneers of green THE HUMBER RENEWABLES AWARDS 2019 IS open for nominations

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

upporting thousands of jobs and attracting major investment, it is no surprise the Humber’s renewables sector is drawing envious glances from across the globe. When Siemens Gamesa and ABP first announced plans to invest more than £300m in the development of an offshore wind facility in Hull, few could have imagined the wheels – or in this case blades – that would be set in motion. Five years on from that landmark, the region’s renewables sector continues to make headlines on an almost daily basis. As we launch the 2019 Humber Renewables Awards, celebrating the best of green business on both sides of the River Humber, now is a good time to look back on some of the biggest moments of the past 12 months. Hornsea Project One – destined to be the world’s biggest wind farm – generated its first clean energy off the East Yorkshire coast, with blades made by Siemens Gamesa in Hull. The £3.9m ergo centre in Hessle, a green energy hub for businesses large and small, was unveiled during Humber Business Week in June. Ground has also been broken on the new £12m Aura Innovation Centre, a stone’s throw away from neighbouring ergo, which will provide a space for green businesses to The presentation evening will be held on innovate, collaborate and inspire. These are just some of the headlines. When Thursday, June 13, at the County Park Inn, overlooking the Humber, in Hessle. you also consider Siemens Gamesa Enter your nominations online at making its first 75m blade for the www.reachplcevents.com East Anglia ONE wind farm, The closing date for entries Hull’s £200m Energy Works is Friday, May 10. entering its final stages of With awards up for grabs development, and the for educators, builders “small” matter of carbon What is good for the and innovators, the capture technology planet, is good for the competition promises to returning to the region, it is reward the best of the best little wonder the Humber local economy in the region. has so regularly made the The event is again being news. headline sponsored by No surprise also then, that Siemens Gamesa Siemens Gamesa. delegates from as far away as Ralph Sperrazza, factory China and the US have, in the last director at Siemens Gamesa in Hull, year, visited the region, keen to learn and be inspired by the Humber’s renewables said: “Siemens Gamesa is delighted to support the Humber Renewables Awards, in particular credentials. The Humber Renewables Awards is sponsoring the Renewables Champion Award. “The reasons are clear – the Humber region back for an eighth year, and will recognise success across nine categories. has championed an entire industry new to the

UK and turned it into a world-leader in just a few short years.” Siemens Gamesa said the region had “had world-renowned industries in the past, but the renewables sector makes this time different”. “In times of uncertainty, renewables offer certainty; the UK has more demand for energy than it alone can supply, and the World needs urgent decarbonisation to meet targets set to combat global warming. “What is good for the planet, is good for the local economy. Since the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hull factory in January 2015, the renewables industry has followed the path that Siemens Gamesa helped pave and headed for the Humber. “In those four years, almost all major industry players have set up in and around Hull, bringing smaller supply chain companies, and innovative start-up businesses with them,” the business said. “From a start-up to manufacturing turbine blades for what will be the world’s largest

offshore wind farm, and on to produce even bigger blades for the next generation of turbine, Hull has been a catalyst for revolution in the sector. “So it is fitting that the company that helped put renewables on the map in the Humber region should take the lead as headline sponsor of the Humber Renewables Awards, to celebrate the enormous change that the dynamic sector has brought to the region and look forward to a bright future,” Siemens Gamesa said. Mike Pennington, regional revenue director at Reach Plc, also highlighted the importance of the Humber in Britain’s drive towards greener energy. He said: “When these awards started, the idea we could be a world leader in green energy was no more than a pipe dream. But in the last 12 months, the Humber has cemented its place as not only a nationwide leader, but as the envy of the world when talking about offshore wind and renewable energy. Headline sponsor

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energy

These are the awards up for grabs this year 1

Humber Renewables Small Business of the Year (under 50 employees)

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

Best Renewable Energy Project or Installation in the Humber Area

Mike Pennington says the Humber region is a world leader in renewable energy

■■Category sponsor: XceCo This prize is for the designers and manufacturers behind the best green energy installations. Judges will be looking for a winning project that produces clean power, is built to the highest of standards and shows off the region’s world-class expertise. The category is open to schemes of any scale, from multimillion-pound developments to micro-generation programmes. It could be won by a firm focused on renewables or a company, public sector organisation or educational establishment which has done its bit to reduce our carbon footprint. Schools, colleges or stately homes with the latest green heating and energy technology are welcome to apply.

Excellence in Renewable Skills and Training

“Since the last Renewables Awards, we have seen delegate visits from China and the US, with some of the world’s biggest businesses eager to learn from the Humber region’s success. “The world’s largest wind farm, Hornsea Project One, also recently generated its first clean electricity – giving us a glimpse into the future of the region’s renewables sector. “Our success is due to the efforts of many dedicated businesses, large and small, and we’re looking forward to giving them some well-deserved recognition.” The growth of the Humber’s renewables sector has so far been unprecedented. But the journey is far from over. A report compiled by the Institute for Public Policy Research revealed more than 40,000 new green jobs could be created in the North of England by 2030. Power at Hornsea Project One may have been generated for the first time, but there is still the small matter of Project Two, Three and Four to follow. The potential of offshore wind is enormous. By 2020, the industry has the potential to generate up to 26GW of energy. By 2030, the figure could be as high as 40GW. The Government has set an ambitious target of cutting the country’s emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. The Humber region is already at the very heart of this ambition, and will doubtless continue to make headlines in the years and decades to come.

Multi-national green energy companies may have their eyes on the region, but success in bringing them here means nothing if they cannot find qualified East Yorkshire employees. Getting the training right for any potential workforce is vital and this award will celebrate those organisations which have done most to create a much-needed skills base. The category is open to employers, specialist centres and education providers. They must have established a training programme, apprenticeship scheme, degree or other activity which is meeting the needs of individuals and the industry.

Renewables Education

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

Green Innovation

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

Humber Renewables Medium/ Large Business of the Year (over 50 employees)

Running a major company is tough in any field but an emerging sector like renewable energy is even harder than most. Businesses have to be instantly adaptable, on top of the latest

technology and ready to make the most of opportunities offered by the Government’s green agenda. This award’s winner will be a regional firm with at least 50 employees and bold ambitions to become even bigger. It could be looking to capitalise on investment through opportunities on land or at sea, or working in a totally different field. Successful large and medium companies are vital for providing the infrastructure needed. Judges will be looking at past financial performance and recruitment in the past year.

Engaging the Community/Community Project

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

Women in Manufacturing and Engineering

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

Humber Renewables Champion

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

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BUSINESS

Port can now run totally on green energy

A busy East Yorkshire port can now run entirely off green energy after a £1m project to install thousands of solar panels was completed. The Port of Goole, which handles around two million tonnes of cargo every year, can now produce enough electricity to power more than 150 residential homes. More importantly, the 4,341 solar panels fitted to four rooftops at the docks, run by Associated British Ports, will at peak times be able to power the entire site. ABP Humber director, Simon Bird, said: “This is a real green milestone for the Port of Goole, as the first time in history, it has the capability of running exclusively from clean, solar electricity. “This extensive project wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of those involved in delivering this during inclement weather, to make sure we are ready to make the most of key generating periods. “This is an exciting time for ABP, as we continue to pave the way for a greener future.” The major 14-week project saw the installation of 4,341 solar panels across four rooftops, creating enough electricity during peak generation times to run the Port of Goole solely from clean energy. It will produce enough electricity (1.1 megawatts) to power around 154 residential homes per year. Any surplus energy supplies will be exported to the National Grid. Brexit and Dover traffic chaos fears means Port of Hull is already busier The project will also reduce CO2 emissions from the port by over 450,000 kilograms every year – an equivalent of planting more than 20,000 trees. Leading commercial solar installer, Custom Solar, completed the installation in Goole.

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Chemicals giant Croda gets go-ahead for new £7m distribution centre By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

TSE chemicals specialist Croda has had plans for a new £7m distribution centre in Goole approved. The new warehouse space, in the Goole 36 enterprise zone, will act as a worldwide distribution hub for chemical products made at its sites in Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge. The first phase of the build will see 19,600sq m of warehouse space built, with potential for two separate expansions in the future to meet anticipated growth demand. Approval of the plans adds to the recent success at Goole 36, which will also soon be home to Siemens’ £200m rail factory. A planning document on the new development said: “The requirement is to provide a modern distribution warehouse of a suitable height to incorporate internal storage racking. “The building is to be used for the storage and distribution of various products including chemicals to suit the needs of the end user.” Croda has said new jobs are expected to be created at the new warehouse, in a move that would see the business join other big names including Tesco and Guardian Industries at Goole 36. Maarten Heybroek, president at Croda Europe, said: “Our founding Rawcliffe Bridge manufacturing site and our Global Headquarters, Cowick Hall, are both located less than ten miles away. “In line with our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability, we will use the latest

warehouse space at Goole 36 enterprise park to create jobs

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

technologies to minimise our environmental impact and offer the most advanced safety features to our people in a facility of this kind. “This announcement demonstrates the company’s commitment to UK manufacturing and provides long-term job security for the workforce who will move from our existing operation and for the new quality warehouse roles we will create.” Croda said it plans to relocate its existing warehouse from Thorne to the Goole site. The chemicals specialist has said the move is designed to “stay close

to its manufacturing operations along the M62 corridor, and keep easy access to the UK-wide road network”. News of Croda securing planning approval comes as no great surprise. East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnaby OBE previously spoke of his delight at Croda committing its future to the region. He said: “I’m delighted that Croda, like many other international businesses, has selected Goole as its preferred choice. “This is due to its prime location and the support offered by

organisations such as East Riding Council, with its Enterprise Zone status and the excellent connectivity of the site to the extensive motorway network, port facilities and rail connections.” Based in a national Enterprise Zone for business development, Croda also hopes to take advantage of future investments, such as the inter-modal terminal project which aims to further connect rail, road and port infrastructure. Croda International Plc creates, make and sells speciality chemicals that are relied on by industries and consumers everywhere.

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BUSINESS

Left, Deb Oxley OBE and Terry Moran have become trustees at CatZero

New faces bring wealth of experience to CatZero

SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, SWEETS AND STATIONERY • Densely Populated Shopping Centre • Been in the Same Hands for Over 43 Years • Two Bedroom Accommodation • SHOWING OVER £53,000 PURE NET PROFIT • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,000 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £117,000 • REF 581702. EPC Band C. • Business and Property £450,000

Hull PIZZA BAR BURGERS & KEBABS • Tremendous Potential • Prime Trading Site • Well Equipped • Viewing Highly Recommended • Taking £7000/£8000 weekly • REF 582906. EPC Band C. • Business £125,000

Hull

MAINS POST OFFICE, NEWS, SWEETS, TOBACCO, CARDS AND CONVENIENCE STORE • Adjusted Net Profits of Approximately £80,000 • Run Entirely By Staff • Working Owners Could Take So Much More Here • Self-Contained Two Bedroom Accommodation • Weekly Turnover £8,000 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £55,000 • REF 583197. EPC Band D. • Business £159,950

FISH & CHIP OUTSALES AND 40 COVER CAFÉ • Worked Over Seven Months Plus A Few Weekends • Peak Season Turnover Reaches £25,000 per Week • Oozing Potential for So Very Much More • VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED • Average Weekly Turnover £4,500 • REF 583112. EPC Band E. • Business, Offers Over £150,000

Scarborough

Hull

Beverley

Cleethorpes

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

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. EPC’s available on request. • Business £65,000 • Business and Property £995,000

North Yorkshire

CAFÉ, COFFEE SHOP AND SANDWICH BAR

TEA ROOM & POTTERY PAINTING PARLOUR (40 COVERS)

• Run Mainly by Staff • Retirement Sale After 12 Years • Sensibly Priced Concern with Scope for More • Adjusted Net Profit of £45,000 • Weekly Turnover £2,400 • REF 583149. Awaiting EPC. • Business £39,950

• Retirement Sale • Scope to Open Much Longer Hours • Very Well Fitted and Equipped • OOZING POTENTIAL FOR SO MUCH MORE • Weekly Turnover £1,300 • REF 581716. EPC Band B. • Business £9,950 For Quick Sale

Hornsea

Hull

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

pair of leading East Yorkshire business names have joined the board of a regional charity that helps young people find work. Deb Oxley OBE and Terry Moran have become trustees at CatZero, joining an impressive line-up, which includes former Smith & Nephew executive Jim Dick as its chair. Both Deb and Terry have been integral in leading national change in their respective fields. CatZero works with young people who have fallen out of work, and has an impressive success rate at equipping them with the skills to help secure jobs. Deb, who recently received an OBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours, is also the CEO of the Employee Ownership Association. She said: “As a society, we are experiencing increasing levels of inequality in all areas of life, from education, to employment and housing. “When I witness this and hear stories of how some people are forced to live their lives and the resulting lack of opportunities, I am motivated to try to make a difference, to help close these gaps and to deliver more opportunity for all. “I am a huge supporter of charities and have always admired their purpose and their passion. “I was drawn to CatZero because it is about the area where I have lived all my life, it’s about change, and it’s about taking an innovative approach and doing something different.” In 2017, Deb led the UK’s largest independent national inquiry into employee ownership, which involved

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

a panel of more than 20 UK business organisations, gathering evidence from more than 100 employee-owned businesses and those who advise them. Examples of employee-owned businesses in the Yorkshire region include Lush, the John Lewis Partnership, and the City Health Care Partnership in Hull. Deb, who was born in Hull, has also previously worked at then-Kingston Communications, and was a key player in the development of the region’s “Energy Estuary” brand. She is joined at CatZero by Terry Moran CB, the chairman of the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust. Terry began work in a social security office in Yorkshire at the age of 16, and rose to become chief executive of the Pension, Disability and Carers Service. His most recent position was second permanent secretary and chief operating officer at the Department for Work and Pensions, responsible for all employment, pensions and benefits services nationally. Terry also joined the NHS as a nonexecutive in 2015 and was subsequently appointed as NHS Trust chairman in 2017. He said: “When a person is supported to find work by giving them the confidence and social skills to be successful it can transform their lives and those of their families. “I saw this first-hand with the work of Jobcentre Plus. Everyone deserves those opportunities irrespective of background.”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Virtual reality tech joins the war on cancer

page 4

Power and puddings in the year’s big deals

Music business looks to train new generation

pageS 6-7

page 8

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Kevin Keegan signs for Business Week Football legend to speak

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

Former England and Newcastle football manager Kevin Keegan is to speak on the opening day of Humber Business Week 2019. Keegan, who now combines football punditry with coaching and motivational speaking, will entertain an audience at the KCOM Stadium on June 3. He has been announced as the keynote speaker at the Institute of Directors (IoD) Humber luncheon. It comes alongside news that the full Business Week programme will again be revealed at a special launch event at the University of Hull in May. Kath Lavery, chair of the Business Week, said: “It is fantastic to already be in a position where we have a great initial Monday shaping up at the KCOM Stadium and The Business Day again confirmed for the Friday in Bridlington, but now is the key time for businesses across the region to shape the week as they want it. “We know there is a feeling that some events and topics, which are similar in nature and target audience could be clustered together, so now is the time for businesses working in the same sectors to collaborate and get together to consider how they can make the weeks work best for them. “We have purposely left a blank Turn to Page 2

Kevin Keegan will speak during the 2019 Humber Business Week

PICTURE: Arrival PR

Wren given British seal of approval

Kitchen retailer Wren has been awarded the Made In Britain marque in recognition of its commitment to manufacturing excellence. Wren, which has bases in Howden, Barton and plans in place to move into a new unit in Brough, now has 77 showrooms across the country. Around two thousand kitchens a week are delivered fully built, and Wren has supplied kitchens worth more than £1bn in the past three years. Made In Britain brings together the best manufacturers in the UK, through the use of its registered collective mark. It guarantees that members’ products are made in Britain and comply to the highest standards. Mark Pullan, Wren’s managing director, said: “We are very proud of our British manufacturing heritage. “All our kitchens are designed, developed and built in the UK to the highest standards. We are committed to manufacturing affordable luxury kitchens here in Britain and this makes us unique in the kitchen market. “We have created thousands of jobs in the UK and are delighted to have so many passionate, dedicated and exceptionally talented people working within the Wren family.”

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Business N ews Football icon joins panel for prestigious event in region

Drax chief executive Andy Koss

Picture: Shaun Flannery

From Page 1

canvas there to make the programme adaptable, so if there are businesses wanting to partner together that would be a great addition this year and something we’ll look to accommodate.” Kevin Keegan is regarded as one of the greatest players in English football history, famed for his style on the pitch, his relentless ambition and passion for the game. In a career which started at Scunthorpe United, he went on to captain England for six years until his international retirement after the 1982 World Cup. His managing career at Newcastle became legendary, leading the club from the depths of the Second Division to the brink of the Premier League title. He was awarded an OBE in 1982. Pat Coyle, chairman of the IoD in East Yorkshire, expects the appearance of Kevin Keegan to be hugely popular with a business audience. She said: “Kevin is one of the most recognisable names in English football with many accolades to his name. Not least winning the Ballon d’Or twice. “We look forward to hearing about his experiences on and off the field, particularly in management, which no doubt will provide many parallels to those we encounter in running our own businesses.” Businesses across the Humber are now being urged to “create the week they want” in June. Many annual staple events will again form part of Humber Business Week in 2019, including the Bondholders Breakfast on day one and The Business Day, which has again been scheduled for the final day at Bridlington Spa. Places at the launch event on May 8 are limited and can be reserved now by contacting Rebecca Saxby, at The University of Hull, on 01482 465657, or via email at Rebecca.Saxby@hull. ac.uk The Humber Luncheon, during Business Week, will start at noon on Monday, June 3. Tickets cost £47 plus VAT for IoD members and £54 plus VAT for non-members. Tables of ten are £450 plus VAT. To book a table, email Pat Coyle at pat.coyle@rollits.com or contact the IoD regional office at iod. yorkshire@iod.com

‘Carbon capture is next Humber success story’ Drax boss wants backing of government for scheme

he boss of Drax Power has urged the Government to ensure carbon capture technology follows offshore wind as the Humber’s next success story. Andy Koss, chief executive, said in the 14 years he had been at Drax, there had never been a more exciting opportunity for the business. He urged the Government to give its full backing to carbon capture and storage, four years after Drax was forced to pull the plug on its last pilot project after it missed out on crucial subsidies. Mr Koss, speaking as Drax Group released its 2018 financial results, said: “There are lots of exciting development options available to

We have the opportunity to make Drax the first carbon negative plan in the world. It would extend the life of the plant for decades to come Andy Koss

us, but the most interesting one I think is carbon capture. “We have the opportunity to make Drax the first carbon negative plant in the world. It would extend the life of the plant for decades to come. “There is a lot of work to be done during 2019, and hopefully we can get some guidance from the Government on the framework we should follow. “We have been in close contact with Lord Haskins and the Humber LEP, and are keen to do things differently to what we did in 2015.” Carbon capture technology aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions created during the combustion process at Drax, before they are released into the atmosphere. A landmark was reached earlier this month, when Drax announced CO2 had been captured for the first time at the site. Mr Koss said the vision was to create a pipeline running from Drax to the North Sea, allowing other Humber businesses to connect to it along the way. He said: “We see ourselves as complementing the region’s offshore wind sector. We have the biomass and carbon capture operations at our plant in Yorkshire, and then

Drax Power Station

Picture: Steven Eric Parker

have our hydro and gas operations in Scotland. “The Government got behind the offshore wind sector nice and early, and we need the same to happen with carbon capture. “The opportunity will not keep coming back. It needs to be now.” Drax returned to profit in 2018, figures released on Tuesday revealed, as it recorded profits before tax of £14m. Last year was a busy one for Drax Group, as it completed the £702m purchase of a portfolio of hydro and gas power plants from Scottish Power. The energy firm also increased the percentage of electricity it generates

using renewable biomass, from 65 per cent in 2017 to 75 per cent. Drax supports around 6,000 jobs in the region. Mr Koss said development of carbon capture in the Humber had the potential to increase that number. Will Gardiner, chief executive of Drax Group, said: “Drax is now one of the leading generators of flexible, low carbon and renewable electricity in the UK. “As the grid decarbonises, our ability to support intermittent renewables will become increasingly important as we strive to deliver our purpose of enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future.”

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Business N ews Poultry specialist moves up a gear thanks to Hull firm An award-winning East Yorkshire poultry specialist has sourced its latest delivery vehicle from a familyowned Hull business. Hedon Road-based Paneltex Ltd supplied Soanes Poultry with a bespoke vehicle to service its customers throughout Yorkshire. Soanes Poultry employs more than 100 people and sells its chicken

Strong year sees Croda progression OPERATING PROFITS PASS £340M MARK

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

rofits rose at FTSE 100 giant Croda in 2018 in what was hailed a “year of strong progress” for the chemicals specialist. The business, which has bases in Hull and in Rawcliffe Bridge, near Goole, saw operating profits pass the £340m mark, up 3 per cent on 2017. Croda also recorded growth in all three of its core sectors, and last year completed the acquisition of Danish firm Brenntag Biosector in a deal worth more than £60m. Croda currently employs more than 4,500 people across the world, with 1,000 based in the UK. Steve Foots, CEO at Croda, said: “2018 was another year of strong progress for Croda. We are ‘Growing the Core’, once again delivering top line growth at industry-leading margins to achieve superior returns. “We are ‘Stretching the Growth’, accelerating delivery across our markets through relentless innovation and by investing in disruptive technologies and exciting new growth opportunities. “All core sectors contributed to this performance, demonstrating Croda’s three legs of growth.” Sales at Croda during 2018 were also up, but grew at a slower rate than profits. Croda’s personal care sector was the biggest riser, with sales up 6.8 per cent. Its other two core areas, life sciences and performance technologies, rose by 2.8 per cent and 1.4 per cent respectively.

Croda recently had plans for its new £7m distribution centre in Goole approved by East Riding Council. The new warehouse space, in the Goole 36 enterprise zone, will act as a worldwide distribution hub for chemical products made at its sites in Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge. Speaking about Croda’s 2018 performance, Mr Foots said: “Cash generation strengthened and we have proposed the return of a further £150m through a special dividend to shareholders, in addition to an increased ordinary dividend. “Looking ahead, while global market conditions remain challenging, we continue to invest for the future and are confident that our strategy of ‘Growing the Core and Stretching the Growth’ will deliver further progress in 2019.” Croda performed well in markets across the world. Sales in Latin America were up 9 per cent, as Asia also saw a seven per cent boost, driven by strong growth in Japan. Croda last year completed the £64m purchase of Danish pharmaceutical company Brenntag Biosector. Biosector was founded in 1939, and is a specialist manufacturer and supplier to the human and veterinary vaccine market. Peter Tygesen, managing director at Biosector, said: “Croda shares our passion for exciting innovation. “Under the Croda umbrella we look forward to continuing to grow and further establish our research and development into high-quality industry-leading adjuvant platforms.”

to butchers and independent retailers across Yorkshire and to wholesalers nationwide. Nigel Upson, general manager at Soanes, said: “We pride ourselves on buying goods and services as locally as possible, so it’s good to support both Paneltex and Market Weighton company Provins Signs, who provided the graphics.”

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Business N ews Vertual is innovating new technology to improve cancer treatment

Picture: Peter Harbour

Tigers Trust appoints new chief executive The Tigers Sport and Education Trust has announced Catherine Bishop as its new chief executive. Catherine, pictured, one of the founding directors at social enterprise EN:Able Futures CIC, will join the Trust in April, and be responsible for leading and managing the development and strategic direction of the charity. The news comes after the trust’s previous manager, John Davies, stepped down to pursue other opportunities, following a successful 28 years running the organisation. Catherine said of her appointment: “I’m very excited and feel extremely privileged to be offered the opportunity to lead the Tigers Trust at this time. “Social health and wellbeing is incredibly important in creating vibrant and inclusive communities, and I look forward to leading the various Tigers Trust sports and education activities in support of this. “There is huge potential in Hull and the East Riding, and I’m eager to explore what we can do in order to further support growth and regeneration in the city.”

A new face at family law firm Senior solicitor Jane Hockless, pictured, has joined the Beverley office of Stowe Family Law, the UK’s largest specialist family law firm. Jane brings with her 14 years of experience and advises on all aspects of family law including divorce, domestic abuse, financial settlements, children’s law and separation agreements for cohabitees. She said: “I am delighted to be joining Stowe Family Law in Beverley. Whatever the case, I adopt a down-to-earth and empathetic approach to make sure my clients are well-informed and put at ease throughout.”

Virtual reality tech aids in battle against cancer Hull firm expansion will help radiation therapy

ancer patients could soon benefit from better treatment, thanks to the growth of a pioneering Hull tech firm. Vertual Ltd, formed in 2007, provides virtual reality training in radiation therapy. Technology created by the business, launched following a joint project between the University of Hull and the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, is now used by more than 140 institutions in more than 30 countries. Vertual has now moved into a new home at Anchor House, in Silvester Street, as it continues its rapid expansion. Debra Leeves, who was recently appointed as Vertual’s first CE, said: “We’re currently enjoying a period of accelerated growth and we’re hoping to capitalise on this success by entering new markets in the US, South America, China and South East Asia. “Hull has proven to be a great place for Vertual to do business,

because we can access the exact type of staff we need, particularly software coders and developers, thanks to the computer science courses offered by the University of Hull. “Our move to Anchor House will allow us to expand and we’re expecting to create up to ten positions across the business this year, with further job opportunities also expected in the future. We’re delighted to be relocating, it’s very exciting times.” Vertual’s state-of-the-art VERT technology has been adopted by universities and radiotherapy teaching hospitals across the world. The virtual reality systems provide immersive training for radiographers and physicists, enabling them to practice complex procedures away from the patient. The technology can also help patients who are planning to receive radiation therapy, reducing the fear of treatment. Patients can see what is going to happen in the treatment room and understand how

radiotherapy works. Vertual hopes its move into The Maltings development, in Hull city centre, will accelerate its expansion plans and creating up to ten jobs during the next year. Ben Cooper, director at PPH, concluded the deal. He said: “Vertual wanted a modern, vibrant office space and the former Hull Brewery building is perfect after recently enjoying a significant investment and refurbish-

ment by the property owners. Last year saw us complete a 10,000sq ft letting to Enact Conveyancing and let a ground floor suite to Optical Express. “A refurbished suite of 1,500sq ft remains available and the third floor is currently undergoing a full refurbishment, which will also be available on completion of the works. “It is great to see the owner’s significant investment in this building coming to fruition.”

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Business N ews

Puddings, power and more of the major business deals of the year

Huge deals that have made headlines By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ig business deals will always hit the headlines. Whether it’s a huge sum involved, or a well-known company that has been taken over, acquisitions always seem to pique peoples’ interest. It’s been a pretty busy year for business deals in 2018-19. While some were national, and even global, news, there may be a couple on this list that you missed. Here’s a round-up of some of the major acquisitions that Hull businesses have been involved in.

Proof is in the pudding Well-known Hull Yorkshire pudding giant Aunt Bessie’s hit the headlines last summer when it was bought by Birds Eye owner Nomad Foods in a massive £210m deal. More than 600 million puddings are made at the Hull factory every year, a figure which caught the eye of its buyer. Aunt Bessie’s was formerly owned by the William Jackson Food Group, and currently employs around 400 people at its factory in Freightliner Road. The Hull business dates back to 1974, when it started making frozen Yorkshire puddings as Tryton Foods.

in a deal which could rise to more than £80m. Ceterix is the developer of a medical device thath helps surgeons repair meniscal tears – an injury found in the knee. In just 15 to 20 per cent of cases, the meniscus can be repaired rather than removed. The NovoStitch Pro gadget, which Ceterix developed, hopes to double that number. Brad Cannon, president of sports medicine at Smith & Nephew, said: Worthy of a knees up Hull FTSE 100 manufacturer “NovoStitch Pro is an outstanding Smith & Nephew agreed to buy US technology that addresses an unmet tech firm Ceterix at the end of 2018, clinical need. Speaking at the time of the acquisition, Wayne Hudson, managing director at Birds Eye UK, said: “Aunt Bessie’s is a historic family brand built on strong values and quality product credentials. “We have long admired what the team have achieved and are excited to welcome around 400 new colleagues and such a well-loved household name to our business.”

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“We are excited by the opportunities to take this new option to our customers. “No other company is better positioned to support changing clinical practice as the standard for meniscal treatment pivots from resection to repair.”

Croda looks to Scandinavia FTSE chemicals company Croda reached an agreement to buy Danish pharmaceutical firm Brenntag Biosector for more than £60m last year. Biosector was founded in 1939, and is a specialist manufacturer and supplier to the human and veterinary vaccine market. Croda has bases in both Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge, near Goole, and is currently embarking on an exciting

growth plan. Steve Foots, chief executive at Croda, said of the deal: “Biosector is a rare asset, in a high value, fastgrowing sector of the global pharmaceutical market. “With an experienced high-quality team, Biosector brings worldclass protected technologies and industry-leading manufacturing facilities.”

All under control Fast-growing Hull software company APD Communications was bought for an undisclosed sum by global IT giant NEC in January. APD, which supplies control room software to emergency services and airports, enjoyed a strong 2018 as turnover increased to more than £9m, and operating profits soared by close to a third.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

ise our global expansion plans and enable us to deliver a strengthened proposition of additional products and services. “It is also really exciting for our people, who will benefit from greater career and development opportunities from becoming part of a global technology leader employing 100,000 people across the world.”

It is hoped the purchase will provide APD with further investment which will boost innovation and future growth. Mike Isherwood, managing director of APD, said: “Becoming part of the NEC family will provide the investment and resources to real-

A powerful player Energy giant Drax forked out more than £700m last year to buy Scottish Power’s gas and hydro power stations. The country’s biggest power station has said it expects the portfolio, which includes four gas power stations in England, and two hydro schemes in Scotland, will generate profits as high as £110m in 2019. Drax is currently pushing forwards with its move away from coal power, ahead of the Government’s deadline of 2025. Will Gardiner, chief executive officer of Drax Group, said: “I am excited by the opportunity to acquire this unique and complementary portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable generation assets. “It’s a critical time in the UK power sector. As the system transitions towards renewable technologies, the

demand for flexible, secure energy sources is set to grow.”

William Jackson’s deal is food for thought William Jackson Food Group had a busy 2018. After selling Aunt Bessie’s for more than £200m, the business added to new businesses to its portfolio. Within weeks of the major deal, William Jackson Food Group confirmed the purchase of Lancashirebased ingredients supplier Wellocks. Wellocks employs almost 500 people, and has a client base which includes some of the country’s top chefs. Later in 2018, William Jackson also bought London headquartered luxury ingredients firm Belazu. Norman Soutar, chief executive of the William Jackson Food Group, said: “The strategic sale of Aunt Bessie’s has enabled us to redefine the group for the next phase of its growth. “The group has been around for 167 years and has changed significantly during that time, and with each change our family shareholders have taken a longterm view to ensure a robust business remains in place for future generations.”

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Business N ews in brief

Tom Kay has launched Melody Tuition in Hull

Hull hot tub firm scoops top awards

A Hull hot tub retailer has scooped eight awards at two prestigious ceremonies. Outdoor Living, which also has a base in Leeds, won six accolades at the Jacuzzi Awards, and two at the BISHTA (The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) awards. Awards included Showroom of the Year for both its Hull and Leeds sites, Best Holiday Park Installation and Best Dealer (UK). A Best Consumer Installation was also awarded after the fitting of a second-hand hot tub at a brand-new home in Hessle. Paul Margerison, sales director at Outdoor Living, said: “The hot tub was delivered to site and craned in to what would become the basement of the property then wrapped up securely while it took two years for the house to be built on top”.

Hull

Scarborough

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Cleethorpes

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PETROL STATION, MOTOR SERVICING & REPAIRS AND FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

RESTAURANT AND BAR

• Scope for More with Full Time Working Owners • Superb 60 Cover Restaurant & 40 Cover Function Room • Worked in Sensible Hours Over a Six Day Week • Fantastic Location. Genuine Reason for Sale • Weekly Turnover £5,000 to £6,000 • REF 557907. EPC Band E. • Business £49,950

North Yorkshire

Barton Upon Humber

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• 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

Band members launch an industry advice company

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 £70,000

West Yorkshire - Re-Locatable

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT (46 COVERS)

• 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 £39,950

Hull

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

Tuning up a music career

Hull musician has launched a new business which aims to help the city’s up and coming artists avoid pitfalls in the industry. Tom Kay and his partner Emily Render have founded Melody Tuition in Wincolmlee, and are on a mission to pass their expertise and knowledge onto fellow musicians in Hull. Both members of Hull-based band The Broken Orchestra, and graduates of the British Institute of Modern Music, the duo have learnt from some of the very best in Britain. Tom will handle the guitar tutoring, song writing and industry-based section of the business, with Emily heading up the singing lesson side. The Hull musician said: “I have been teaching guitar since I graduated from university in 2016, so the idea was to start something new and to go at it from a different angle. “There are a lot of places you can go for music lessons, so we are keen to go down a different line with the industry advice. “It is quite easy to release music these days, with the internet and all the different platforms that are available, but it is knowing how to do it properly to get music out there. “It could be advice on how to arrange

a music tour, or if you have been offered a contract, but want a second pair of eyes to make sure there is nothing in there that will hinder you further down the line.” Tom and Emily both gained advice from some of the country’s biggest names in music while studying in Manchester, including Guy Garvey, KT Tunstall, and Mike Joyce, of The Smiths. Tom later started his own record label, Black Canvas Records, in 2016, to both release his own music and help others. The new business now aims to help others follow in his footsteps and launch a successful career in music. He said: “I had a lot of people asking me for advice on how to make it in the music industry, and it’s not the easiest thing to explain in a pub or bar, so that’s where the idea came from to launch the business. “It is about how to approach people as an artist. There is a bit more to it than just saying ‘I have a band, can we have a gig?’” Melody Tuition also offers traditional music lessons in vocal, guitar bass and songwriting. For more information on the lessons, and to find out about how they can help, visit www.melodytuition.co.uk