Hull Business Editions January 2019

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

BUSINESSWOMAN ‘SHOCKED BUT DELIGHTED’ TO RECEIVE AN OBE page 2

AEROSPACE FIRM IS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR YOUNG TALENT

AFTER A YEAR OF CHAOS FOR RAIL, WHAT DOES 2019 HAVE IN STORE?

page 3

page 5

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

SEAFOOD GIANT NETS £17m PROFIT

Fishing and seafood giant Andrew Marr International is based in Hessle

Fishing and seafood giant Andrew Geograph

BUSINESS INVESTS HEAVILY IN FISH-CATCHING OPERATIONS By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Historic family-owned fish and seafood giant Andrew Marr International netted almost £17m of profit last year.

The business, headquartered in Hessle, has invested heavily in its fish-catching operations, including taking delivery of a new vessel built in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Andrew Marr International, one of the region’s biggest and most successful companies, reeled in profits of £16.9m in the year up to March 31, 2018 – up from £15.5m.

The family business’s main activities lie in fish trading and processing, fishing, vessel

progress across all of our businesses.

“The group continues to invest in its fish catching operations in the UK. “The majority of catches are landed into UK ports, and the group’s fishing vessels use UK ports for support services.

“The group has taken delivery of a new fishing vessel built in Whitby, and will start construction of another in autumn to be built in Scotland.”

Turnover at Andrew Marr International also soared, from £527.7m in 2017 to £590.5m.

The business now employs more management and food storage. accounts: “The board is pleased than 300 people, and trades under a Alexander Marr, a director at to report that the year to March 31, number of subsidiaries. the company, said in recently filed 2018, was another year of further Turn to Page 2

Juergen Maier

Siemens UK boss is given CBE honour

Siemens UK chief executive Juergen Maier has been awarded with a CBE in the 2019 New Year’s honours list.

The German-born business leader moved to the UK in 1974, and went on to study engineering in Nottingham.

He became CEO of Siemens’ UK operations in 2014, and has overseen the business through an exciting period in the country.

Mr Maier took to social media after being named on the honours list.

He said: “My thanks to the entire Siemens UK and Made Smarter UK teams for the work we do, to stay focused and responsible in creating jobs, investment, diversity and society value for the UK. “Very proud of the work we do together. Thanks for all your very kind messages.”

Siemens UK also tweeted congratulations to its chief.

The business, which operates its wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Hull and will build a train factory in Goole, said: “Delighted that our UK CEO Juergen Maier has been awarded CBE. Juergen is a proactive voice for UK manufacturing and has helped bring high-skilled jobs and investment to the UK.”

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

Business N ews

Local businesswoman named in honours list ‘SHOCK AND DELIGHT’ AT RECEIVING AN OBE

Deb Oxley received an OBE in the 2019 New Year’s honours list

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

Fishing giant nets nearly £17m profit From Page 1

They include J. Marr Seafoods Ltd, fish import and distribution specialist Fastnet Fish and storage company AJK. Directors said the group’s Fastnet business had fared well in the 2017-18 year, despite “challenging trading conditions”.

Mr Marr said: “The business continued to expand its product range in the period, and is well positioned in the future.

“In our exports market, J. Marr Seafoods also continued to extend its range of frozen commodities, and to open up new markets, offering the best value fish, meat and poultry to Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our Marrfish business sources and delivers prime-quality seafood to premier eating outlets in London and the Home Counties, and developed well in the period.

“We believe that Marrfish represents a growth opportunity for the group, and look forward to further developing this business in the future.”

Andrew Marr International was, last June, named in one of the 25 biggest businesses in Hull and the East Riding.

The group ranked fifth in the list, behind other giants including Drax, Croda and Cranswick.

The fish and seafood company’s profit before tax last year stood at £22.3m.

ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS HULL www. accountingsolutionhull. com Call us on 01482 656148.

WALTON & CO ACCOUNTANTS Need help with self assessment?

Tel: 01482 223435

A

businesswoman who played a key role in marketing the Humber region as an Energy Estuary has received an

OBE. Deb Oxley, who is now chief executive at the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) in Melton, also previously worked at internet giant KCOM. Her tireless work to promote the Humber saw her business, thinkingplace, partner with the Bondholders to develop the messaging of the region as a powerhouse for energy.

Ms Oxley said she was “in shock, but delighted” to have been named in the 2019 New Year’s honours list.

She said the OBE “recognises the successful collaborative approach of the EOA team, board and members in our work to mainstream employee ownership”.

“I also feel it recognises the increased importance and relevance of employee ownership at a regional economic level, especially for SME and family-owned businesses, and am hopeful it will help the EOA to enter into even more courageous conversations with politicians and business leaders about how to deliver better business in the UK,” Ms Oxley said.

The businesswoman has received her OBE for services to Employee Ownership and Social Enterprise.

The EOA represents organisa-

tions which are either already employee-owned, or are transitioning into employee ownership across the country.

Examples of employee-owned businesses in the Yorkshire region include Lush, the John Lewis Partnership and the City Health Care Partnership.

In 2017, Ms Oxley led the UK’s largest independent national inquiry into employee ownership, which involved a panel of more than 20 UK business organisations.

This included the LEP Network, Federation of Small Business, British Chambers of Commerce and Institute of Directors, and gathered evidence from more than 100 employee-owned businesses and those who advise them.

The findings of the report are now supporting future business growth and engagement.

Simon Fowler, who chairs the EOA and is director of communications at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “I am thrilled to hear

Small firms struggling to find the right talent Almost two thirds of the region’s small businesses have admitted struggling to find suitable candidates to fill roles.

The alarming talent shortage has been revealed following research carried out by Be The Business, a campaign to boost performance.

It found 63 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find it hard to get their hands on the talent they are

after, and more than a third had lost staff they would like to have kept.

Tony Danker, chief executive at Be The Business, said: “For years the solution to growth for many small firms was to hire more people.

“With the labour market tighter than ever, SMEs increasingly don’t have that option and are going to have to look at how they can inspire and motivate

the employees they have.

“Our research shows that, even when the right staff are recruited, employee engagement is a difficult area.

“Training and retainment are crucial, yet many small business managers struggle to find the resources and tools to make this meaningful within their companies.

“We’ve developed free, new online tools and advice to help.”

the news of Deb’s well-deserved honour.

“Deb has led the EOA, which represents employee-owned organisations across the UK, increasing the association’s influence throughout the UK with politicians and business leaders, and will continue to do so to meet an ambitious new target to achieve three million UK employee owners by 2030.”

The employee-ownership sector has grown by more than 10 per cent for each of the past five years.

3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

BAE is looking for almost 700 apprentices in 2019

Aerospace firm is on the lookout for young talent BAE LOOKS FOR APPRENTICES TO TRAIN AT ITS BROUGH SITE By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

A

pprenticeships are up for grabs at the region’s biggest aerospace company as BAE hunts for young talent to join its Brough site.

The aerospace giant has advertised a number of roles at its East Yorkshire base, including engineering technicians and businessfocused apprenticeships.

It comes as BAE announces plans to recruit almost 700 apprentices across the UK this year.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive at BAE Systems, said: “We are proud to be one of the UK’s largest employers of apprentices and our plan to recruit almost 700 apprentices this year reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and developing high-end skills for the future.

“With technology becoming ever more advanced and integrated in the workplace, it is crucial that we train the next generation of engineers and business leaders to develop the nec-

essary skills which will be needed to drive innovation, solve complex challenges and build on our position as one of the UK’s most innovative and productive companies.”

Apprenticeships will start in September, giving young people the chance to combine full-time employment with studying for an industry-standard qualification.

BAE Systems invests about £90m every year in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK, and has around 2,000 apprentices in training across its UK businesses at any time.

The majority of BAE Systems’ apprentices train for engineering related roles and undergo a three to four-year training programme, with many progressing to study bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The business also offers direct entry onto new degree apprenticeships.

Prime Minister Theresa May welcomed news of BAE’s apprenticeship hunt.

She said: “I’m delighted that BAE Systems is taking on even more apprentices in 2019, with 700 young

people being given the opportunity to kick-start their careers in this world-class firm.

“Britain’s businesses have a hugely important role to play in training the next generation and themselves benefit by attracting diverse talent and improving their skills base.

“Through our modern Industrial Strategy we will encourage even more partnerships to create highquality jobs across the UK.” At Brough, a degree apprentice-

ship is also being offered, giving a young person the chance to become a software engineer.

The four-year programme will give someone the chance to learn on the job, equipping them with all the skills they need to pursue a career in the industry.

■■ All the apprenticeships up for grabs at Brough can be found by visiting baesystems.gti.co.uk/Vacancy/ Search/PreLogonSearchPosted Criteria.asp

Expert warns local farmers about impact of pollution An agricultural expert is warning local farmers about the risks of pollution, after figures revealed 50 environmental incidents have occurred in the region in the past decade.

Environmental Agency figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, showed more than one in ten waste and water pollution incidents (11 per cent) in England took place in Yorkshire and Humberside over a ten-year period.

Farm pollution incidents can have a devasting impact on wildlife, ecosystems and, in some cases, human health.

Thomas Jones, an executive at Farmers & Mercentile Insurance Brokers, is worried too many farmers are unaware of how destructive farm pollution can be to the environment.

He said: “What many farmers don’t realise is that the latest sentencing guidelines mean they could be slapped with unlimited fines, or up to five years in prison, if found responsible for a pollution breach.

“Couple this with the fact that the Environment Agency is pushing for farmers who damage the environment to lose their government grants, and you have a situation which many farmers simply could not recover from.

“In summary, farmers’ businesses are being put in serious jeopardy because of carelessness.

This is not a risk any farmer should be willing to take.”

Jones warned that, while insurance may cover the cost of any clean-ups, it is not available to cover the cost of substantial fines imposed when farmers do not comply with the law.

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

Business N ews APD Communications

PICTURE: Neil Holmes

Di Garbera receiving her award from Fabian Hamilton MP

International award winner ‘grateful’ for nominations The Hull-based winner of an international business award has thanked the people who nominated her for the accolade.

Di Garbera, a director at Golding Computer Services, was put forward by companies in the region for the quality and flexibility of the training courses which had made a “real difference” to their businesses.

Di scooped the title of Tutor of the Year at the International Association of Bookkeepers’ (IAB) Awards held at Westminster Palace in London.

The IAB is a membership organisation which provides support and services to bookkeepers, accountants and finance professionals.

Di said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to win the award, and so grateful to the clients who nominated me.

“I can honestly say that the most important part of it is taking the opportunity to get some recognition for our business and to raise awareness of the training courses, because it can be difficult to persuade employers to make time for training.

“We work hard to make them aware of the opportunities provided by funding and distance learning, which enable them to improve their businesses without having to commit huge amounts of time and money.

“Winning this award helps us get that message across and will hopefully build confidence among businesses that their computerised accounting training is in safe hands.”

Over the years Di has trained hundreds of people aged from 14 to 66 mainly in the Hull and Humber region and also as far away as Chester, Kent and Scotland.

Most of the trainees come from small businesses with fewer than 50 staff, and they benefit from Golding’s success in securing funding and from Di’s expertise and dedication with distance learning.

Software specialist poised for growth as profits soar APD Communications supplies almost 70% of police forces By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

P

rofits and turnover at a Hull company that specialises in software to support emergency services across the country have

soared.

APD Communications, which now has its life-saving software used by almost 70 per cent of UK police forces, saw turnover rise to £9.3m in the year ending September 30, 2018 - up from £8.6m.

The software specialist also saw its operating profits increase by a third, and said it was “confident of further growth” in coming years.

Mike Isherwood, managing director at APD, said in recent accounts: “We have now completed the first of our three-year balanced business plan, and the implementation of our UK and international strategies have begun to provide tangible results.

“In the UK, we have continued to perform by delivering projects for a number of new UK police force contracts, which have further solidified our UK market dominance.

“We have continued to win new UK police contracts through the Kent and Essex police single supplier framework.”

APD Communications scooped the Medium Business of the Year Award at the 2018 Hull Daily Mail Business Awards in November.

As well as working with police forces across the UK, APD has also supplied its technology to the London Underground and Gatwick Airport.

Outside of the UK, it has secured contracts with hospitals and police forces in Sweden, and helps keep the world’s busiest international passenger airport, in Dubai, moving.

“In our international markets, our channel partner in the UAE secured a contract that was deliv-

ered within the financial year,” Mr Isherwood said.

“We also won a significant deal through a new channel partner in the Middle East for delivery next financial year.

“Sweden has continued to provide steady revenue for us, and we are finalising negotiations with a major European partner in a neighbouring country.”

APD Communications has seen its profits and turnover soar

APD said its “focus on winning new business” and “long-term customer retention” had created a healthy order book, and it was confident of growth in the coming years.

During the year up to September, the software company also saw its staff base rise to almost 100, as it continues to recruit talent from across the city.

5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business

A year of chaos for rail network BUT WHAT DOES 2019 HAVE IN STORE?

By philip winter

from fruitful, leading to continuous strikes from conductors.

Hull’s service to Scarborough – In many ways, 2018 turned via places such as Cottingham and out to be a year to forget for Beverley – has, at times, been hard hit.

Strikes have hit Northern every Hull’s rail network.

The first quarter of the Saturday in December, with evening year was dominated by the services the worst affected.

Disruption to two of Hull’s main dreaded “Beast from the East”, as train companies struggled to cope with the operators – Northern and Hull Trains – have put the city in the spotlight for the extreme weather conditions.

In March, Hull Trains was found wrong reasons.

Fresh calls were made earlier this to have one of the highest rates for delays and cancellations of any route in year for electrification of the line between Hull and Selby; a move which Britain.

More than one in five services were was controversially scrapped back in severely affected in the month, spark- 2016.

Transport for the North boss Barry ing anger from commuters between White admitted train performance Hull and London.

Hull MP Diana Johnson has been a across Yorkshire had “not been good harsh critic of Hull Trains on several enough” this year, and said future changes “must put passengers at the occasions this year.

In June, she accused the operator of heart of decision making”.

The “new year, new start”, mantra being “in meltdown” over its turbulent start to 2018, and went as far as to looks like it could get off to a rocky start, say it was “not fit for the route down to as Union RMT has already released strike dates for Northern Rail conducLondon”.

Hull Trains responded, saying tors.

Workers will strike on every problems earlier in the year had been Saturday in January, it has been rectified. announced, with almost For a period, that proved to no trains running after be true. The summer months 5pm. saw significantly less disIt comes after the ruption for Hull Trains RMT caused misery passengers. for commuters with In August, managing How can a series of similar director Louise Cheesepassengers be strikes throughout man said her team had treated like this?

December. “worked tirelessly” to turn Saturday, Decemthings around and deliver a MP Diana Johnson ber 22 marked the 41st consistent service. day of strike action, in The summer perwhat has been a two-year formance, unfortunately, did not last, and the final dispute between the union and rail quarter of the year saw chaos returned operator.

On the Hull Trains front, the comto the rails.

On one day in mid-October, Hull pany will be hoping the start of 2019 Trains was unable to put a service on brings better fortune than it endured the tracks, with all four of its fleet out of for parts of 2018.

A light at the end of the tunnel is in action.

Problems continued throughout the sight for Hull Trains though, with November and into December. Ms its £60m fleet of new high-tech Hitachi Johnson admitted at the time she did trains set to be rolled out later in 2019.

Hull Trains has said the new trains not think parent company, First Group, was giving enough support to the will increase its fleet from the current four, to five, with an extra 20 per cent struggling operator.

Just this month, after she herself seating capacity on each.

It has pledged faster, more comfortendured a “nightmare journey” from London to Hull, she fired shots at Hull able journeys for passengers, with the Trains by saying the situation was possibility of shorter journey times to London. “really not good enough”.

After a torrid 2018 for passengers “How can passengers be treated like in Hull, it is time to cross fingers for a this?” she asked.

Northern Rail also had more than its brighter 2019. Hull’s image of being “out on a limb” has lingered too long. fair share of disruption during 2018.

Ongoing talks between union RMT It is time to change that, and the rail and the operator have appeared far network needs to play a starring role. philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

H

An artist’s impression of the new Hull Trains

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

Business N ews Oliver Barrett, right, receives his Seal of Excellence award

From left, sales manager Trina Henderson, site co-ordinator Amy Barrett, managing director Mark Barrett and site manager Olly Barrett

Housebuilder celebrates landmark EAST YORKSHIRE COMPANY MARKS 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

By philip winter

HULL DAILY MAIL WEDNESDAY 2ND JANUARY 2019 FULLY LICENSED CAFÉ BAR, COFFEE SHOP & ICE CREAM PARLOUR

AUDIO / VISUAL AND EVENT PRODUCTION COMPANY

• Monopoly Position - Well Populated Village • Worked In Five Lunches and Five Teas • Retirement Sale After Many Years • Detached Three Bedroom Bungalow • Weekly Turnover £1,500 • Net Profits £30,351 • REF 557657. EPC B and E • Business and Property £329,950

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE WITH FULL LOTTERY • 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 B and D. • Business £200,000

• Ultra-Modern Coffee Shop Seating Up to 80 People • Run Entirely By Staff • Scope to do so Much More Here • Showing Net Profits Adjusted to £49,000 • Annual Turnover £188,349 • REF 581888. EPC B and B. • Business £69,000

• 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 B and D. • Business £75,000

North Lincolnshire

Scarborough

Bridlington

West Yorkshire - Re-Locatable

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

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT (46 COVERS)

• 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

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

FISH & CHIPS SHOP

North Yorkshire

Hull

HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE, COUNTER NEWS WITH FULL LOTTERY

• Densely Populated Student Area • Run Mainly By Staff • Seating for 16 Customers • AN EXCELLENT BUY • Weekly Turnover £3,300 • REF 581536. EPC B and C. • Business £39,950 Hull

VEHICLE UPHOLSTERS AND OUTER COVERS • Well Established Concern • Retirement Forces this Reluctant Sale • Easily Re-Locatable • Showing £83,416 Adjusted Net Profits • Annual Turnover £358,685 • REF 557702. EPC B and E • Business £75,000 West Yorkshire

• Well Established Concern PRIME POSITION • Oozing Potential for So Much More • Highly Profitable Concern • Priced to Sell Due to Other Business Commitments • Weekly Turnover £7,500 plus Lottery, Paypoint, Parcels & ATM • REF 581652. EPC B and F. • Business £39,950 Filey

To find out more about these fantastic opportunities visit www.ernest-wilson.co.uk

T: 0113 238 2900 E: info@ernest-wilson.co.uk W: ernest-wilson.co.uk The Business Centre, Deanhurst Park, Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS27 7LG TRIED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1956

work on the Shepherds Rest site but have already had enquiries from potential buyers, demonstrating the n East Yorkshire house- reputation we have for quality and builder which laid its first excellence,” Mr Barrett said.

Mark Barrett launched Risby Homes foundations in Beverley in 1993 recently celebrated 25 with a vision to create high-quality, tailored houses across the region. years of business.

He brought with him years of Risby Homes specialises in bespoke developments, and has built houses in experience in the construction sector.

Today, Mark’s son, Olly, and places including Hessle, Cherry Burdaughter, Amy, are both part of the ton, Walkington and Little Weighton.

The company, launched by Mark award-winning Risby Homes team, Barrett more than two decades ago, which has created everything from apartments to executive family homes. also picked up an award this year for Risby’s first development was its Westcote Farm developeight two-bedroomed houses ment in South Cave. in Old Beck Court, Beverley.

Mr Barrett spoke of Among the recognihis pride at seeing tion Risby has received Risby Homes reach are several prestigious the 25-year landWe are very proud of Pride in the Job awards mark. the homes we have from the National He said: “We are built over the past House Building Council very proud of the (NHBC). homes we have 25 years Most recently, Olly was built over the past 25 awarded the prestigious years.

Mark Barrett Seal of Excellence at this “We started in Bevyear’s Pride in the Job awards erley and it seems fitting for his work as site manager at that, as we celebrate our anniversary, we are preparing to build in Westcote Farm.

Now in its 38th year, the Pride in the the town once again, as we have done Job awards celebrate the exceptional several times over the years.”

Risby Homes recently started work contribution site managers make on its largest development to date in in creating homes of outstanding Beverley – a 73-house complex of two, quality.

More than 16,000 site managers three and four-bedroom homes at Shepherds Rest, on the southern edge across the UK were eligible for the award, with only 140 winning the Seal of the town.

“We have only just started ground- of Excellence. philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

A

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

YOUR MONEY POUND NOTES

Mum knows best when it comes to finance tech MOTHERS ‘MORE LIKELY THAN FATHERS TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO USE MONEY MANAGEMENT APPS’ Mums are more likely to instigate conversations about finances with their children, and rely on technology to facilitate this, according to new research from Fidelity International.

Some 28% of the mothers surveyed are happy to speak to their children about money management, compared with 19% of dads. In addition, 76% of mums are prepared to encourage children to use money management apps as part of their financial education, compared with 64% of fathers.

HOUSE DEPOSITS AND HIGH RENTS force ADULTS and partners TO MOVE BACK IN with PARENTS A quarter of ‘boomerang’ adults who move back into their parents’ home with their partner in tow, do so in order to save for a house deposit. For a further 12% however, the move was made because they could no longer afford their rent.

As for the parents whose adult children – and their partners – are moving back in, less than a third (30%) charge rent, with the average monthly payment standing at £115.60.

Partners are even less likely to pay rent, with less than a fifth (18%) being charged for staying with their partner’s parents. The average rent charged to them is £109.90.

SHOPPERS WARNED OF RISKS OF LEAVING VALUABLES IN CAR The AA is warning people shopping during the festive sales to remember not to leave valuables in their car. It says many retailers will be happy to let customers leave their items to collect later, rather than make repeated trips back to their car.

The AA also suggests that people should not leave their shopping bags where they can be seen in their car – and also to keep receipts separate so that, if the worst should happen, consumers have a record of what is missing.

Financial fact: Personal loan rates have been on the increase – just as households start to feel the squeeze from Christmas debts. The average rate advertised on a £7,500 loan over five years stood at 4.8% in December – the highest level since 2016, according to analysis from financial information website Moneyfacts.co.uk

Don’t be fooled by false economies

S

ometimes, in the quest to save money, we can end up spending more than we would have done in the first place.

Seven in 10 people say they have fallen for false economies in the past, with a fifth admitting they do so at least once a month, according to a report by TopCashback.co.uk, with fear of missing out on a good deal cited as one of the most common reasons for doing so.

Convenience and a lack of time were also among the most likely causes of falling for a false economy, while one in six (16%) of the people surveyed said they were reeled in because they found it hard to work out the maths when weighing up whether something was a good deal or not. A further 16% felt “tricked” by retailers and providers into thinking they were making the best decision.

So how can we avoid paying more for what initially seemed like a bargain?

Here are some of TopCashBack. co.uk’s top tips...

Don’t buy cheaply if you’ll end up paying more Buying cheap items – whether it’s cheap shoes, cheap paint or even cheap toilet roll – may seem like a saving, but if the product doesn’t last and you end up having to replace the item regularly, it becomes a false economy.

When shopping, weigh up the quality of an item before getting enticed by a cheap price tag.

Pay more than the minimum off on debts Although it’s tempting to put something expensive on a credit card and then pay off the minimum

It can be difficult to work out if a supermarket offer is really a good deal

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’re saving money, when really you’re wasting it. Vicky Shaw finds out how to dodge ‘bad’ deals Do your research and take time to work out the best course of action

balance each month, you often end up paying a lot more for it because of interest charges.

Unless you have an interest-free credit card, it’s always best practice to pay off your credit card balance in full each month.

Don’t scrimp on insurance Whatever the insurance – travel, boiler breakdown or life – going without insurance can cost you a lot more in the long run.

Although insurance payments may seem unnecessary when everything is working fine, the moment something goes wrong, you’ll be thankful.

Be aware when bulk-buying It’s tempting to stock up on ‘special offers’ to avoid paying more later on.

However, if your bulk buys are going to end up shoved to the back of the

Think about DIY carefully Trying to do something around the house yourself, whether it’s putting up shelves or doing some plastering, may seem like a cheaper way to get things done, but can cost a hefty amount if you end up having a mishap.

Before you get stuck in, make sure you have the right tools and the know-how, and if you don’t, it’s probably worth getting in a professional.

Be savvy in the supermarkets Supermarket shopping can be fraught with false economies.

TopCashback’s research found people are particularly likely to make false economies when buying cupboard for months, they may end food products and groceries. When up going out of date by the time you browsing the aisles, think about get around to digging them out whether it’s worth buying a bigger again. packet that costs slightly less, if the Or if you forget you have them, items are going to go to waste you may end up buying duplicates. anyway.

Loyalty points and reward cards Remember to complain could help to cut the cost of your If you buy a product that turns out shop. And try to avoid shopping to be faulty or doesn’t deliver in the when you’re feeling hungry or tired, way you expected, make a complaint which could make you more likely to or try to get your money back, rather pile up your trolley, just so you can than just grumbling to family and get out of the store. friends.

Letting the item take up space Do your research around the house, or simply Take the time to research what a accepting the fault is basically good deal really is, rather than chucking money away. spontaneously investing in items.

Contacting the company, TopCashback’s research suggests Tweeting the customer service team many people find it hard to work out or going in store can go a long way the maths when weighing up an towards getting some (or all) of your offer, so doing some research money back, or money off your next beforehand may help. purchase.

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2019

Business N ews ‘UK is making great progress in switching to clean energy’ Ørsted managing director Matthew Wright said the UK was making “great progress” in transitioning to green energy, as a major landmark for offshore wind was reached.

More than 2 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power went operational in UK waters during 2018 – enough to power more than 2.3 million homes all year round. Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind, completed construction of two new offshore wind farms in 2018, and was responsible for almost 60 per cent of the new capacity coming online.

Mr Wright said: “The UK is making great progress in decarbonising its electricity system, smashing records in coal-free generation last year,

There is a growing skills shortage in the construction sector

‘Awards can help tackle stigma faced by sector’ CONSTRUCTION FIRMS URGED TO NOMINATE YOUNG TALENT By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Matthew Wright, MD at Ørsted largely thanks to a growth in renewables, and continuing the transformation this year with record growth in offshore wind.

“At Ørsted, we are playing a leading role, and investing billions of pounds to help the UK reach its carbon reduction targets.

“This year, we completed construction of two major offshore wind farms, including Walney Extension, the biggest in the world, and we’re now constructing Hornsea One off the Yorkshire Coast which, at around double the size, will take the title in 2020.

“Rapid growth in this clean-tech industry is set to continue as we work with the Government to finalise an offshore wind sector deal, which could mean that, by 2030, one third of the UK’s electricity could come from offshore wind.”

C

onstruction firms in Hull are being urged to tackle stigma in the industry by entering their best young talent into the Top 30 Under 30 awards.

The sector has hit the headlines on a number of occasions this year, perhaps most prominently when construction slipped out of the top ten most popular careers for young people.

Simon Jones, founder of the Top 30 Under 30 awards, is now challenging construction companies to nominate young employees who could “dispel the negatives” surrounding the industry.

The awards, which will take place next April, will highlight 30 of the most exciting young employees from across Hull and the East Riding.

There is now less than a month to go to enter people for the awards, as the deadline of January 18 looms.

Mr Jones said: “Since we launched the awards for a second year, we have had a really good response.

“What has been particularly good is the amount of new organisations looking to get involved.

“We demonstrated last year that we can provide real value to the companies that take part, and many of them are supporting us again.

“The sector that interests me most this year is the construction sector.

“We had one person last year, and that was a maintenance role rather than construction in its traditional form.

“It would be great to have some faces that can represent the industry and dispel the negatives around the roles.”

The 2018 Top 30 Under 30 list included names from businesses such as ABP, MKM, The One Point, Smith & Nephew and Victoria Plum. com Winners in 2019 will not only make the prestigious Top 30 Under 30 list, but will also earn themselves a place on the LEAP programme, giving them the chance to learn from some of the region’s biggest names in business.

Mr Jones said talks were ongoing with the police and NHS, in a bid to secure some nominations from public sectors.

He said the awards provided a perfect platform for industries to shine.

Simon Jones, founder of the Top 30 Under 30 awards

“We want to tackle the stigmas that industries face. In construction, for example, we think it is all lowpaid and low-skilled jobs, and that is just not the case.

“I would like to represent these groups a bit more. I think these awards are perfect for the construction sector, because it has stigmas to tackle.

“The industry has lots of skilled people who are heading towards retirement, and at the moment there are not enough young people following on behind them.

“Construction is a big, big part of

business in the region, and we need to see it represented,” he said.

Businesses must enter their chosen employee for this year’s event before the deadline of Friday, January 18.

The employee must be under 30 on December 31, 2018.

The 2019 Top 30 Under 30 list will be revealed in March, before a special awards night to celebrate their achievements will take place at the KCOM Stadium on April 12.

■■ To nominate an employee who you think deserves to make the list, visit www.top30under30.co.uk

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

FIRM GAINS ACCLAIM FOR SMART CITY TECHNOLOGY

LEGAL COMPANY REBRANDS TO MARK LEGACY OF ITS FOUNDER

page 5

page 8

“Refreshingly Local!”

Falkingham & Taylor Vending Ltd Tel: 01482 320600 Fax: 01482 585766 E-mail: sales@ft-vending.com Website: www.ft-vending.com

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Celebrating city’s micro businesses

Smith & Nephew’s new R&D centre in Hessle Road, Hull

MANUFACTURER TO BUY MEDICAL TECH FIRM IN £80M DEAL SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT FROM HULL-HEADQUARTERED BUSINESS

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

Smith & Nephew has agreed to buy an American medical technology firm in a deal that could rise to more than £80m.

The Hull-headquartered medical equipment manufacturer will pay

an initial $50m (£39.6m) to acquire Ceterix Orthopaedics Inc, followed up to $55m (£43.6m) over the next five years.

Ceterix is the developer of a device which helps surgeons repair meniscal tears, an injury found in the knee.

In America, more than a million

meniscal tear operations are carried out every year.

In just 15 to 20 per cent of cases, the meniscus can be repaired rather than removed. The NovoStitch Pro gadget that Ceterix developed hopes to double that number.

Brad Cannon, president of sports medicine at Smith & Nephew, said:

“NovoStitch Pro is an outstanding technology that addresses an unmet clinical need.

“We are excited by the opportunities to take this new option to our customers.

“No other company is better Turn to Page 2

Hull will this week play host to a fifth annual event aimed at promoting and celebrating micro businesses across the country. #MicroBizMatters will take place at The Guildhall in Alfred Gelder Street on Friday and encourages businesses with less than ten employees to give their time to share expertise and advice.

Supported by the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and KCOM, #MicroBizMatters Day 2019 is the only annual day of recognition, action and learning for owners of businesses employing micro businesses, or turning over up to £2m annually.

Organisers of the day, which will run from 9am to 3pm, will host online sessions such as those relating to family businesses, freelance heroes and a section for female micro business owners.

Tina Boden, founder of #MicroBizMatters, said: “We are delighted that Hull, through its work in supporting micro businesses and young entrepreneurs in particular, will be hosting us as part of #MicroBizMatters Day. “Hundreds of thousands of micro business owners – and we really hope it will be one million – will be giving 11 minutes or more of their time to help other micro business owners somewhere in the world.

“The three main areas of focus for #IGave11 minutes of action to help other micro enterprise owners are customers, cash flow and confidence.”

Workshops will cover topics such as late payments, digital taxation and why indie bookkeepers are the best friends of micro business owners.

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Business N ews Manufacturer set to buy US medical firm in £80m deal

Croda’s site in Hull

From Page 1

positioned to support changing clinical practice as the standard for meniscal treatment pivots from resection to repair.”

The NovoStitch gadget allows surgeons to repair a greater range of meniscal tears in the knee.

The product will now be sold through Smith & Nephew’s extensive sports medicine sales team.

The deal between the two companies is expected to be completed early this year, subject to conditions.

When completed, it could be worth more than £80m, representing a huge investment from Smith & Nephew.

John McCutcheon, chief executive at Ceterix, said: “We are proud of the impact our technology has made in developing the meniscal repair market and are excited by the opportunity to reach many more customers and their patients as an integrated part of Smith & Nephew’s extensive sports medicine portfolio.”

Founded in Hull by Thomas James Smith in 1856, Smith & Nephew now has bases across the world.

In America, the manufacturer operates in Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas.

A few months before Mr Smith’s death in 1896, the chemist was joined by his nephew, Horatio Nelson Smith, and the business become known as Smith & Nephew.

In November last year, the company announced it was on track to meet its 2018 target, after a strong third quarter for trading.

The Jackson Street-based business saw revenue soar to £1.03bn in the quarter, and enjoyed great success in its emerging Chinese market.

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital.

Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

Chemicals giant increases its stake in tech company FIRM FURTHER PLEDGES ITS COMMITMENT TO GROWING BUSINESS By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

S

pecialist chemicals giant Croda has increased its stake in a multi-awardwinning tech company.

The East Yorkshire-headquartered FTSE 100 business will remain a minority shareholder in Cutitronics, but has further pledged its commitment to a growing company it first invested in back in 2017.

Cutitronics created a handheld device, CutiTron, which assesses skin health and can apply a product to a specific area.

Dr David Heath, founder of

ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS HULL www. accountingsolutionhull. com Call us on 01482 656148.

WALTON & CO ACCOUNTANTS Need help with self assessment?

Tel: 01482 223435

We are excited to be able to put real pace behind our ambitious plans to grow our team and develop our suite of technologies Dr David Heath, founder of Cutitronics

Cutitronics, said Croda’s support had been “invaluable”.

He said: “Today’s announcement marks a milestone in Cutitronics’ journey.

“We are excited to be able to put real pace behind our ambitious plans to grow our team and develop our suite of technologies.

“The support we have received from Croda to date has been invaluable. Continuing this partnership will assist us in progressing our ambitious plans for 2019 and beyond.”

Croda first invested in Cutitronics in July 2017, becoming a minor shareholder.

The increased stake, announced on January 2, will enable the tech company to develop design updates for its CutiTron device.

The device, which assesses skin health and prepares it for the optimum delivery of the skincare formulation it dispatches, provides users with an in-depth analysis of their skin needs.

Sandra Breene, president of personal care and North America at Croda, said: “To be part of Cutitronics at such an exciting time in its development is wonderful.

“We believe that a novel device such as CutiTron, and the wealth of data around skin care routines and

Croda moved into Hull in 1970 when it bought L&H Holdings

consumer behaviour it will provide, will be invaluable for us in creating innovative, sustainable next generation ingredients for the personal care industry.”

Croda is headquartered in East Cowick, near Goole. It has facilities in Rawcliffe Bridge and in Hull, and is currently investing heavily in its East Yorkshire operations.

Last month, Croda agreed a deal

to buy Danish pharmaceutical business Brenntag Biosector for more than £60m.

Croda is also investing £7m in a new state-of-the-art warehouse in Goole.

Located at the Goole 36 Enterprise Park, the warehouse will become Croda’s worldwide distribution hub for products made at its sites in Hull and Rawcliffe Bridge.

3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews APD provides mission control communications and control solutions used by more than two-thirds of UK police forces

Michelle Bailey

Independent estate agent appoints new lettings boss

Software firm bought by global corporation COMPANY WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE UNDER SAME NAME By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

F

ast-growing Hull software company APD Communications has been bought by part of a global corporation, for an undisclosed sum.

APD, which supplies control room software to emergency services and airports, has announced it has been acquired by Northgate Public Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of global IT giant NEC. The deal comes on the back of a strong 2018 for the business, which saw turnover increase to more than £9m, and operating profits soar by almost a third.

APD will continue to operate under its current name and management team, and staff will remain unaffected.

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: “Joining the NPS team enables us to accelerate our strategic plan and achieve our ambitions.

“The synergy between our prod-

Mike Isherwood, managing director of APD Communications

ucts and customers is really exciting.

Together, we will be stronger and have the resources and capability to provide innovative, market-leading solutions that keep our customers at the forefront of digital public safety delivery.

“Becoming part of the NEC family will provide the investment and resources to realise 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.”

APD is a leading software supplier to the emergency services, public safety and control room markets.

The company provides software used by more than two-thirds of UK police forces, as well as major airports, including Gatwick and Dubai

International, and the London Underground.

NPS is a market leader for policing IT solutions in the UK, with more than 50 per cent of police forces currently using NPS’s crime, custody and intelligence management system, CONNECT, to manage information on victims and crimes.

Bringing together the companies’ technologies has the potential to bring untold benefits to the emergency services and public.

Ian Blackhurst, executive director of safety and health at Northgate Public Services, said: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for us to expand our offer and will bring substantial value to customers of both APD and NPS. “Both companies are very excited about our future together. Our working practices are already very similar so we will be able to start adding value to our solutions straight away.”

APD will continue to be based in Hull following the acquisition.

Founded by two academics from the University of Hull and based at the Newland Science Park, close to the campus, APD has developed cutting-edge digital technology in the city for more than 30 years.

Newly appointed lettings manager Michelle Bailey says she is excited at the prospect of attracting new investors to East Yorkshire, having joined Oscars Estate and Lettings Agency.

Now in its tenth year serving customers across the region who are renting, selling, buying, letting or investing, the family-run business, which has a team of 12 specialist staff, has headhunted Ms Bailey, who has previously worked at a large national chain.

She is now responsible for running the lettings side of the Anlaby-based business, covering the whole of East Yorkshire, and says the chance to work at an independent firm was a massive draw in taking up her new position.

“I have been in the industry for 14 years, specifically in lettings,” Ms Bailey said.

“I started off at entry level by falling into it really, but then I realised it was something that I was good at. I really enjoy the fast-paced nature of dealing with customers and realised I had a talent for it and wanted to progress.

“I have done every role in lettings, which has equipped me with the tools to manage the area of work for a business. It’s hard to drive a business forward and manage staff if you don’t know what they do, but I do.”

Oscars’ managing director Alisdair Bott-Francis said he is thrilled that Ms Bailey has joined the team.

He said: “Michelle is a huge asset to Oscars, with 14 years’ experience in the lettings industry.

“We know her passion and enthusiasm will ensure Oscars further establishes itself as a leading East Yorkshire agency.

“Her knowledge and experience make her a force to be reckoned with and we know our tenants and landlords will be getting a firstclass service under Michelle’s leadership, with the backing of a fantastic team.”

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Business N ews A computer-generated image showing Scott’s Square, which will form part of the residential development in Hull’s Fruit Market

Security firm extends its IT contract with local company Hull-based Shield Security has announced it has extended its IT contract with an East Yorkshire firm for a further five years, securing a 15-year-long relationship.

The deal means Shield, a name which is trusted by some of the region’s biggest businesses, will become Hessle-headquartered Jupiter IT’s longest-serving client.

Phil Mackay, director at Shield Security, said of the new contract: “We strive to create safer environments and that’s down to the bespoke, responsive and personalised services.

“To be able to do so, you need to trust core business functions are taken care of, that is something we’ve always felt Jupiter have done proactively with our IT. “Ultimately, it means we can focus on our business and continually improving the services we offer without the worry of our IT.” Dan Gladstone, director at Jupiter IT, said: “Ultimately, we’ve always been service driven – it’s engrained in our values to do the best for them, ethically and with transparency – and I think that’s testament to the confidence Shield have in us to be their chosen partner for the next five years.

“It’s more than supporting their current systems – we strive to keep everything our clients’ work hard for safe and secure from the many threats out there.

“We feel privileged and are grateful to Phil and his team for having the confidence in us to continue supporting them – as they grow and continually improve, we face new challenges that help us improve, too.”

Jupiter IT was launched in 2007 by three IT consultants from the NHS.

Developer hails 2018 a success as profits soar PROPERTY COMPANY SEES TURNOVER RISE TO £7.7m By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

T

he property developer behind projects including Hull’s Fruit Market transformation and Beverley’s Flemingate shopping centre saw turnover and profits soar last year.

Wykeland Group, which also developed Hessle’s Bridgehead Business Park and recently bought the Melton Park business site, saw turnover rise to £7.7m, up from just under £7m in 2017.

Before exceptional items, pre-tax profit soared from £4m to £7.5m, in what the developer described as “another very successful year for the business”.

In Hull, Wykeland Group teamed up with Beal Homes to lead the redevelopment of the city’s historic Fruit Market area.

Ian Franks, Wykeland Group’s finance director, said: “These results reflect another very successful year for the business.

“Our portfolio is 96 per cent let, with rental income showing encouraging growth and strong demand from blue chip brands to be part of our flagship schemes such as Bridgehead, Meltonwest and @TheDock.

“Excluding Flemingate, underlying group pre-tax profits in the year were £7.5m, compared with £4m the year before, and we are well placed for further growth in coming years.

“We have an exceptionally strong development pipeline, including what will become one of the largest business parks in the Yorkshire and Humber region, following our recent purchase of the Melton Park site in East Yorkshire.”

In 2017, Wykeland Beverley, the subsidiary that operates Flemingate, recorded total losses of more than £7m. That figure has now been slashed to £1.5m.

Mr Franks admitted the value of some assets related to Flemingate had dropped from earlier estimates.

He said, however, the Beverley

Dominic Gibbons, managing director at Wykeland Group

shopping centre was now bucking the national high street trend, and had seen footfall grow by 18 per cent in the last year.

“The bottom line profit figure reflects a write down in the book value of certain assets relating to our Flemingate centre in Beverley, offset by a profit resulting from the reorganisation of the Flemingate debt,” Mr Franks said.

“Despite the weakness of the retail environment nationally, Flemingate is now 95 per cent let, with footfall

growing by 18 per cent year on year.”

Last year also saw the opening of the ergo centre at Hessle’s Bridgehead site, and has also helped pave the way for the £12m Aura Innovation Centre, which will become a hub for the renewable energy sector, to join it at the business park.

Further afield, the developer is also working on the transformation of a former prison site in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, into a retail and leisure space.

5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews Firm gains acclaim for smart city technology Hull COMPANY scoopS AWARD for work done in Newcastle

H

ull-based tech firm Connexin has won a prestigious award for its futuristic transformation of a street in Newcastle.

The business, launched by Hull Collegiate alumni Furqan Alamgir and Alex Yeung in 2006, provided visitors to the north east city with a glimpse into the future last summer, as it showcased the potential of smart cities.

The technology, trialled in Mosley Street in Newcastle, has a range of features, including helping drivers find parking spaces, monitoring traffic levels, analysing air pollution levels and even showing when rubbish bins are full and need emptying.

Connexin fought stiff competition last week to win Smart City Deployment Of The Year at the Internet of Things Breakthrough Awards.

In doing so, the Hull firm joined tech giants such as Samsung, Toshiba, Vodafone and Sony in collecting awards.

Furqan Alamgir, chief executive and founder at Connexin, said: “This award demonstrates our leadership in this space and shows we can

This award demonstrates our leadership in the space and shows we can compete on a global level. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the partners we collaborated with on this project, without whom it would not have been possible Furqan Alamgir, chief executive and founder of Connexin

compete and win on a global level.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the partners we collaborated with on this project, without whom it would not have been possible.

“Smart technologies have now come of age, but the truth is no single organisation can make smart cities happen on its own.

“Governments, businesses, the education sector and citizens need to work together to grasp the opportunity. The sum is way greater than the individual parts.

“This project is a perfect demonstrator of all the parts working together.”

Connexin showed off its smart city technology to people in Newcastle between June and September last year.

Street lighting can also be controlled using the smart city technology, and Connexin believes it could help predict the effect of traffic on road surfaces, in a bid to prevent potholes.

Internet of Things (IoT) Breakthrough is an independent organisation recognising the top companies, technologies and products in the global Internet of Things market.

The Internet of Things is an emerging network, which allows everyday objects such as home appliances, vehicles and buildings to be connected to the internet.

Connexin last year piloted its smart bins in Hull.

The technology lets the relevant council team know when a bin is full, and needs emptying, and when a bin has been damaged or is on fire.

Connexin also last year hosted its smart city event, Connexin Live, at Hull’s Bonus Arena.

Delegates from across the country, and as far away as North America, descended on the event for a glimpse into the future of smart cities.

Connexin is also creating 60 new jobs in Hessle, at its new £5m data centre at the Bridgehead Business Park.

Mosley Street, Newcastle Picture: Tim McGuinness

HULL DAILY MAIL WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019 CAFETERIA, TWO BARS, FISH RESTAURANT, COFFEE SHOP AND CAFÉ

• Superb Position Offers Stunning Sea Views • Retirement Sale After 32 Years • £250,000 Projected Net Profits for YE 2018 • ONE OF THE FINEST BUSINESSES SEEN FOR A LONG TIME • Annual Turnover £1.8 Million • REF 581887. EPC Band D. Business £595,000 East Yorkshire Resort

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

FISH & CHIPS SHOP WITH OUTER SEATING AREA PLUS OWNERS RESIDENCE • Commanding Main Road Trading Position • Only Retirement Forces This Reluctant Sale After 31 Years • Less Than 20 Hours Frying Time per Week • Has Taken Over £5,000 Weekly in the Past • Lovely, Detached Three to Four Bedroom House • Weekly Turnover Approximately £1,850 • REF 581871. EPC Band D. Business & Property, Offers Over £399,950 East Yorkshire

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, GIFTS & STATIONERY

• Retirement Sale After Many Years • Densely Populated Residential Area • Vacant Spacious Two Bedroom Family Accommodation • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND SCOPE FOR MUCH MORE • £12,000 to £13,000 Weekly Turnover • Adjusted Net Profits in Excess £60,000 • REF 557577. EPC Band D. Business and Property, £340,000

• Worked in Very Easy Hours Over a Five and Half Day Week • Bustling Shopping Centre Location • Self-Contained One Bedroom Accommodation • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,500 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £30,005 • REF 581719. EPC Band C. Business and Property £325,000

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. Awaiting EPC Business, Offers Over £150,000

Scarborough

Hull

Cleethorpes

SANDWICH CENTRE • Absolute Prime Location • Highly Profitable Concern • Run Mainly By Staff • Well Fitted Unit with an Abundance of Quality Commercial Equipment • Weekly Turnover £4,568 • REF 581743. EPC Band D. Business Offers Around £64,950 Hull

RESTAURANT AND BAR

TEA ROOM & POTTERY PAINTING PARLOUR (40 COVERS)

• 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

• 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

Barton Upon Humber

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

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Business N ews Group invests millions in the region’s firms Mercia invested £15.7m in Yorkshire and Humber businesses in 2018, up from £14m the previous year, highlighting its role as one of the UK’s most active investors and a key source of funding for regional SMEs. The group supported almost 60 companies during the year, including Hull-based wearable tech firm Moodbeam and video advertising business Ash TV. Mercia, which manages part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, employs 18 staff in the region and has offices in Leeds, Sheffield and Hull.

Mark Payton, chief executive of Mercia Technologies PLC, said: “Regional cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh are increasingly important technology hubs, however venture capital remains heavily focused on London.

“Mercia has offices in all of these locations and as these latest figures show, it is addressing this shortfall by sourcing and backing exceptional businesses across the UK’s regions.

“Building on a successful 2018, I expect Mercia to continue to scale its activities into 2019.”

Jobcentre Hull hosting virtual jobs fair in city Jobcentre Plus Hull has announced it is hosting another of its virtual jobs fairs at the end of the month.

The event, which will take place on Twitter on January 31, will give companies the chance to share vacancies using the power of social media.

It follows on from a successful jobs fair held in August, which saw dozens of jobs advertised by some of the region’s biggest businesses.

Big names including the NHS, McArthur Dean, Sewell-on-the-Go and McDonald’s all took part in the event. Companies were encouraged to post vacancies using the hashtag #virtualjobfair.

Jobcentre Plus Hull, which has now held several of the social media events in the city, also took the opportunity to share roles on behalf of businesses.

The next virtual jobs fair will take place on Thursday, January 31, from 1pm to 3pm. Just search #VirtualJobFair on Twitter during the hours, click ‘Latest’ and follow the jobs, training opportunities, apprenticeships and traineeships as they are posted live.

The Green Port event at the ergo centre at Bridgehead Business Park in Hessle PICTURES: Peter Harbour

Renewables event celebrates region’s ‘green’ businesses ACCOLADES HANDED OUT AT CONFERENCE

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

K

ey players in the region’s booming renewables sector have been celebrated at a “green” conference in Hessle.

Green Port Hull, a hub launched six years ago to promote Hull and the East Riding as a world-leading centre for renewable energy, hosted the event at the ergo centre at the Bridgehead Business Park on December 19.

More than 200 delegates from green businesses across the region attended the event, which also saw accolades handed out to some of the pillars of the sector.

Among those commended were Mark O’Reilly, chief executive at the Team Humber Marine Alliance, and GEV Wind Power, which collected an innovation award.

Mr O’Reilly, who received the Waghorn, who designed the Amy Brand Ambassador gong for his Johnson moths sculptures, five selfwork promoting the Humber’s titled Portaliums were presented at renewables scene, said: “I have been the ergo centre.

Other recipients included GEV involved with Green Port right from Wind Power, recognised for its the start.

“It is an amazing project. The growth through innovation and technology, and Goole-based team have been fantastic, TDL Wind, which was and I am so pleased to commended for its be a part of that. commitment to cre“The Humber is ating a low-carbon now seen very supply chain. much as a blueThe Humber is in the The final two print for growing accolades went an ecosystem in spotlight at the to Enviromail, offshore wind – I moment, and we need for its training really do mean to make sure that and development that. does not change opportunities, and “The Humber is Dr Kirsty Clode. in the spotlight at Mark O’Reilly Dr Clode is chair at the moment, and we the Women into Manuneed to make sure that facturing and Engineering, and does not change.”

Created for the event by award- said: “Before my current role, I used winning local sculptor Saffron to work for BP.

Finbarr Dowling, of Siemens, speaking at the event

“I have always wanted to get more women into engineering roles.

“It has been brilliant to see that ambition being matched by other companies in the region.”

Speakers at the Green Port event included Finbarr Dowling, project director at Siemens, and Emma Toulon, lead stakeholder adviser at Ørsted.

Dawn Hall, project manager at the Green Port Growth Programme, said: “We have just spent six years developing the Green Port Growth Programme, so we wanted to use the day to celebrate some of the achievements of companies, people, and organisations we have supported throughout that time.

“We’re very pleased to have played a small part in helping companies achieve their successes, and made as much as possible from the opportunities presented to them.”

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

YOUR MONEY POUND

Plan your meals for the week and it’ll help you save money

NOTES

NEARLY A THIRD OF BURGLARY VICTIMS ‘HAVE BEEN TARGETED MORE THAN ONCE’ Nearly a third of burglary victims say they have been targeted more than once, a survey by Nationwide Home Insurance has found. Two-thirds (66%) of burglary victims said it happened during the evening or night.

SCAM VICTIMS TO GET MORE POWERS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BANKS’ HANDLING OF CASES Scam victims who have been tricked into transferring money directly to a fraudster will soon have stronger powers to complain about the bank that received the money – not just their More rights for the own bank. victims of a scam The new rules being introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) come into force on January 31.

Under the rule changes, the bank receiving money from a victim of this type of scam, known as authorised push payment (APP) fraud, will have to take the victim’s complaint on if one is made to them about how they are handling the situation.

If, after complaining, the scam victim is still unhappy with the way the receiving bank has handled their case, the new rules will allow them to escalate their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

NEW ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING TECHNOLOGY HELPS PINPOINT SUSPECT ACCOUNTS New anti-money laundering technology which ‘joins the dots’ to make it easier to track the flow of illicit cash through banks and building society accounts has been launched.

The initiative analyses billions of transactions, bringing together payments data from multiple banks to help fraud teams pinpoint potential mule accounts – where people are involved in suspected illegal activities – and see where the money has been siphoned off to.

The technology has been developed by Vocalink, a Mastercard company, and the launch was announced by the faster payments team at Pay.UK, which works to ensure that the systems underpinning banking transactions are safe and resilient.

■■Financial fact: The Bank of England’s gold vaults hold more than 400,000 bars of gold.

Top tips to feed your family on a b udget

W

ith budgets tight after the excesses of the festive season many households may be looking for more ways to reduce mealtime costs.

With a bit of planning, research and forethought, it’s always possible to shave some pennies and pounds here and there.

These top tips, from Anders Nilsson from myvouchercodes.co. uk may just cut the mustard...

Feeling a bit strapped for cash after Christmas?

Vicky Shaw looks at some saving solutions

3

Buy frozen rather than fresh While you might like fresh onions, peppers and vegetables, it can work out cheaper to buy frozen.

And you can use what you need and leave the rest for a later date – meaning there’s less risk of food ending up in the bin.

you’re set on sticking to a brand, why not head to a discount retailer, where you can pick up branded produce for a cheaper price.

7

9

Cook in batches Batch cook meals such as cottage pie, chilli and lasagne and freeze what you don’t eat for another time.

Or make two meals from similar ingredients so you don’t get bored of eating the same meal over a couple of days – for example, by adding kidney beans and chilli powder to leftover bolognese to turn it into a chilli.

Know the difference between ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ dates You don’t always need to Use up leftovers throw food away just Try going into Create a meal plan for and fruit and stores rather than because it’s reached its the week veg best-before date. shopping online On a Sunday evening, set When you’re using Best-before dates By hand-picking out your meal plan for vegetables for a meal, are about quality. If a items yourself, you the week, you can write blend any leftovers may get better use-by product is slightly over this up and stick it on which are still useable its best-before date but dates and you have your fridge, or print off a and turn them into a an easier comparison still looks and smells OK, meal planner template Growing your own soup. it may still be fine to eat, of alternatives if which details what you You can pop any spare herbs is an easy despite not being as fresh something is out of and the family are going to in the freezer and have way to save cash Shop in store as it once was. stock – keeping you eat that week, covering your own instant rather than online within your budget.

Use-by dates, however, breakfast, lunch and homemade soup to hand. Similarly, are about food safety. Foods can be dinner. You’ll be more use leftover fruit to make desserts eaten until the use-by date but not Buy in-season produce likely to stick to a plan and won’t such as pies, sponges and banana after. After the use-by date, the Fruit and veg are much risk running to the shops. bread. food could be contaminated, cheaper when they’re in even if it still looks OK. season, so take advantage Go with a shopping list Do a little research online Scan the cupboards before you of this (often better for For more inspiration, make the Learn to portion sustainability too). head out, and if you’ve got your most of free apps and blogs focused control meal plan set out for the week then on feeding the family on a budget.

Avoid piling plates Pick a store’s own you already know what ingredients too high, which can brand or head to and products you’re going to need.

Grow your own lead to more food discount stores This will stop you from adding From growing fresh herbs on going in the bin.

Don’t be a brand snob unnecessary items into the basket, your windowsill to growing fruit and Start out small and get vegetables in your garden, growing – instead, go for a store’s and double-buying items you through what’s on your own products. These are already have at home. your own can not only save money Buy your fruit often a fraction of the Also, don’t go to the shops when and veg in season plate first, you can always but give you access to the freshest of go back for seconds if price and taste just as you’re hungry – you’ll end up ingredients, as well as teaching the you’re still hungry. good as the well-known brands. If buying treats you don’t need. kids about where food comes from.

10

4

1

5

2

6

8

11

12

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019

Business N ews

Leading audit firm appoints a new partner for city office Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Gwyneth Barber as a new corporate tax partner in its Hull office.

Ms Barber, pictured, is a prominent corporate tax adviser with more than 20 years’ experience acting for regional, national and international businesses.

RSM’s new recruit joins the firm from Grant Thornton in Leeds, and will now work with the existing team in Hull to support its growing client base.

Andy Capes, office managing partner at RSM in Hull, said: “It’s great to have Gwyneth on board.

“The appointment reaffirms our commitment to investing in talent and the local market as we continue to expand our team and office space to ensure we are the go-to firm for mid-tier businesses in the Humber region.”

Ms Barber said of the move: “RSM is a perfect fit for me.

“It offers the opportunity to help shape a growing practice in a dynamic office, and a vibrant business community.

“I look forward to working with Andrew and the team to contribute to the future growth of the firm.”

Ms Barber has experience working in fields including international tax, property tax, shareholder issues, transactions, R&D, employee share schemes, Brexit related planning and supply chain management.

The current team at Robinson’s

PICTURE: Neil Holmes Photography Limited

Legal firm rebrands to mark founder’s legacy defence advocate known as ‘lawyer for the people’ By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

A

Hull solicitors firm has rebranded to celebrate the legacy of its founder, known as being the city’s “lawyer for the people”.

John Robinson founded Robinson’s Solicitors back in 2006, having worked as a defence advocate in the region for almost three decades.

He spent his life working to provide legal aid to the people of Hull who needed it most, before his death in November 2016.

The firm will now simply be known as Robinson’s, and will be accompanied by the slogan “The original Robinson’s Solicitors”.

Mr Robinson’s nephew, Michael, is continuing John’s work at the firm, and is now its managing director.

He said: “My uncle, John, had a big influence on me and that is why I wanted to relaunch the firm to show that we are continuing to uphold his commitment to the fair representation of local people in criminal proceedings.

“We want people to know that if

they are faced with a serious problem, our team of experts are here to give advice on legal rights and options, help with negotiations and paperwork and speak on their behalf in court.

“John was well-known and highly-respected, especially at Hull Magistrates’ Court, where he spent most of his working life.

“He tirelessly sought justice for his clients, supporting the community in their thousands and gaining a reputation as a formidable opponent.

“He may have now passed on, but at Robinson’s Solicitors, we continue to be here for the people of Hull and East Yorkshire when they desperately need someone on their side.”

With a team of four solicitors, Robinson’s takes on cases for those who need legal support but cannot afford the costs.

Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and joined Robinson’s Solicitors soon after.

With John serving as both his teacher and mentor, Michael has developed his own reputation

John Robinson died in 2016

as someone who can work well with people from a variety of backgrounds.

He represents clients in a wide range of cases, from road traffic offences to murder and has extensive experience in cases involving youths and vulnerable people.

Joining Michael on the Robinson’s team are criminal defence solicitor David Robson, who has 30 years’ experience, and specialist criminal defence solicitor Joanna Markham,

who joined the firm in 2012.

Michael said: “The Robinson name is a familiar one in Hull and often our first contact with new clients comes after they simply ask for ‘Robinson’s’.

“We, therefore, hope that our relaunch will help people identify us more easily as the original Robinson’s Solicitors and reassure people that John’s legacy will be upheld for the benefit of the people of Hull and East Yorkshire.”

1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Custom vehicle specialist has big ambition

recruitment drive for saltend firm

page 3

caravan firm competes with ‘the big boys’

page 5

page 6

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

The region’s ports are already seeing an increase in traffic

Hull internet business set for expansion

ABP ready for growth surge

Ports ready for a boost after Brexit By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

The region’s ports are already seeing an increase in traffic due to Brexit, as shipping companies look for alternatives to Dover.

It was estimated last year that as much as a fifth of container trade

from the Port of Dover could move to alternative crossings, if a no-deal Brexit caused chaos at the southern docks.

But, before Theresa May’s Brexit deal was voted on in parliament, the chief executive of Associated British Ports said Humber ports such as Hull and Grimsby are already

seeing an increase in volume.

Henrik Pedersen, chief executive officer at ABP, said:”For ABP, ‘keeping Britain trading’ is a responsibility that we are passionately committed to.

“We are continuing to invest in our people, equipment and capability, so that we have the flexibility and

resilience we need to help UK trade to flow and grow.

“We have already seen volumes begin to rise at our ports on the Humber as customers look for alternatives to Dover. Our ports have been operating to world-class standTurn to Page 2

Fibre network provider MS3 Networks has expanded into Manchester and London, as it continues to branch out from its Hull roots.

The business has seen a surge in demand for its services in recent times and will now be able to deliver its full fibre services to other providers so they can deliver a complete service to the end customer.

The recent investment includes the addition of more internet connectivity into MS3’s network, and added core network equipment in London, Manchester and MS3’s home in Hull.

MS3 managing director Tony Hales said: “It was always in our plans to take presence in London and Manchester, we’ve acted upon a large number of requests for wholesale connectivity at fair, reasonable terms such as available across the rest of the UK and that’s what MS3 aims to provide.”

To coincide with the launch of the new services, MS3 has also launched a brand-new website and sales portal.

The portal, Janus, will be a one-stop portal for wholesale partners to check coverage, quote and place orders while also giving the ability to view provisioning status and raise support tickets.

Businesses interested in obtaining more information can email sales@ms-3.co.uk

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Business N ews Port could attract traffic from Dover From Page 1

ards for many years, we have proved that we are ready to handle new customers’ requirements.

“We want to send a strong message that ABP stands ready to keep Britain trading through Brexit, and we will continue to invest to drive trade and create jobs over the longer term.”

To ensure the Humber’s ports trade smoothly during the Brexit uncertainty, ABP has invested more than £100m in its operations.

Major investments include £50m to increase capacity at container terminals in both Hull and Immingham, and £65m to ensure the future of the steel industry on the River Humber.

ABP is also working to support businesses which have become anxious about the event of a no-deal Brexit and the potential severe disruption this may cause at the Port of Dover.

ABP say its container and ferry facilities on the Humber are capable of helping businesses bypass such disruption, providing regular and reliable links to Europe.

More than 70 sailings every week connect the Humber to a number of destinations across Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Poland.

Stephen Silvester, inward investment manager at East Riding Council, previously said: “As evidenced by ABP’s recent investments in container infrastructure, the Humber Ports are already thriving and have the capacity to handle more trade post-Brexit.

“The Port of Goole, as the gateway to the Humber and the start of the Energy Estuary, is particularly well equipped to support this growth due to its inland position, proximity to the main motorway network and oven-ready employment land such as Capitol Park which has Enterprise Zone status.”

ABP is an important component in the UK’s trading infrastructure, handling almost £150 billion of UK trade across its port network, contributing around £7.5bn to the UK economy and supporting almost 120,000 UK jobs across its supply chains.

Commercial property

expertise across

the Humber Region

SALES & LETTINGS | LEASE ADVISORY | VALUATIONS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | BUSINESS RATES

01482 645522 Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants

www.clarkweightman.co.uk

A full property search is available on our website

Smith & Nephew’s new R&D centre in Hessle Road, Hull

How one Hull business has had a massive impact on world’s well-being

From family pharmacy to a global healthcare giant true to its roots By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

W

hen entering Hull on the A63, it is difficult to miss the home of one of the city’s oldest and most successful businesses.

Today, Smith & Nephew employs around 16,000 people across the world, and has an influence in more than 100 countries, as it strives to improve the lives of medical patients everywhere.

To properly trace the origins of global manufacturing giant

Smith & Nephew is such a well-known name in the city, and for it to have grown from a small pharmacy to a worldwide business is wonderful Mary Glew

Smith & Nephew, however, you have to travel back in time more than 160 years.

It all started with a man called Thomas James Smith.

Thomas opened his own pharmacy in Whitefriargate, Hull city centre, in 1856, specialising in cod liver oil.

When the company’s founder died 40 years later, in 1896, his nephew, Horatio Nelson Smith, took over the management of the business.

It was this single action that would go on to form the name of one of Hull’s most famous businesses.

During his time running the business, Horatio Nelson Smith oversaw the supply of field dressings during the World Wars.

In 1914, Horatio met with an envoy of the French president in London.

The business was awarded a contract to supply £350,000 of surgical dressings within a fivemonth period.

Several years later, in 1928, Smith & Nephew first produced an experimental bandage which would go on to become a house-

hold name – Elastoplast.

Today, Smith & Nephew manufactures world-leading wound management products and other equipment across the health sector.

In 1937, Smith & Nephew was officially incorporated, and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Since then, the company has continued to grow by taking a pioneering approach to supporting healthcare professionals in their daily efforts to improve the lives of patients.

By the late 1990s, the business had expanded from its original roots in Hull into a diverse healthcare giant, with operations across the world.

Just before the turn of the millennium, in 1999, Smith & Nephew was listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Despite its worldwide expansion and rise to become one of the leaders in its field, Smith & Nephew has stood proudly by its Hull roots.

In 2016, the business unveiled two commemorative plaques at its Hull site, in honour of Thomas and Horatio Smith.

The special ceremony was attended by Jean Gooder, the eldest granddaughter of Horatio Smith.

At the time, long-standing Hull councillor Mary Glew, who led the plaque scheme, said: “Smith & Nephew is such a well-known name in the city, and for it to have grown from a small pharmacy to a worldwide business is wonderful.

“It is quite right that we are honouring Thomas and Horatio with Lord Mayor centenary plaques for their work and dedication to the city.”

Smith & Nephew is continuing to innovate, and expand its business. With annual sales surpassing $4bn, the company announced last year it was on track to meet its 2018 target.

Just last week, Smith & Nephew also announced a deal to buy US medical tech firm Ceterix Orthopaedics, for a price which could eventually reach £80m.

It is easy to forget when looking at Smith & Nephew today, that it all started out with a small pharmacy in the heart of Hull.

3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

That’s a wrap!

Custom vehicle firm expanding VinylFX moving to New premises

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

A

Hull vinyl-fitting business is preparing to expand its current premises to meet increasing demand for vehicle wraps and printing.

VinylFX was launched in January 2017 by husband and wife team Simon and Natasha Havercroft.

Work undertaken by the firm, based in Tower House Lane, Hedon Road, ranges from general day-to-day vinyl printing to large fleet vehicle wraps and car enhancements.

As the business celebrates two successful years of trading, VinylFX is now set to extend its current home, paving the way for future growth.

Mrs Havercroft said: “This is something which has always been in the pipeline for us. We are going to put a mezzanine floor into the premises, which, in effect, creates more space.

“At the moment we can only fit three or four maximum, vehicles into the unit at one time. Once the mezzanine has been built that number should increase to between six and eight.

“We are now marketing to companies with larger fleets of vehicles, which may have between 100 and 500 cars.”

When VinylFX launched, it received support from local business start-up support organisation the Chamber Acorn Fund, based at the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce.

At the time, VinylFX’s owners were described as having “great ambition” for the business and, two years down the line, the hard work appears to be paying off.

Mrs Havercroft said turnover at the business had doubled since its first From left, Natasha Havercroft with baby Poppy, Simon Havercroft and Scott Robson Pictures: Jerome Ellerby

Simon Havercroft

year, along with its customer base.

She said: “The workload in general has increased massively.

“We work with some quite big companies now, so the demand is bound to get higher. Our premises is perfect for us at the moment, but if further down the line the demand continues to rise we would have to look at another space.”

VinylFX is also preparing to move into a new area, based around furniture wrapping.

Natasha explained: “At the moment, when a business wants to revamp its offices, it means chucking away all of the furniture and starting again.

“That does not need to be the case.

By wrapping furniture, you can completely change its style, and therefore a whole office.”

With a client-base spanning from Scotland right down to the south of England, VinylFX is well placed to continue its impressive expansion, from its home in east Hull.

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Business N ews

Sales boost, but factory still closing Aerosol plant to close despite firm’s positive financial results

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

M

anufacturer McBride has announced a sales boost in the second half of 2018, but is pushing ahead with the closure of its Hull aerosol

factory.

More than 100 jobs will be lost when McBride closes the doors of its site in West Carr Lane this spring.

The business has now revealed continuing revenues were up by almost 11 per cent in the six months up to December 31, as sales in its household product division soared by 5.9 per cent.

McBride last year said it was expecting “substantial losses” in the aerosol sector of the business, as it announced the Hull factory is to close in early 2019.

The company also has sites in Middleton, near Manchester, and Barrow, as well as across Europe.

I remain confident that the group continues to be well positioned to exploit the growth and margin opportunities in the remainder of this financial year and beyond Rik De Vos

Rik De Vos, chief executive, said: “The group has made significant strategic progress in the first half of this financial year completing the sale of Personal Care Liquids, integrating Danlind onto the McBride systems and managing our revenue growth.

“Margins remain our key focus at present and the recent improvement in the pricing outlook for raw materials following almost two years of inflation will see some recovery of the cumulative cost impact to the business.

“I remain confident that the group continues to be well positioned to exploit the growth and margin opportunities in the remainder of this financial year and beyond.”

McBride confirmed in its latest trading update that it was pushing ahead with its Hull factory closure, as planned.

It was said higher sales in the UK of its household products had led to the trading boost, and that the company’s board expected full-year earnings to be in line with expectations.

A total of 117 jobs will be lost when the Hull factory closes.

Speaking about the closure last year, a spokesman for McBride said the business had “enjoyed a long history in Hull, and did not underestimate the effect of the proposal on colleagues”.

McBride produces a range of household and personal care brands.

Its portfolio includes Oven Pride, LimeLite and Surcare. Other factories in the UK include Manchester, Bradford and Barrow.

McBride is to close its Hull factory

5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

New jobs posted at Saltend plant By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

T

he second phase of recruitment at a wood processing facility at Saltend is under way.

The Tricoya plant, which will manufacture wood chips to be used in the construction sector, is expected to employ around 30 permanent staff.

The first batch of jobs at Tricoya were released early last year. Now, 18 more jobs are up for grabs, based at Saltend Chemicals Park.

Roles include a lab technician, shift operators and control room operators.

Paul Clegg, chief executive at Accys Technologies PLC, which owns Tricoya, previously said staff

Second phase of recruitment numbers could rise in the future if demand increases.

He said: “This is very much a global product that is being produced in Hull. We hope to expand further in Hull in the future.

“That expansion could be two or three times the initial size. It is a long way down the road, but if all goes to plan there will undoubtedly be the potential for more jobs.”

The facility will manufacture acetylated wood chips, which will be used to make ultra-durable, nontoxic MDF panels, which, unlike traditional MDF panels, can be used for external construction.

The Tricoya plant will join a other names at Saltend Chemicals Park,

including BP and Nippon Gohsei.

The currently disused Vivergo Fuels plant is also on the chemicals park.

Water and microbe damage, which can lead to swelling and rot, means decorative MDF panels are often limited to interior furniture.

However, the new Hull plant will change wood chips at a molecular level, treating them with an acetylation process that makes the end products impervious to water and microbes and means they can be employed in applications formerly limited to products such as concrete, plastics or metals.

It is this durability and stability that Mr Clegg believes will capture

Tricoya Ventures UK staff at Saltend

the imagination of architects and designers worldwide.

He said: “This has so many potential uses, from soffits, cladding and doors to bathrooms, swimming pools and signs.

“We believe in the future there will be many million cubic metres of panels across the world that have been created using products from the Hull plant.”

Job vacancies ■■Lab technician ■■Operations and maintenance planner ■■Electrical technician ■■Maintenance technician ■■Eight shift operators ■■Three shift supervisors ■■Three control room operators

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Business N ews

Record sales for city family caravan firm By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

H

ull caravan manufacturer Arronbrook proved competing with the industry’s “big boys” is no obstacle as it hit record sales in 2018.

The family-run business, which has been running for three decades, saw turnover rise by more than a quarter last year, boosted by a bumper deal with a major Dutch holiday company.

Arronbrook Caravans, based near Hedon Road, exports almost 60 per cent of its holiday homes to customers in Belgium, France, Norway and the Netherlands.

Director Paul Coombs, who joined the company in January 1994, said: “Our exports have always been strong and I’m confident they’ll be a part of business moving forwards.

“A lot of the caravans we build are

Paul Coombs, of Arronbrook

Business battling ‘big boys’ for importers we’ve worked with for a long time, and that was, again, the case in this record-breaking year.

“European dealers like doing business with us because we do not place a minimum value on orders.

This means they can buy as little as one or two caravans at a time, which helps their cash flow, and allows them to order based on actual demand, rather than a projected forecast.”

In October, Arronbrook struck a deal with a Dutch holiday company to create two bespoke models, which can be hired by holidaymakers at their parks in the Netherlands during summer 2019.

On the back of this success, Arronbrook’s management team is confident their overseas order book will continue to grow.

“The deal with this Dutch company means our reputation is continuing to spread and we’re very hopeful this will lead to further growth,” Mr Coombs said.

“In my experience, once we establish a trading relationship, it tends to flourish for years to come.”

The success of a new model with an unfurnished lounge was another key factor behind the growth achieved in 2018, along with a £100,000 investment in machinery, which helped improve production times.

A new bonus scheme was also put into place to recognise and reward the efforts of staff at the manufacturer.

With more than a million leisure caravans and almost 100,000 residential park homes currently in

use across the UK, the future looks bright for the industry.

Fellow company director Steve Park said building bespoke models will continue to be the secret to future success.

He said: “Designing and building one-off caravans or two of a kind has always stood us in good stead.

“You can send us a drawing and we’ll price and build your holiday home to your exact requirements and that’s what sets us apart.

“We believe this is the best way to differentiate ourselves from the competition and I think that’s why we’re so popular with our customers. Long may it continue.”

Become a game changer To help your business keep up with your ambition, sometimes you need to do things differently.

Every day our financial solutions are helping game changers across the UK realise their potential and stand out from the crowd.

From asset finance to vehicle leasing, cash flow solutions to consumer finance.

This is how tomorrow is made.

Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348

Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

YOUR MONEY POUND NOTES

WHo’s benefitting from INSURANCE PAYOUTS? Newly published insurance industry figures reveal that £55 billion was paid out to customers in 2017 – with hundreds of millions of pounds being paid out every day, typically to help people get their lives back on track and to support them in their retirement.

The money was paid out by the UK’s general insurance and long-term savings companies, and includes a record £766.5 million to help people with the cost of treating ill or injured pets.

Malcolm Tarling, Association of British Insurers (ABI) spokesman, says: “Insurers exist to provide peace of mind, stepping in to help should the worst happen, as well as helping provide long-term financial security for you and your family.”

Here are his insurance tips: ■■Shop around for the best deal for your particular needs, as insurance is very competitive.

■■Don’t buy on price alone. The cheapest policy may look best for your needs, but it might not be in reality, so make sure you have the right cover for you.

For example, if you have a pre-existing health condition and are looking for health or travel insurance, then you may need to seek some specialist advice from an insurance broker.

■■Read the policy, so you know what is covered, and excluded.

■■Make sure you know what to do should you need to claim so that any claim can be dealt with as quickly and simply as possible.

■■Keep any emergency contact numbers for your insurer, such as 24-hour helplines so that, if the worst happens, you can get hold of them as quickly as possible.

■■For life insurance, health insurance and pensions, it is often sensible to seek advice from an independent financial adviser, especially as life insurance and pensions are long-term contracts, making it important to get the right policy for your long-term security.

VALUE OF BRITAIN’S HOMES ‘GREW BY AROUND £83bn in 2018’ The total value of Britain’s homes has grown by an estimated £83bn across 2018 to reach £8.29 trillion, a report has found. The increase has added around £2,860 to the average price of a home, according to property website Zoopla.

S

adly, despite divorce rates dipping from their peak in 1993, more than two in five marriages still break down, after an average of 12 years.

It’s a stressful and emotional time going through the breakdown of a marriage and couples can easily rush into things, end up with a poor ­financial deal and pay huge sums to lawyers.

Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, says: “A festive combination of alcohol, money pressures and spending time together can be the final straw when your marriage is in trouble – especially when you have been hanging on because you didn’t want to ruin Christmas for the kids.

“So, unsurprisingly, once everyone is back to work and school, divorce lawyers can expect the phones to start ringing.”

Divorce is usually horribly expensive, but you don’t have to stay in an unhappy relationship because you’re afraid of the costs you might incur.

If you know the financial risks, and take steps to avoid them, doing so can help keep costs to a minimum.

Here, Sarah shares her 10 tips on common financial mistakes – and how to avoid them: Going straight to court If you can agree everything between you, a solicitor can draw up the documents for £500-£1,000, plus court fees of around £500.

If you fall out and start swapping solicitors’ letters you’ll easily run up £4,000 to £5,000 of costs. If you go through the entire court process, you can spend £10,000 – and plenty of people end up spending more than double that.

Expecting too much Expect too much and you won’t be willing to accept a compromise, so you’re more likely to end up in court.

Of course, once you get to court, the final decision will be up to a judge, who may disagree with your idea of what’s fair, and give you far less than you were offered when you started.

DIY divorce without GUIDANCE If you don’t own very much between you, there are no children, and you are on good terms, doing it yourself can save a fortune. You can draw up the forms, or get a low-cost legal service to do it for under £100 (plus about £500 in court fees).

However, you won’t get any advice, so if there are pensions, a property, significant savings and investments or children to consider, there’s a real risk of making an expensive mistake.

FiXATING ON KEEPING THE HOUSE It can be hard to face the idea of downsizing or moving somewhere cheaper, but you need to be confident you can afford the mortgage, bills and maintenance.

Don’t forget, you’ll also have to rebuild things like pensions and savings that you may have to give up in order to keep your home.

Split decisions: Acting rashly when a marriage breaks down can leave you in financial difficulty

Ten steps to reduce the pain of divorce January sees a surge in divorce inquiries, says Tricia Phillips Neglecting the pension When your spouse has been building up a pension for years, it could be worth as much as your family home, so don’t give up a share of it lightly.

It’s not always easy to tell what a pension is worth, but you should get a pension valuation as part of the financial disclosure, so if you don’t have one, ask for it.

If your partner has a big pension, it may be worth paying a financial adviser or accountant to check the numbers. splitING pensions without help There are three ways to split it: one person can keep it and trade it

If you lie about your assets you risk ending up back in court doing the whole expensive thing again...

against other things you both hold; you can split the pension pot into two today; or you can agree to share it when it’s being paid out.

The right answer depends on your circumstances.

If, for example, you’re much younger than your partner and choose to split the income, payments may stop when they die – leaving you pensionless.

It can all get a bit complicated, so if one of you has a decent pension, it may be worth paying for advice.

Trying to hide things If you don’t give your solicitor the full picture, you’ll waste a lot of time and money. If you lie to your ex about assets, you risk ending back in the divorce court – even after the deal is finalised – going through the whole expensive process again.

Failing to cut ties During the process, any joint financial products will be frozen, and when you come to an agreement they will be closed. However, you may still need to cut ties on your

credit record – to stop your ex from influencing your ability to borrow.

You’ll need to contact Equifax. co.uk, Experian.co.uk and Transunion.co.uk (formerly Callcredit) and complete a notice of dissociation.

Not finalising things It’s worth paying for an additional consent order, which stops either of you coming back for more after the marriage ends. In 2010 a lottery winner ended up giving his ex-wife millions of pounds from his win, despite the fact they had split up 10 years earlier. A consent order protects you both from this sort of claim.

RELAXING WHEN iT’s over You need to start rebuilding as soon as you can – including paying into an emergency savings safety net and restoring your pension.

Don’t forget insurance too.

If you’re relying on maintenance payments, you need to insure the life of the person paying them to protect your family.

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019

Business N ews in brief

Business coach book A business coach, who has worked with some of Hull’s best-known organisations, has released a book to share his secrets.

John Borland, director at Fluent Coaching, has spent more than ten years working with businesses and institutions, such as University of Hull, ABP and Humberside Police.

The book, titled Coaching in the Great Unknown, will give an insight to John’s wealth of experience in communication and empowering individuals. He said: “I have been wanting to write a book for a while now and this has been almost a decade in the making.”

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital.

Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

RESIDENTIAL HOME REGISTERED FOR 20 BEDS

• £121,986 EBITDAR to 31st October 2016 • Substantial Detached Property • 16 Single Rooms and Two Double Rooms • Well Kept Rear Gardens • Two Residents Lounges and a Large Commercial Kitchen • Annual Turnover £407,102 • Adjusted Net Profits £100,416 • REF 558066. EPC Band C. Business and Property £575,000

From left, Leah-Anne Shillito, Sue Waterhouse and Freya Cross

Picture: Karl Andre Smith

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

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE WITH FULL LOTTERY

Hull

• Lovely East Yorkshire Market Town • Scope for Tea Room During the Day • Ideal for Any Type of Cuisine • Very Well Fitted Commercial Kitchen • Two Bedroom Owners Accommodation • Weekly Turnover £6,500 • REF 557936. EPC Band D. Business £48,500

Scarborough

East Yorkshire

• Retirement Sale • Very Well Fitted Throughout • VIEWING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED • Annual Turnover £2,063,715 • REF 557232. EPC Band D. Business and Property £385,000

East Yorkshire

• Monopoly Position - Well Populated Village • Worked In Five Lunches and Five Teas • Retirement Sale After Many Years • Detached Three Bedroom Bungalow • Weekly Turnover £1,500 • Net Profits £30,351 • REF 557657. EPC Band E Business and Property £329,950 North Lincolnshire

East Yorkshire

HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY

• Tremendous Potential

• Densely Populated Student Area

• Prime Trading Site

• Run Mainly By Staff

• Viewing Highly Recommended

• Seating for 16 Customers

• 2 Bed Accommodation

• AN EXCELLENT BUY

• Taking £3500 weekly

• Weekly Turnover £3,300

• REF 557308. EPC Band C.

• REF 581536. EPC Band C.

Business £39,950

Business £39,950

North Humberside

• Fantastic Reputation in the Area

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

FISH & CHIPS SHOP

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT (45 COVERS)

• 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

SANDWICH BAR, NEWS, SWEETS & FULL OFF LICENCE

GARAGE WORKSHOP, MOT SERVICE, REPAIRS, PETROL STATION & CAR SALES

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

Farewell to Deep start-up stalwart Business Centre worker on the move

A

well-known face, who has worked at a Hull business centre since its launch almost two decades ago, is moving on to pastures new.

Leah-Anne Shillito was involved from the outset as The Deep Business Centre launched as a start-up in 2000, opening its doors to tenants the following year.

Since then she has played a major part in reception and admin roles, as The Deep has provided a platform to support more than 200 different businesses employing more than a thousand people.

Leah-Anne has left for another well-known Hull-based business, joining the team at The Spencer Group’s headquarters at Humber Quays as an executive admin assistant.

Freya Cross, business and corporate manager at The Deep, first hired Leah-Anne as an apprentice in 1996 to join her at Commerce House in Paragon Street, Hull.

When the opportunity arose to shape a new generation of business centres at The Deep, they jumped at the chance to offer high-tech facilities on the banks of the Humber.

Ms Cross said: “Initially, the business centre was at pre-handover stage, so we operated from an office on Ferensway, overseeing the installation of state-of-the-art communications facilities and contacting prospective tenants. When we moved across we didn’t even have a reception desk or formal office, but it was beneficial for us to be involved at such an

early stage, looking after the fit-out with phones, furniture and everything else and making sure all of the facilities were just right.

“We opened in 2001 and Leah-Anne soon became one of the faces of The Deep, always welcoming tenants and visitors with a beaming smile, providing reception and admin services for the business centre and our many clients and supporting the various internal and external events which take place here.”

Sue Waterhouse, who has worked at the centre for 17 years, will continue to provide tenant liaison and reception services while Leah-Anne’s replacement will co-ordinate meeting and conference room requirements and carry out general administration duties.

Leah-Anne said: “It feels strange to think back to the days when there was nothing in the building. In the early days it was just space in here, plenty of it before all the offices were built. That enabled us to host quite a lot of big events for the likes of Hull City Council and Yorkshire Forward.

“We had the launch for the business centre itself when Tony Blair came here and for The Deep with Prince Andrew.

“There are more than 40 businesses here now and over the years more than 150 have come and gone.

“With every business you get to know the people and leaving them is the saddest part of moving on, but it just felt like time for a change and it’s exciting to join The Spencer Group.”

1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

£40m funding boost for dessert firm

New managing director joins vehicle company

page 3

Groundbreaking project to set sail with new tech

page 4

page 8

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Drax Power Station

Picture: PA

Ørsted wins sustainable business title

Lord haskins says region should be at cutting edge

Carbon capture offers huge Humber benefits By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

The Humber region should be at “the cutting edge” of carbon capture technology, a government inquiry has been told.

Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP, said the innovative technology offered huge benefits, and pledged

it would form part of the region’s industrial strategy.

The process, currently being piloted at Drax Power Station, aims to capture harmful carbon 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.

Lord Haskins gave evidence at a government inquiry on the emerging technology, which he believes could revolutionise the Humber’s economy.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Government is looking more closely at carbon capture, and that our region is home to one of the most

exciting potential projects in this field.

“It could offer huge benefits to the Humber, creating carbon-negative energy, promoting clean growth, and supporting other major local employers to adapt and reduce their emissions.

Turn to Page 2

Humber-based renewables giant Ørsted has been named as the world’s most sustainable energy company.

The Danish giant operates three offshore wind farms from its base in Grimsby and is currently constructing Hornsea One and Hornsea Two off the East Yorkshire coast.

The business beat more than 7,500 international, billion-dollar companies to rank fourth in the most sustainable company’s across the globe, and top of the list for energy firms.

Matthew Wright, UK managing director at Ørsted, said: “The UK, with the world’s largest offshore wind operation, is leading the way when it comes to developing a green energy system to combat the profound global challenge of climate change.

“Being ranked as the world’s most sustainable power company is an achievement to be hugely proud of, and now we must renew our mission to build a clean and affordable energy future.”

Over the past decade, Ørsted has transformed from a coal-and gas-intensive utility to a global green energy company.

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

Business N ews Lord Haskins should be at ‘cutting edge’ of new technologies From Page 1

“With recent news of the abandonment of plans for nuclear power stations elsewhere in the UK, there needs to be an even greater shift towards renewables and low carbon technologies which our region can provide.

“We will be working with industry and other northern LEPs over the coming months to set out why this investment should be made in the North.

“It will form part of our industrial strategy in the Humber and I want us to be at the cutting edge of this.”

Drax Power Station, near Goole, is currently piloting the first carbon capture and storage project (CCUS) in Europe.

The Humber is also ideally placed to benefit from the technology, due to the concentration of energy intensive industries which need such projects to help meet decarbonisation targets; and the proximity to the geological storage capacity under the North Sea. The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Select Committee has been conducting an inquiry into CCUS since May, last year.

Lord Haskins gave evidence to a panel of MPs at a meeting in Teesside on behalf of the NP11 group of Northern Powerhouse LEPs, alongside other regional representatives from engineering membership body CATCH and Drax.

Andy Koss, CEO at Drax Power, said: “By using the engineering skill we have across the Humber region, we could develop the infrastructure needed for carbon capture to work, revolutionising industrial processes, and protecting jobs and the environment.

“At Drax Power Station we are already piloting the first bioenergy carbon capture and storage plant of its kind in Europe.

“If successful we could become the world’s first carbon negative power station and help the Humber become the world’s first ‘netzero carbon’ cluster by offsetting its emissions.”

In 2015, Drax’s significant “White Rose” carbon capture project had to be dropped after the Government withdrew funding, despite having already spent £100m on the proposals.

However, in its recent Clean Growth Strategy and CCUS Action Plan, the Government identified CCUS as being vital to achieving the UK’s emissions reduction targets.

Gyles Brandreth joins Business Day speakers Writer and broadcaster will be on the stage in bridlington

W

riter, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth is the first speaker to be announced for the 2019 Business Day at Bridlington Spa. Mr Brandreth’s career has spanned a range of professions. A former Oxford scholar, president of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester, he was also Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in Sir John Major’s government.

Now one of Britain’s busiest afterdinner speakers and hosts, he will join the line-up of speakers at the region’s biggest business event, held on Friday, June 7 as part of the Humber Business Week.

Andrew Aldis, general manager of Bridlington Spa said: “Hearing the name Gyles Brandreth always brings a smile to my face.

“I’m not sure whether it was the jumpers and repartee on Channel 4’s Countdown or his acerbic recollections of his time as an MP, but if he’s on my television then I’ll be enjoying it.

“Hosting the The Business Day is a varied role so delegates will have an opportunity to see the many facets of this multitalented man. I consider

Hosting the Business Day is a varied role, so delegates will have an opportunity to see the many facets of this multitalented man.

Andrew Aldis

Gyles Brandreth is to speak at Business Day

him to be one of our great British institutions.”

The Business Day will see more than 650 delegates from across the region descend on Bridlington Spa for a day of conferences, workshops and networking.

Previous speakers have included Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge CBE, John Simpson CBE, Bob Geldof KBE, social entrepreneur Josh Littlejohn MBE and leadership guru Rene Carayol MBE. Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader at East Riding Council, said: “Building on the success of the previous sell-out events, The Business Day has firmly established itself in the Humber Business Week calendar.

“Working jointly with the Humber LEP and The Business Day’s main sponsors I’m looking forward to the event in 2019, which will allow for business networking and insights from a line-up of great speakers, ncluding Gyles Brandreth.”

Mr Brandreth is the author of two acclaimed royal biographies and a series of Victorian detective stories, The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, now published in 22 countries.

He has been nominated for and won awards himself as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster, political diarist, journalist, theatre producer and businessman.

He has also been London correspondent for Up to the Minute on CBS News, and his books published in the US include the New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Lex. ■■The Business Day will take place at Bridlington Spa on Friday June, 7.

Tickets cost £125 per person, or £1,000 for ten. For information, or to book tickets go to thebusinessday. com or call 01262 678258.

Programme gives start-ups the chance to learn from the best

New businesses owners have until February 8 to sign up to a leading programme aimed at helping start-ups get off the ground.

For Entrepreneurs Only’s (FEO) Ignition course gives participants the chance to learn from some of the region’s top names in business.

Hosted by The Sewell Group, in Hull over seven sessions, the programme helps start-ups avoid

some of the pitfalls and problems that occur in the early stages of running a business.

FEO Ignition includes real-life business stories, warts and all, from figures including Jonathan Elvidge (Gadget Shop and Red5), Antony Eltherington (Eltherington Group), Mike Sharp (Kingstown Furniture), Joyce Clappison (Wats On Fashion).

FEO member and director,

Jonathan Elvidge, helped to design the programme.

He said: “It is fantastic to see such enthusiastic start-ups each time. There can be no doubt that businesses that might have otherwise stalled or failed will develop and prosper as a direct result of this programme.

“There can be no better reason to be involved, and for anyone starting

up, I can’t think of a better source of information, inspiration, and support.”

Delegates also receive help and advice from FEO Key Partners, which include Cranswick PLC, Gosschalks, Hugh Rice, KCOM, Lloyds Bank, Smailes Goldie and The One Point.

For more information, visit www.forentrepreneursonly.co.uk

3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

Sweet deal gives firm appetite for expansion

Jonathan Lill, CEO at BBF

Picture: Paul Moffat

An East Yorkshire brewery has unveiled two limited edition ales as part of a national campaign aimed at supporting the beer industry.

Wold Top Brewery, based near Driffield, was founded in 2003 by Tom and Gill Mellor.

The business is now supporting Tryanuary, which encourages more people to support local breweries and pubs.

The first of the two Wold Top Brewery cask beers is Dawn of Time, a light, golden, pale ale.

The second, Cirrus, is the first of six cloud-themed beers for 2019 and is an amber ale with aromas of cedar, pine and spice.

Alex Balchin, brewery manager at Wold Top, said: “Tryanuary encourages people to champion local beer and in celebration of this, and of every other month of the year, we have doubled the number of limited edition cask beers that we will be introducing throughout 2019.

“Each month there will be both a ‘familiar’ beer, including the reintroduction of some old favourites, plus a brand new ale with either a cloud or a Greek gods and goddesses theme. We love creating new beers for our fans to try and we’d welcome any feedback, particularly via social media with the hashtag #Tryanuary to help spread the word.”

£40m funding will create jobs at dessert business

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

A

cake and dessert business, which supplies supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsburys, will create new jobs in Hull after securing £40m of funding.

BBF, which makes cheesecakes, crumbles and sponge puddings at its facility in Amsterdam Road, expanded into Hull last year when it purchased Greencore PLC’s desserts division.

The food company employs around 1,000 people in Hull and has now announced it has received £40m of funding to support future growth plans.

The financing will be provided by Wells Fargo Capital Finance.

Jonathan Lill, CEO of BBF, said: “The facility provided by Wells Fargo

gives the business extra firepower to make further investment in all of our manufacturing sites and to deliver on our strategic growth plans.

Wells demonstrated great appetite throughout the process to support the business and we’re excited to have secured this funding facility.”

BBF serves all the UK’s most recognisable food retailers such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, M&S, Aldi and Lidl.

With manufacturing facilities in Blackburn, Bradford and Poland, BBF last year bought of Greencore PLC’s ambient cake and chilled desserts division, headquartered at a bakery in Amsterdam Road.

As a result of the acquisition, annual group revenues have soared to more than £150m, with more than 2,000 people employed over the business’ five sites.

Other products made at the Hull site include Christmas cakes, pies and loaf cakes.

Tom Weedall, director of loan originations at WFCF U, said: “Leveraging Wells Fargo’s platform, we are delighted to work with BBF. “This funding facility will support future working capital and growth requirements. Also, our tailored solution will enable BBF to continue to provide the highest level of service and award-winning products to its customers.”

The new three-year finance pack-

age will not only provide day-to-day working capital for the enlarged group, but also headroom to enable further capital investment into manufacturing facilities.

BBF, led by CEO Mr Lill, has been owned by the leading private equity investor, Endless LLP, since 2015.

FRP Advisory in Manchester provided Debt Advisory advice to Endless and BBF.

Ambitions high at environmentally friendly cleaning company Environmentally friendly cleaning company Bio-D has set a target to introduce 100 per cent recycled bottles across its whole range by the end of 2019.

The Hull-based business manufactures vegan cleaning products, and is now on a mission to become greener than ever before.

Already 74 per cent of the way to reaching its target, Bio-D has set an

ambitious goal of cutting out non-recyclable bottles by the end of the year. The move comes in a bid to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and cut down on energy consumption.

Lloyd Atkin, managing director at Bio-D, said: “As a company, we strive to be single-use plastic free and setting a target to achieve 100 per cent recyclability by the end of

Local brewery in ‘Tryanuary’ drinks scheme

2019 means that we are more determined than ever to reach our goal. Though we came up with some challenges, last year, when it came to sourcing the right materials, we worked with local suppliers to come up with a solution in order to achieve our aim.

“It’s taken a while, and a lot of testing, but now we’re well on the way to becoming even more

environmentally responsible and ethically sound.”

Bio-D recently signed up to The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Created in collaboration with the UN government, businesses that have joined the commitment are aiming to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations.

Fewer young people claim benefits in city The number of young people in Hull claiming unemployment benefits is down six per cent on last year.

New figures released by Jobcentre Plus in Hull show an increase in the number of 18-24-year-olds who have managed to secure work.

The current figure of 1,542, released on Tuesday, is also a staggering 62 per cent down on the same time five years ago.

Across all age ranges the number of people signing up to unemployment benefits is steady.

The data includes those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and Universal Credit benefits principally for unemployment reasons. In the East Riding, the number of people claiming the benefits rose by one per cent.

The way people in Hull receive their benefits changed drastically last month with the introduction of the new Universal Credit.

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

Business N ews Oliver North, new MD at O&H Vehicle Conversions

Emergency vehicle manufacturer set to enter new era New managing director at O&H Vehicle Conversions

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

T

he appointment of a new managing director at a UKleading emergency vehicle manufacturer marks the start of a new era for the

firm.

O&H Vehicle Conversions, based in Goole, has announced Oliver North has also taken a shareholding at the company, as it plans its longterm strategy.

The manufacturer takes normal vans and other vehicles, and converts them into transport for the

emergency services.

Mr North said: “After taking a long, hard look at the organisation, I’m thrilled to have joined O&H, particularly after falling in love with the quality, capability and further potential of the shop floor.

“O&H has been a pillar of British emergency services vehicle manufacturing for more than 30 years.

Nevertheless, I still look at it very much as the sleeping giant of the industry.

“Not only has it furnished the UK’s Ambulance Service with what I feel is unrivalled build quality, the company has also established key

accounts in the wider emergency services sector as well as the patient transport, mobility and welfare markets.”

Mr North was the founder and former MD at firefighting vehicle specialist Rosenbauer UK. His appointment at O&H is a coup for the East Yorkshire business, as it begins the next chapter of its work.

Mr North has been drafted in by O&H owners, Endless LLP. Endless investment director Matthew Jubb said of the appointment: “We are delighted to have appointed Oliver as the new managing director of O&H.

“The depth of his experience and relationships within the emergency services sector are truly outstanding, and our ability to attract him to O&H reflects our ambitions for the business in the coming months and years.”

Endless acquired O&H back in 2016, with a vision to drive the company forward and attract key contracts within the UK and across export markets.

O&H currently employs more than 130 staff.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Advice for businesses on securing existing EU workforce Whatever the outcome of present Brexit negotiations, the Government has pledged to introduce its new immigration policy, which is likely to be based on the details outlined in last month’s White Paper.

This 168-page document aligns itself to an earlier independent report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), clearly setting out a vision for a single system – ending free movement and moving to a position in which all migration is managed with no preferential treatment for EU nationals and family members.

So, where does this leave EU workers in the UK now?

The first thing to note is that an implementation period will apply – running until December 31, 2020, during which existing rules are enforced. For the duration of the implementation period, EU citizens will be able to enter and reside in the UK as before.

Calum Hanrahan, immigration solicitor at Wilkin Chapman solicitors

EU citizens and their family members wishing to remain in the UK after the end of the period must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Those in the UK before the end of the implementation period will have until June 2021 to apply.

From 2021, the plan is to allow shortterm migrant workers of all skill levels entry for up to a year – a move intended to protect parts of the economy reliant on

overseas labour, for example agriculture or construction.

There will be no right for families to join them, there will be a 12-month cooling off period before they can apply again and there will be no route to settlement.

If a person wishes to remain in the UK, they must gain “Settled” or “Pre-Settled” status via a new online application process that will be fully open from the end of March.

While the onus if very much on individuals to ensure they complete the documents necessary to live and work in the UK, an employer who wishes to attract or retain overseas workers may well wish to seek advice on how they can assist in the process.

For more information, call Calum on 01522 515954 email calum.hanrahan@ wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit wilkin chapman.co.uk

Mr North said: “As we approach an unknown political landscape, it is clear we should be driving production, innovation and trade skill sets within UK. “O&H has a world-class workforce, which can be utilised, globally, much more than what they are currently.

“Coming into the firm as a shareholder also symbolises my long-term intention in leading the organisation towards a successful era.”

We’re for the movers and shaker uppers of the property world.

Lending for the new normal.

Find out how we do things differently.

togethermoney.com

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

Business N ews in brief

New door firm boss confident of success The director of a new company, which bought stricken Summerbridge Doors from administration last year said he is confident it can be a success.

Simon Lunt is a director at Humber Doors, a business formed in late October to acquire the Anlaby-based manufacturer.

Mr Lunt, who was not involved with the old Summerbridge business, admitted changing the fortunes of any company, which had entered administration, was “always a challenge,” but said a lot of money had been invested to ensure Humber Doors would be profitable.

He said: “Luckily we have managed to keep a lot of Summerbridge’s old customers, which is a really good start. Sometimes, when things like this happen, customers disappear because they don’t want to be involved anymore, but that has not happened here. Obviously it is always going to be a challenge when you take over a business in these circumstances, but things are looking good.”

Summerbridge Doors plunged into administration last November, putting almost 100 jobs at risk.

New documents filed on Companies House have revealed the staggering debts Summerbridge Doors racked up in its final period of trading.

At its time of entering administration, Summerbridge owed more than £3m to banks Natwest and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

It also owed more than £1m to creditors, including over £11,000 to Hull haulage firm D&P, and £13,000 to Haromex Components.

A statement from RSM said: “On October 5, 2018, it was clear that the company was showing signs of financial distress. It became apparent that the company was facing creditor By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com pressure and the financial distress was more immediate than initially expected. A number of @PhilWinterBiz options were discussed with the directors, all n East Yorkshire print of which were discounted as they were equipment manufacunsuitable in the company’s circumstances.”

From left, Tony Hague, Phil Robson and Garth Williams

Pictures: Cucumber PR

Print firm reaping the rewards of long-term partnership contract Turnover grows by almost half

A

PUBLIC NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER SECTION 34 OF THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Notice is hereby given that an application was made to Hull City Council to vary a premises licence under the above Act on 17th January 2019. Applicant: Martin McColl Limited. Address of premises: McColls, 4-8 Ridsdale, Hull, HU7 6DF. Proposed variation to the licensable activities: To extend the opening hours and the sale of alcohol hours to 06.00 hours to 23.00 hours Monday to Sunday for consumption off the premises and remove the seasonal restrictions from the Premises Licence and remove all conditions under Annex 2 of the Premises Licence and replace with up to date conditions. The postal address of the Licensing Authority where the register is kept and the application may be inspected is: *Licensing Team, Hull City Council, 33 Witham, Hull HU9 1DB. Any person wishing to make representations on this matter shall give notice, in writing, stating the nature and grounds for making such representations to The Licensing Officer at the above address* within 28 days of the date of this notice – by the 14th February 2019. Further information is available on the web site www.hull.gov.uk following the links.

It is an offence to make a false statement in or in connection with an application. Those who make a false statement may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of any amount.

Lockett & Co – duly authorised agents

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital.

Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

turer has reaped the rewards of an almost decade-long partnership and seen turnover grow by almost half.

ABG International, which employs almost 350 people at its plants in Bridlington, Driffield and in Germany, first teamed up with PP Control and Automation nine years ago.

Since then, ABG has scaled up its operations to produce 250 digital print finishing machines last year, and has seen turnover soar by just under 50 per cent.

ABG is a world leader in print equipment manufacturing, which can produce high-quality labels and packaging for 2,500 customers across the world.

Phil Robson, operations manager, said: “Digital print is taking over from conventional printing, so we anticipate the market to expand rapidly over the next decade.

“Thanks to our commitment to

outsourcing, we are now more efficient and have cut production and sales lead times significantly.

“Importantly, PP has also given us the additional capacity that allows us to go after new business safe in the knowledge we can quickly ramp up production to cope with it.”

ABG now has plans to increase its manufacturing capacity from 250 machines a year, to 300, to meet growing demand for digital printing.

Mr Robson said the partnership with PP Control and Automation made perfect sense.

“We operate in very similar ways and, once we had seen PP Control and Automation’s capabilities at its world class facility, we knew there were lots of synergies and a relationship to forge,” he said.

“PP was originally tasked with producing the electrical back panels on our new Digicon 3 digital print finishing machine and then delivering them to our Bridlington factory, where we would fit the cables and harnesses – a labourintensive job that would usually take between two to three days.

“It didn’t take long until engi-

neers from both companies came up with a new way of assembly that involved developing a more standard enclosure system, which would allow the panel to be easily slid into the machine.”

Tony Hague, CEO at PP Control and Automation, said: “Once we had come up with the enclosure design, we then started considering the cable harnessing and the interconnectivity around the machines.

“It became apparent that a modular approach would be a lot more effective and we worked

together to design a process that would see the modules assembled in the West Midlands.

“Working with the modular concept, means engineers at PP can look at the specific machine ‘make up’ and configuration and immediately calculate both the circuit protection requirements and the cable lengths, based on standard routings, providing a quicker installation for the team.”

ABG and PP engineers took just six months to redesign the controls architecture into the new modular format.

Thrive.

Whatever the future holds.

At Close Brothers, we’re here to help Britain’s businesses thrive, by providing tailored support from experienced industry specialists, and empowering them to make fast, firm lending decisions.

Learn more today, at closebrothers.com

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019

Business N ews in brief

Village Hotel club to expand The Village Hotel Club has revealed plans to expand its group to 50 hotels by 2026, creating thousands of new jobs.

The group, which has a hotel in Hessle, currently operates 29 sites across the UK. It plans to open five new hotels in the next two years, followed by a further 15 by 2026.

If the expansion goes ahead as planned, it would create at least 2,400 new jobs in the country.

Executive chairman Gary Davis said: “The openings in Bristol this year, and Portsmouth last year, mark a turning point in Village Hotel Club’s expansion plans, and Bristol is our most high-tech hotel to date.

“We are continuing to innovate and develop the product with the modern visitor and resident in mind, and I look forward to working with the entire Village team to ensure that we continue to deliver success.”

Kenneth Shakesby, left, and Dr Mark Horton, of Relmar

Making sense of shipping Relmar has £200,000 of funding for a ground-breaking project

FULLY LICENSED CAFÉ BAR, COFFEE SHOP & ICE CREAM PARLOUR

• Ultra-Modern Coffee Shop Seating Up to 80 People • Run Entirely By Staff • Scope to do so Much More Here • Showing Net Profits Adjusted to £49,000 • Annual Turnover £188,349 • REF 581888. EPC Band B. Business £69,000 Bridlington

CAFE & SANDWICH BAR • Prime Site • Well Established • Very Low Overheads • Priced to Sell • Taking £1400 weekly • REF 583028. EPC Band D. Business £22,500 Hull CLOSED FISH & CHIPS

RESTAURANT • Sensibly Priced • Fantastic Location • Amazing Views • High Turnover • Weekly Turnover £8,000 • REF 583044. EPC Band B. Business £94,950 Scarborough

• 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 £40,000

Hornsea

GREENGROCERS

• Tremendous Potential • Prime Site • Run Entirely By Staff • Easy Hours • Taking £4000 weekly • REF 581588. EPC Band D. Business Offers Around £35,000 East Riding of Yorkshire

LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE AND GENERAL GOODS • Densely Populated Residential Area • Run in Very Easy Hours Over a Six Day Week • Retirement Sale After Over 40 Years • EARLY VIEWING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED • Weekly Turnover £12,000 • Adjusted Net Profits £43,973 • REF 581640. EPC Band D. Business £24,950 Hull

LADIES & GENTS BRANDED FASHION BUSINESS • Prime Town Centre Trading Position • Genuine Reason for Sale After 15 Years Here • Over £25,000 Adjusted Net Profit • Viewing is a Must • Turnover on Application • REF 581414. EPC Band E. Business £20,000 Beverley TEA ROOM & POTTERY PAINTING PARLOUR (40 COVERS)

• Excellent Trading Position

• Retirement Sale

• Was Run Entirely By Staff

• Scope to Open Much Longer Hours

• Viewing Highly Recommended

• Very Well Fitted and Equipped

• 3 Bed Accommodation

• OOZING POTENTIAL FOR SO MUCH MORE

• Previously Taken £1000 per week

• Weekly Turnover £1,300

• REF 556967. EPC Band D.

• REF 581716. EPC Band B.

Property £15,950

Business £9,950 For Quick Sale

Hull

CAFÉ, COFFEE SHOP AND SANDWICH BAR

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

A

business has secured £200,000 of funding for a ground-breaking project which aims to help predict and locate faults on commercial ships.

Hessle-based Relmar has developed technology known as MRCM (Marine Reliability-Centred Maintenance), which can detect equipment on ships which is not performing as expected, and prioritise repair tasks.

Similar technology is already used in the aviation industry, along with the Royal Navy, but Relmar is leading its field in the commercial shipping world.

Dr Mark Horton, chief technical officer at Relmar, was heavily involved in bringing the technology to the Navy.

Today, the system is used by almost the entire UK fleet.

He said: “When I worked in the Navy it was trying to reduce its maintenance spend. We created a model which looks at every part of the ship, and decides whether work is needed and how best to do it.

“It makes perfect sense, and the strange thing about commercial shipping is that this is not already used.

“The programme reduced spend on the ships by more than 30 per cent.”

Relmar recently received a huge boost when it was awarded £200,000 of funding from Innovate UK. The funding will help the business continue to develop its programme, as it looks to plug an important gap in the shipping sector.

Kenneth Shakesby is the CEO at Relmar.

He said: “If this programme works in the Navy, why should it not work in commercial shipping too?

“The difference between our programme and others if we have a set of rules that start to work from day one.

Using these rules, the programme knows how all the different components of the ship should be working, and can identify when anything changes.

“We thought setting Relmar up in the region was particularly interesting, due to Hull’s maritime history. We also think the programme could be used in the future in other sectors such as offshore wind, and be fitted into turbines.”

The programme would work using sensors, which would be fitted to components of the ship.

A central server would then process information from the sensors, and send it onshore.

Data would then be analysed using the set of rules, which have been devised, and raise any faults or concerns.

Dr Horton said: “It is so much better to know about any problems while you are in a port, where you can decide if any work needs doing, than for something to go wrong when you are out at sea and hours away from help.”

Relmar is also on the lookout for potential investors or partnerships from businesses with expertise in the field. For more details about the firm, visit www.relmar.co.uk

1

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

How firms in Hull coped with administration

page 3

Construction sector helped by new homes

page 4

Augmented reality in the print business

page 6

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

From left, Alex Codd, councillor Stephen Brady, Steve Radcliffe, Thomas Martin, councillor Martin Mancey and Matt Dukes at the site of Arco’s new distribution centre last year.

Below, Thomas Martin, Arco chairman

Investment and sales boost as Arco expands firm invests in the city and new jobs are on horizon By philip winter

invest more than £14m in its operations.

The business, which is currently Sales at Arco grew to almost £300m building a new £25m distribution last year, in a 12 months which saw centre in Henry Boot Way to douthe Hull safety equipment specialist ble its existing capacity, recorded a philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

It means Arco is also on track turnover of £295.1m in the year up to June 30, 2018 - up 2.6 per cent from to meet its growth targets in coming years, as the Hull business prethe previous year.

Operating profits also rose by six pares to create new jobs in the city per cent to £10.2m – up from £9.6m in 2017.

Turn to Page 2

2 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Business N ews Sales at safety specialist up to almost £300m, figures reveal From Page 1

at its distribution centre.

David Evison, managing director at Arco, said: “In a challenging and uncertain market, we remain on course to meet our growth targets over the next few years.

“We continue to see investment in new technology and infrastructure as the way to achieve these goals.

“The restructure of our sales and service functions, announced in March, was a difficult decision, but one critical for our long-term plans to best serve our customers.”

Arco has sites across the UK, including in Liverpool, Sheffield, Leicester and Cardiff.

Last year, it also unveiled its new customer engagement centre in the heart of Hull, creating around 90 new jobs.

Arco is one of Hull’s biggest and best-known businesses and is also in the midst of a major digital transformation.

The switch will deliver new technology at the company, including upskilling for existing staff, and ensure the business remains comercially ahead of the game in the rapidly changing digital world.

Arco said it was confident this move, together with the centralisation of its customer support functions and the expansion of its National Distribution Centre, will ensure the business has the infrastructure to maintain and grow its market position.

Work on Arco’s £25m distribution centre is expected to be completed later this year.

When completed, it will create up to 200 new jobs.

Arco said: “During the year, we have again invested significantly with £14.5m of capital spend.

“These investments are focused on improving the way we serve our customers and enhancing our offer.

“The results were in line with expectations and the company continues to take a long-term view of performance, and over the next few years continues to invest in the digital change programme and logistics capability.”

Last year also saw Arco continue its work within the community.

Staff at the business completed more than 400 days of volunteering in 2017/18, along with donations of more than £130,000 to 150 different charities.

CGI of plans for the Siemens factory in Goole

800 homes could add to the growth of Goole Business opportunities get support in form of new homes By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

N

ews that 800 homes are expected to be built in Goole could not have come at a better time for the East Yorkshire town.

2018 turned out to be a busy year for Goole when it came to business.

Highlights included the announcement of Siemens’ £200m train factory, news that Croda is to build a state-of-the-art £7m warehouse, and plans for Y Pellets to construct a £10m wood refinery.

Other notable deals include the creation of 100 new jobs as Motordepot announced it was expanding into Goole, and plans to build a new access road to unlock land for up to 1,000 new jobs at Capitol Park.

For all the new faces that look set to appear in Goole in the months and years to come, they aren’t much good if there aren’t the homes around to support workers.

While not everyone will be in favour of Beal’s plans for hundreds of new homes, close to the M62, for business, it makes for good reading.

Mike Heydecke, director at Sterling Capitol, the developer of Capitol Park, said of the news: “The arrival of such high-profile and successful companies as ARC, Croda and Siemens in Goole is a resounding endorsement of the town’s potential.

“Blessed with superb transport links and a willing and available workforce, Goole is fast becoming one of the economic success stories of the Humber and East Riding region.

“This is tremendous news for Capitol Park Goole, which is adjacent to the M62 at Junction 36 and next to the Siemens site.

Blessed with superb transport links and a willing and available workforce, Goole is fast becoming one of the economic success stories of the Humber and East Riding region.

Mike Heydecke

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

“It is perfectly positioned to take advantage of these investments.

“The park has been opened up by the new link road from the motorway to the port and has massive economic potential. This potential can now be unlocked by this exciting decision.”

Goole is not blessed with future housing options.

The other side of the town lies on the banks of the River Ouse, meaning securing planning permission for development is no small feat.

Beal’s planned site in Goole would, therefore, appear to be the best option.

Work is also progressing on the town’s Intermodal Terminal, which hopes to make the most out of Goole’s excellent location.

Well connected by rail, road,

sea and waterways, the facility will allow companies to move goods easily from one mode of transport to another.

Iain McPhail, partner and industrial property specialist with global property consultancy Knight Frank, said: “The announcement that Siemens will invest £200m in a new rail factory on the adjacent land with the creation of 700 engineering and manufacturing jobs, coupled with the Crode and ARC moves, is fantastic news for the local and regional economy.”

The Goole 36 enterprise park, and neighbouring Capitol Park, have provided the town with enviable business opportunities.

If all goes ahead as planned, it could see the town go through an unprecedented transformation.

3

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Business N ews

What happened next? The story of business after administration

House of Fraser. Below, Plasticon and, bottom, Summerbridge Doors

Calling in administrators not always the end

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

T

he number of businesses that collapsed into administration last year was up more than 10 per cent on 2017, new figures have revealed.

Across the county, 168 companies were forced to call in administrators, up 11 per cent on the previous year.

Hull was, unfortunately, not exempt from what was a particularly difficult year for the high street and retail sector, with 2019 already being a fresh wave of challenges.

Big names such as Toys R Us, Maplin and Poundworld all plunged into administration in the city, sadly never to reopen, with House of Fraser also involved in a six-month struggle in Hull.

The new figures, released by Deloitte, show the region is above national average when it comes to administration.

Clare Boardman, head of restructuring services in Yorkshire and the North East at Deloitte, said: “It has been a tough year for businesses across a range of sectors.

“Retail and casual dining have been the hardest hit sectors over the past year, both in our region and

nationally, with some high-profile casualties and a continued deterioration of trading conditions during the year.

“They have faced additional cost pressures due to a weaker sterling, business rate increases and the drop in consumer confidence.”

The second half of the year saw the steepest rise in administrations across the county, with 88 companies appointing administrators – a 29 per cent increase on the last six months of 2017.

Administration, however, does not always spell the end of a business.

With this in mind, here’s a quick look at what happened to the biggest names in Hull, which entered administration last year and where the businesses stand now.

Matt Engineering

Police had to be called in November when around 50 staff at the Hull firm were told they were being made redundant.

A handful of staff were kept on to assist with the administration process.

In December, though, there was a twist in the tale when it was announced the business had been bought out of administration by UTS Engineering.

Pipe and Piling Supplies played a role in the construction of Heathrow’s Terminal Two

Crawshaws butchers Summerbridge Doors

It was a similar story at Hull manufacturer Summerbridge Doors.

The business entered administration in November, putting around 100 jobs at risk.

Shortly after, tax firm RSM was drafted in to help the stricken firm, a buyer was found in newly formed company Humber Doors.

New director, Simon Lunt, recently told the Mail the business had managed to retain a lot of its customers, and was confident for the future of Humber Doors.

Pipe and Piling Supplies

Pipe and Piling Supplies played a major role in the construction of Heathrow’s Terminal Two, but last September the business went into administration.

The company, based in Bridlington, said a delay to a major rail project it was lined up for had resulted in significant cash flow problems.

Unfortunately, the business ceased trading and, according to accounts filed in November, will not be re-opening.

Fishing Republic

The Hessle Road angling store was threatened with closure when the chain collapsed last month.

Business rescue and recovery specialist Leonard Curtis was called in, in a bid to save the fishing shop.

The move paid off, and Fishing Republic was bought by an unconnected third party, saving jobs in Hull.

Crawshaw Another example of when enterThe well-known Whitefriargate butcher put hundreds of jobs across ing administration can reap benefits. the country at risk when it fell into administration last October.

Plasticon However, some good news for When the Hull manufacturer went Hull’s high street came when it into administration early last year, was confirmed the city centre shop almost 80 people were made redunwould be remaining open, along dant. with 18 others.

An update provided by adminis-

trators suggested rescuing the company was not a reasonable option, appearing to rule out a return for Plasticon.

The business, at the time, said it had accumulated large losses in the previous year. It is understood once administrators have completed their work, Plasticon will be dissolved.

House of Fraser

Perhaps the best-known business administration of last year, Hull’s House of Fraser was saved in a lastminute deal days before Christmas.

House of Fraser’s owner, Mike Ashley, cut a deal with the landlord of the iconic former Hammonds building and Hull City Council so it can remain open and trading.

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Business N ews Poppy Fields is the new name of a new Cottingham estate

Firms report an increase in work in the private housing market

Construction sector boost as demand for property hots up By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

C

onstruction workloads across the region’s property sector increased in the final quarter of last year.

In what comes as a welcome boost to the industry, 29 per cent of firms reported an increase in work in the private housing market and 38 per cent said they had received more business through infrastructure projects.

Several major house building projects have been announced in East Yorkshire in recent times.

Work is already underway in Cottingham on Poppy Fields, a devel-

With surveyors reporting a ramping up of new hiring, even despite a moderation in business enquiries, continued access to a qualified pool of non-UK workers to support this growth will be as important as ever Jeffrey Matsu

opment of more than 300 homes, which will start becoming available this year.

Over in Brough, 200 new homes are being built as part of the first phase of the Brough South development.

The scheme also includes a new school, supermarket and restaurant space.

Goole is also set to be home to 800 new houses close to the M62, after Beal Homes unveiled plans for a £130m scheme this week.

Despite the good news, though, fresh concerns were raised in the survey, conducted by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), over a lack of construction workers in the region.

Jeffrey Matsu, a senior economist at RICS, said: “Capacity remains an ongoing constraint for activity more broadly.

“However, with surveyors reporting a ramping up of new hiring even despite a moderation in business enquiries, continued access to a qualified pool of non-UK workers to support this growth will be as important as ever, particularly for work on construction sites.

“The additional £1bn in additional Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing to fund council housing has begun to stimulate activity.

Richard Beal, chief executive of Beal Homes, at the site in Goole where 800 new homes will be built

“The subsequent scrapping of the cap in last year’s Budget has the potential to accelerate this positive trend in the public sector over the coming years.”

Encouragingly, firms also saw more output for public housing during the final quarter of 2018, with 23 per cent of the region’s construc-

tion professionals seeing a rise in workloads. However, workloads on private commercial projects fell during the last three months of 2018, with only 9 per cent of respondents reporting a rise in activity.

Workloads on private industrial projects also fell during the last quarter of the year with 10 per cent

seeing an increase in activity, down from 23 per cent in the previous quarter.

Despite the shortage of skilled labour having eased during the last quarter of the year, a lack of construction workers continues to pose a significant challenge for the construction sector.

Thrive.

Whatever the future holds.

At Close Brothers, we’re here to help Britain’s businesses thrive, by providing tailored support from experienced industry specialists, and empowering them to make fast, firm lending decisions.

Learn more today, at closebrothers.com

6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Business N ews

How augmented reality technology is latest innovation for print specialist Springfield solutions strices for cutting edge

available, but almost 45 years ago, it was a very different situation.

Albert’s son Matt is now joint t is impossible to start a busi- managing director at Springfield ness without there being an Solutions.

He said: “My dad bought a proofelement of risk.

If you look at some of the big- ing press, which, back then, cost gest businesses in Hull today. be about twice as much as the house it Smith & Nephew, Arco or William we were living in at the time.

“I don’t think my mum realised Jackson Food Group, they all started how much it cost, luckily. with an idea, but with no guarantee “It was a big, big risk, of success. but it paid off.”

For one Hull business Springfield Soluthough, the risk tions started out involved was on a based in Wright whole different Street, in the level.

I don’t think my mum centre of Hull. It Springfield realised how much became one of Solutions founder it cost, luckily. It was the first busiand printer Albert nesses to create Dass’s journey a big risk, but it artwork in a digibegan in 1975, paid off. tal way. when he spotted a Matt Dass Today, the busigap in the printing ness runs under three industry. very different, but conHe realised there was a growing demand from customers to nected, sections – brand managesee a proof of the printed product, ment, print and media.

Working with clients across the before they committed to ordering world, the three segments come on bulk.

The technology today is readily together in an impressive outfit.

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

I

The brand management section includes the production of packaging mock-ups, allowing businesses to see a design of their packaging and suggest tweaks and alterations, and reprographics.

Also included is the mind-blowing SmartPicture technology.

Mr Dass said: “We once took a mock-up package design to a client, and had added a QR code to the front, which would allow people to connect to an app with more information.

“The first thing the customer said was ‘why would we want a QR code on the box? It does not fit in in with the rest of the design.’

“We went away and came up with SmartPicture, which, instead of scanning a QR code, allows people to scan a picture of logo on the packaging. It is much neater.”

Springfield also offers 3D printing services, allowing them to produce detailed mock-ups for aerosol tops and bottles.

Mr Dass entered the business with a background in digital art.

He said: “In 2003, another part of Springfield, called Eon

Springfiels Solutions has produced smart packaging for Hull’s Brain Works

Visual Media, was born.

“We really are at the cutting edge of new technologies. Clients will often come with a pretty good idea of what they want to achieve, but will not know how to get there.

“That is where we can help.”

From animation and video services, to mind-blowing virtual and augmented reality technology, Eon Visual Media works with some big players.

As well as working with Asda to produce a virtual reality walk around of its new stores, Eon has also teamed up with Nottingham Forest,

to give fans an incredible VR experience.

The tech drops you into the middle of the Forest dressing room before kick-off, and allows you to “walk out” onto the pitch with the players, into a stadium packed full of fans.

Other work includes a partnership with Reckitt-Benckiser, with work underway on an augmented reality app, which shows the effects of different illnesses, and how RB’s products can help treat them.

The final piece of the Springfield Solutions jigsaw is where the

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital.

Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

Inside Springfield Solutions’ printing room

7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

Springfield produces branded packaging for companies including Air Wick

The Springfield Solutions team when it unveiled its new and improved print room in 2017

business started out – print.

Using state-of-the-art machines, Springfield can offer everything from self-adhesive and shrink-on labels, to interactive labels and colour cards.

The numbers behind Springfield are staggering. In 2018, the business worked in almost 40 countries, creating more than 11,000 digital artworks for its clients.

The print team produced more

than 150m self-adhesive labels in the 12 months, and printed 22 million meters of labels.

And finally, the packaging mockup team printed almost 8,000 labels, 20,000 cartons, 800 sleeves,

4,000 flow wraps and 300 shrink sleeves.

Springfield is a diverse company, which through its three segments can cover almost any printing, visual or packaging needs.

Mr Dass admitted, though, that technology and customers’ needs are forever changing.

Springfield will, therefore, need to react fast to future changes, to ensure it stays ahead of the game.

#bringmesolutions

Not only can you communicate with our unrivalled audience, but you’ll also have access to an array of powerful online and offline marketing solutions all designed to help your business get noticed, get smarter and get response. Chat to us today, and see how we can help you drive your business forward.

bringmesolutions.co.uk Source: Mintel, 2018

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2019

Business N ews Mark Robson

Australia could be a growth market for Region’s firms

The Humber and Down Under

H

DAY CARE & HOME CARE FOR ADULTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

CONVENIENCE STORE WITH NEWS AND FULL LOTTERY

• Operated from Two Sites, Just Six Miles Apart • Highly Profitable Concern AN EXCELLENT BUY • Assisting in Providing Access to Social and Recreational Activities • Showing Adjusted Net Profits of Over £116,000 • Annual Turnover £695,612 • REF 581823. EPC Band E. Business £250,000

• High Turnover Store Located in an Excellent Position • Adjusted Net Profit of £87.065 • HUGE POTENTIAL TO MAKE THIS EVEN MORE PROFITABLE • One Bedroom Apartment Above the Shop • Weekly Turnover £20,000 • REF 557917. EPC Band C. Business £199,950

• Needs Alcohol Licence • Scope to Take the Big Money Here • Retirement Sale After 28 Years • Three Bedroom Accommodation • Weekly Turnover £4,000 to £4,500 • REF 581650. EPC Band D. • Business and Property £169,950 Business Only £29,950

Yorkshire 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

York

Hull

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 Cleethorpes

LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE • Run Entirely By Staff • Recently Refurbished with No Expense Spared with Stunning Results • AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY VIEWING ESSENTIAL • Weekly Turnover £12,000 • REF 581525. EPC Band D. Business £149,950 Bridlington

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 Barton Upon Humber

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT (46 COVERS)

VACANT PREMISES FOR USE AS A CONVENIENCE STORE

• 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

• This Could Very Easily Be a Big Money Store • Ideal Premises Right on the Sea Front • An Opportunity That is Too Good To Miss • THIS REALLY IS A PRIME SITE • New 10 or 15 Year Lease Available • REF 581375. Awaiting EPC. • Nil Premium

Hull

Bridlington

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

ull’s business links with the Far East and US hit the headlines at the end of last year when the Humber region saw delegate visits from Rhode Island and southern China, as green energy took centre stage once again.

Hull has long held strong ties with the US. In 2014, the city was the only one in the UK to export more goods to the States than it did to the EU. On the back of the success, the region’s head at the Department for International Trade (DIT) is urging businesses in Hull to make the most of another world market.

Australia and Hull are, almost literally, a world apart.

However, demand from Australia for the region’s products soared last year.

Exports from Yorkshire to the country were worth more than £300m in the 12 months to September.

Ahead of Australia Day on Saturday, Mark Robson, head of regions for Yorkshire and the Humber at the DIT, explained why the region’s businesses should capitalise on opportunities.

He said: “Australia and the UK have a deep and long-lasting relationship spanning sport, politics, culture and, importantly, trade. Already, many Yorkshire businesses are capitalising on soaring Aussie demand for British products.

“According to the latest HMRC statistics, goods exports from Yorkshire totalled £302.5m in the 12 months to September, 2018.

“There are many features that make Australia a market worth investigating for both current exporters and Yorkshire businesses considering global expansion for the first time.”

One advantage for Yorkshire busi-

nesses looking to trade in Australia are the similarities between the two nations, according to Mr Robson.

At the highest level, Australia and the UK share similar demands and expectations for products and services, while the same language, similar cultures and a shared history is also a plus.

The country also has a similar legal structure to the UK, which helps increase the likelihood of a smooth market entry either directly or via a partnership with an Australian firm, alongside a strong commitment to intellectual property protection.

Mr Robson said: “The Australian market offers an opportunity to boost sales for businesses that are subject to the troughs of a seasonal economy.

“This may include food and drink producers, such as ice-cream or cider brands that see a dip in demand during the colder months, or manufacturers of products such as summer clothing.

“Having an export presence in the Southern Hemisphere will help firms such as these secure more consistent year-round sales, boosting profitability, increasing resilience and providing capital that can be reinvested to generate further growth.”

The DIT offers help to businesses of all sizes to navigate each stage of the export process as well as advice on the best approach for them to enter the Australian market successfully.

This includes help identifying new partners and developing market research to reduce the burden on small businesses who may not have dedicated staff focused on exporting.

DIT also has a network of international trade advisers based across the region, who can offer one-to-one guidance on a range of export issues.