Hull business editions june 2017

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Wednesday June 7 2017

E.ON BACKS £200M ENERGY PARK PLAN Global company latest big name to lend support to Saltend proposal

By Catherine Lea Business reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

THE Humber’s position at the forefront of the UK’s renewable ambitions has received a further boost after another major company gave its backing to a proposed energy park on the edge of Hull.

E.ON has joined a list of companies supporting plans for the £200m Yorkshire Energy Park at Saltend, which could create up to 1,000 jobs.

The energy supplier joins IBM, SSE Utilities, ZTE and Vodafone in announcing its backing of the project.

Jeff Parr May, project director at E.ON, said: “The opportunity presented by Yorkshire Energy Park clearly fits with E.ON’s ambitions across Europe to provide smarter, low-carbon energy solutions at scale and we are exploring opportunities with Yorkshire Energy Park’s development team that would see a more sustainable, flexible and cost-effective energy solution for the whole site.”

Outline plans for the proposed development, which is earmarked for part of the former Hedon aero-

Continued on PAGE 2

SMARTER ENERGY: If approved by planners, work on the Yorkshire Energy Park could begin early next year.

Kcom set to launch new TV service DIGITAL: Kcom is gearing up to launch a new “next generation” TV service that will beam content directly into a user’s device.

The Hull-based company has been exploring the possibility of launching a TV service that uses a set-top box for a while, however the telecoms firm says it has now chosen to “overstep” this and push forward with new technology.

The new service will work via an internet hub, and while it will initially focus on TV, the idea is to enable it to link numerous devices throughout the home, from smartphone-enabled fridges to house alarms.

The news was unveiled to The City yesterday as the company announced its full year results.

Chief executive Bill Halbert, pictured, said: “This is an exciting prospect; it is really quite innovative.

“We do already provide Freeview TV, and have done for a number of years, however this will be the next generation. When you think about how young people consume TV nowadays it is all internet based, so we believe this is a really exciting prospect.”

Kcom’s full year results show revenue to March 31 was £331.3m – down from £349.2m in 2016.

Pre-tax profit was also down 19 per cent, to £38.5m (£47.9m in 2016).

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BUSINESS

E.ON backing plans for energy park Continued from PAGE 1 drome site, were submitted to East Riding Council last month.

Hundreds of people have already attended community information events to view the proposals, which have also gathered the support of Hull College.

Hull-based developer Sewell and Eco Parks Developments Ltd have partnered with London-based Chiltern to deliver the proposed scheme, which could generate a multi-million pound investment boost for the Yorkshire and Humber economy.

The Yorkshire Energy Park is set to attract significant inward investment and employment, bringing together low carbon energy generation and storage, education and training, and energy intensive industries such as information technology and food processing, on one site.

E.ON already owns and operates the Humber Gateway offshore wind farm, which became fully operational in 2015 and now generates enough electricity for about 170,000 homes.

The energy giant also opened an operations and maintenance base in Grimsby following a £4m transformation of a neglected site.

The Yorkshire Energy Park site is currently owned by Hull City Council and the developers have been working in partnership with the local authority to ensure the project optimises economic development opportunities for the area while also recognising the ecological importance of the eastern part of the site.

Chris Turner, chairman of the Yorkshire Energy Park Development Company and Chiltern Group, said: “We have worked on major projects with E.ON Germany and E.ON UK for several years and regard them as a global leader in the renewable energy generation and storage sector.

“Their participation in the project will deliver low-carbon energy and significant cost savings to occupiers of the park.”

If approved by planners, work on the Yorkshire Energy Park could begin early next year.

Day of discovery awaits the movers and shakers Famous names from world of business will join 650 delegates

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

BRIDLINGTON Spa will welcome 650 business delegates on Friday for what is set to become an annual mainstay of the region’s business calendar.

The Business Day is designed to provide an insight into the local and national economy while bringing together the region’s movers and shakers for a day of networking and discovery.

Details of the programme have now been released, with break-out sessions being held by the event’s main sponsors, which include Spencer Group, Sewell Group, East Riding and Hull City Councils, the University of Hull, KCOM, Welcome to Yorkshire, the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership, and For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO).

Breakout sessions range from Spencer Group’s insight into the Energy Works power plant to FEO’s “wisdom workshop” with Jonathan Elvidge.

Paul Sewell OBE and Jamie Peacock MBE will also be locking horns for a rematch of “The Anatomy of the Winner” knowledge exchange.

Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding Council, said: “Working jointly with The Business Day’s main sponsors has allowed us to confidently build around the concept of business networking but include a top-tier line-up of speakers, too.

“Delegates will definitely experience an event that’s a bit

GOING HEAD TO HEAD: Paul Sewell OBE and Jamie Peacock MBE will also be locking horns for a rematch of ‘The Anatomy of the Winner’ knowledge exchange. different and sponsors will feel the benefit of having the time and space to communicate with their customers and prospects.”

Television presenter Alexander Armstrong will be the host throughout the day, entertaining delegates and introducing keynote speakers such as leading businesswoman Karren Brady – Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge CBE – and broadcaster John Simpson CBE. Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, will also take to the stage at the event where he will talk about the part

YEARS EXPE

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he plays in showcasing the county’s thriving tourist economy on a global scale.

He said: “I am delighted to be a part of something which cements Yorkshire’s place as a UK powerhouse, and encourages new and established businesses to strive for the very best results.

“This inaugural event is a great opportunity for business people from near and far to get together, share stories and ideas, and be inspired by Yorkshire’s flourishing economy.”

Keynote speeches will be

delivered from the Spa Theatre stage, while exhibitors and sponsors will be in the Royal Hall.

The Business Day will bring to a close this year’s Humber Business Week – Europe’s longestestablished festival of business.

So far, hundreds of people have attended events on both banks of the Humber, with further events lined up over the coming days.

Visit www.TheBusinessDay. com for further details about Friday’s programme.

■ To find out about events in the Biz Week programme, visit www.humberbusinessweek.co.uk

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BUSINESS

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

A BEVERLEY chocolatier is bidding to cement its position on the national stage after signing an exclusive deal with Masterchef.

White Rabbit Chocolatiers shop and Café has signed a deal with the prestigious brand after being recommended by former contestants on the popular TV programme.

The Beverley business is one of only 70 UK suppliers to achieve the accolade, which will see its products promoted to viewers nationwide.

The family team, made up of master chocolatier Sally Hawkes and her son, Ed, has recently expanded with the addition of daughter Amy, who has given up a teaching career to help take the White Rabbit brand forward.

Ed, who manages the business side of things and looks after the high street and online shops, said: “Mum set up the chocolate shop in 2004 and built it up for almost a decade, doing everything from designing and making the chocolate, to serving in the shop.

“We’re incredibly proud of what she’s achieved and I joined the business in 2014. However, With Amy on board now too, there is so much more we can do.”

Experienced in working in delis like Paris’s Da Rosa, Amy is supporting her mum and brother in expanding the café’s menu beyond chocolate and into savoury dishes featuring her own signature rye bread, paired with toppings such as chorizo and roasted red peppers.

Sally said: “Amy joining us is the final piece of the jigsaw. She brings her own unique talents and skills which will really help

“

We want to play our part in making Beverley a foodie destination Master chocolatier Sally Hawkes

Masterchef deal a sweet boost for family chocolatier Business looking to branch out on national stage

‘PHENOMENON’: Master chocolatier Sally Hawkes, centre, with, from left, Amy Hawkes, Matt Thompson, Ed Hawkes and Kathleen Bates. take White Rabbit forward to where we believe it deserves to be. It’s now about the next generation and it’s fantastic to have – almost – the whole family onboard and working towards our collective dream.”

The Masterchef Network is a network of selected food suppliers, whose ingredients have been used by former contestants.

White Rabbit’s chocolate ingredients were championed by local quarter-finalist Mike Williams, who uses a selection of their chocolate ingredients in his cooking.

Being part of the network acts as a high-profile sponsorship, with Masterchef marketing gift cards which recipients can use on products from its shortlisted suppliers.

Ed said: “Being associated with such an enormous brand is a huge opportunity for us to step up our national profile. We’re incredibly flattered that Mike featured our chocolate in his dishes and grateful to him for giving us this platform for growth.”

The team has now added a new range of milk shakes – inspired

by White Rabbit’s original Great Taste Awards 2009-winning bars, milk chocolate and Yorkshire honeycomb, and white chocolate and raspberry with amaretti.

They are also offering a range of ice cream plates.

The Hawkes family’s ultimate aim is to replicate their Beverley offering in other towns and cities, such as Leeds and York.

Sally said: “Our first priority is to offer something really, really special in Beverley.

“Our dream then is to extend that to more towns. We want to play our part in making Beverley a foodie destination to rival York and other destinations, and make White Rabbit a ‘Made in Beverley’ phenomenon that local people can be really proud of.”

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BE A PART OF HULL’S It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets, but our digital sector is reaching millions around the world. Debbie Hall reveals how those companies pushing the digital boundaries can enter the region’s biggest awards

T

he Digital Awards are returning for a third year and present the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the many achievements that are helping to push the boundaries in Hull and East Yorkshire’s digital landscape.

The sector, recently reported to have brought more than £250m to the local economy in the four years to 2015, now accounts for about 7,000 jobs and is seeing huge increases in the number of digital tech businesses launching in the area.

Taking part in the Digital Awards 2017 is a great way of showcasing your business’s digital endeavours and attributes and an unrivalled opportunity to engender some great PR for your company.

The bar will be set even higher this year as the region’s digital economy and digital community continues to flourish.

According to Tech City UK’s “Tech Nation 2017” report – the most comprehensive analysis of the UK digital tech ecosystem – Hull is helping to secure the UK’s position as the digital capital of Europe.

This news comes as no surprise to David Keel, chairman of Hull’s Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI) and host for this year’s Digital Awards evening, which will be held on Thursday, September 7.

He said: “There have always been lots of digital businesses around Hull, absolutely world-class digital businesses, but people didn’t know they were here and they often didn’t know about each other either.

“With the C4DI, we haven’t simply moved

1) Best Mobile App – sponsored

by Spencer Group Judges will be looking for a standout app, showing innovation, imagination and flair. The app, either a standalone app or interactive element to a website, should be attractive but also useful and evidence of interactivity will be expected. Apps with either a consumer or a commercial focus can be considered and the winner should be able to demonstrate strong take-up in its target market.

Successful firms should show style and flair in their design.

2) Young Digital Person Of The Year – sponsored by Wykeland Group This category will recognise an individual under the age of 25 who has made an impact on the digital landscape in Hull and East Yorkshire in the past year. They could be a game designer or web

something that already existed, we have actually created something … a ‘beacon’ in the Old Town and Fruit Market area that has informed all the digital businesses that were already in the Hull area that they are part of something much bigger.”

Many companies in the area are digitally affecting lives, not only in Hull or the UK but all around the world, according to Mr Keel.

That realisation is giving younger and newer local start-ups a renewed air of confidence as they recognise there is a real legacy here of digital development.

Mr Keel said: “Let’s say you go on your holiday, you step off the plane and you pick up your luggage, and all that technology

that has gone on in the background, all the software that has enabled it to happen, was created by a Hull company.

“Then you decide you will catch the Tube and use an Oystercard, and all that software was created in Hull.

“You are on the Tube, you perhaps, sadly, get mugged and you call the police – the software that tracks them to you is made in Hull. And while you are travelling on the Tube, all the traffic control for the Tube system is made in Hull.

“You then get on your train to Hull, and you decide to do a bit of shopping online, and all those beautiful images that grab your attention are made by a company in Hull. You then decide you fancy a game of online bingo, and the software was very probably made in Hull.

“You’re thinking about what you might watch tonight when you get home and decide to check out the TV listings, and they’ve come from a company just outside Hull. I could go on forever!”

Mr Keel said: “Everyone knows the big company names in Hull – RB, Smith & Nephew, Siemens and so on – but they don’t know about these people who are in the background creating world-class software and technology that touches everyone’s lives, every day. It’s magic.

“Almost every week I discover a new topic to add to this narrative.”

Mr Keel, co-founder and global innovations director of Hull-based Trident, a company that creates and manages the digital packaging assets for some of the

‘IT’S MAGIC’: Chairman of C4DI David Keel and host of the awards says it’s time to shout about the region’s thriving digital sector. Left, last year’s keynote speaker Kate Russell and, far right, the excellent setting for the awards – Stage@TheDock.

Eleven awards to recognise region’s best-performing companies developer, artist or software specialist. The region’s success in the digital arena depends on talent staying in East Yorkshire and judges will look to reward the best and brightest young people for their efforts. The winner could be an entrepreneur or an excellent employee whose work has made a difference to their business.

3) Best Digital Start-Up – sponsored by Trident A company or organisation that has launched in the past two years and has already found a strong and loyal digital following, customer base or audience. This award can recognise success in a wide range of fields, from online retail to web development or marketing. The winner will have bold ambitions and

clear evidence their growth plans have got off to a solid start. Judges will be looking for bright, adaptable firms not afraid of challenging the established order.

4) Best Use Of Technology Within Education – sponsored by PureSpeed As more schools and colleges sign up to digital, we’ll be looking for a stand-out performer in education who is using digital technology to interact with pupils, staff and the public. The winner will have embraced the internet’s possibilities for teaching and be able to show how its use has helped pupils develop their skills. Judges hope to see creative uses of technology which goes beyond the occasional use of slideshows.

5) Best e-Commerce – sponsored

by Arco A company or organisation that can show itself to be a true vanguard of digital commerce. This could range from an online based retail business to a sports club using online to build its core business. Firms of all sizes can be considered, from small new companies up to major organisations driving change.

Businesses which have fresh ideas for selling products online will be looked favourably on and creative thinking will be rewarded.

6) Best Digital Marketing Communication – sponsored by Bondholders Creative campaigns are common, ones that work less so! We’re looking for a one-off marketing or

promotional campaign, or continuous excellent use of digital tools such as social media, to promote a business, organisation or event. East Yorkshire is home to a wealth of marketing talent and the best firms in the field recognise digital is now at the core of their operation. Judges will be keen to see eye-catching graphics, unusual videos and impressive ideas on adding value to content.

7) Best Digital Innovation – sponsored by Hull College New ideas are the lifeblood of the fast-moving digital industry. We’ll be looking for a unique design or innovation which has helped a company or organisation take a step forward in their digital journey.

The winner of this product could

5 MAI-E01-S4

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DIGITAL CELEBRATION “

It’s about time we stopped our digital industry being Hull’s best-kept secret and started to tell the rest of the UK and the world about it David Keel

world’s best-known brands, was the winner of the Digital Ambassador of the Year title at the first Digital Awards in 2015.

He encouraged companies to get involved in this year’s competition.

“It’s about time we stopped our digital industry being Hull’s best-kept secret and started to tell the rest of the UK and the world about it,” he said.

For a second year, the Digital Awards will be held at the stunning Stage@TheDock, a pioneering cultural and community venue offering spectacular views over the city’s growing digital and cultural quarter.

The awards event, as well as being an opportunity to honour those who are ensuring this region remains competitive and in-tune with global and national trends, is also a chance to meet with other delegates while enjoying fabulous street food from three exciting vendors, and music from a live band.

There will be a drinks reception, sponsored by Jelf Insurance Partnership, to kick things off.

To ensure you are part of the celebration this year, book your seat by calling Jane Smallwood on 01482 315395 or by emailing j.smallwood@hulldailymail.co.uk – tickets cost £35 per head.Visit thedigitalawards. net for more details.

work in hardware or software, refining a successful product to make it even better or coming up with a great new concept from scratch. Clever ideas for bringing traditional businesses into the digital arena will also be considered.

8) Best Global Reach – sponsored by the University of Hull The judges will assess entrants for evidence of leveraging their own unique digital (hardware or software) products and services to gain commercial contracts outside of the UK. Preference will be given to those organisations that have been able to demonstrate that the export of their services has led to increased local turnover and consequent growth/recruitment etc.

Every digital business has the potential to be global and judges will reward the firms that have seen

that opportunity and really grasped it.

9) Best Hardware – sponsored by HBP Systems The judges will assess entrants for evidence of creating novel devices of genuine utility or usability – hardware that supports clear impactful improvement in the lives or situations of its end users.

Preference will be given to entries designed for integration, allowing inclusion into larger, broader solutions. The category is open to firms of all sizes and could be won by a young firm with disruptive technology or an established one with a relentless focus on improvement.

10) Best Emerging Technology – sponsored by Arc Studios The judges will assess entrants for evidence of creating innovative technology (hardware or software)

that broaches new territory in some significant way and that represents progressive developments within a field for competitive advantage.

Examples of currently emerging technologies include educational technology, information technology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, cognitive science, robotics and artificial intelligence.

11) Digital Ambassador – sponsored by KCOM Awarded by the judges to an individual, company or organisation that is leading the way in digital application and development and helping inspire others on the community. The winner will be focused on making the region a great place for start-ups and tech firms to work, and tirelessly promote it to external organisations. They will play a key role in making the digital economy successful.

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6 Wednesday June 7 2017

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BIGINTERVIEW

‘Boy George turned up, clicking his fingers demanding a brandy’ Catherine Lea chats to pop star Midge Ure about one of the most famous records ever made IF YOU wished to offend Midge Ure, there are two approaches you could take.

Firstly you could ask how he feels about Joe Dolce’s Shaddap You Face keeping Ultravox’s Vienna off the top of the charts in 1981 – a question the musician, singer songwriter and campaigner tackles with good humour and quick wit.

Alternatively, you could tell him you would like to sample one of his musical masterpieces and turn it into a thumping dance music track.

The latter would probably be met with considerably less good humour.

He said: “I have always strived to do the very best with everything I have ever done, making sure it is the best I could possibly do.

“I want my daughters to be proud of the music I have made.

“I don’t want it turning into something I do not recognise.

“Another musician once said to me that when someone samples one of your songs, it is like taking your dog for a walk and coming back with a cat.

“That is how I feel about it.”

In an industry that often chews artists and performers up and spits them out in less time than it takes to download an album on to your iPhone, Midge’s longevity is quite remarkable.

Indeed, he tells me sustaining such a lengthy career, doing something he loves, is both his greatest achievement and his biggest challenge.

“A lot of people in the industry have some degree of success and then disappear, and do something else.

“I remember having a conversation with Bob Geldof about the alternatives and for us there wasn’t one. It is music or nothing.”

Though the Scotsman might perceive sus-

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‘STRIVED TO DO MY BEST’: Catherine Lea talking to Midge Ure, who was the guest speaker at the Institute of Directors Luncheon on Monday – part of Humber Business Week. taining a career in music that spans decades as his greatest achievement, ask the average person on the street and they will likely say his songwriting or his role in masterminding Band Aid and Live Aid Bringing together a group of the biggest names in music and recording a song that went on to become the second biggest-selling British single in history would be accomplishment enough, but to do so in an era void of today’s technology makes it even more remarkable.

The music underneath Do They Know It’s Christmas? was created by Midge on his Casio keyboard, recorded on a cassette, and sent to Bob via a bike, who came back to tell him in no uncertain times that it was rubbish Bob then assured Midge he had penned the words, though on hearing the words Midge said “it was clear he was making it up as he went along.

After spending days trying to fit these two “incompatible” components together, the next job was to drum up the band of singers.

“This was a time before mobile phones, or the internet, and to reach America you had to use Telex,” said Midge. “Bob came to my studio and rang all of our friends and contemporaries. He ran up a massive phone bill while I was doing all the work!”

The pair managed to secure a studio in Notting Hill and turned up at 8am to find a “three-ring circus” of media types.

“

Boy George was in New York.

He apologised for missing it.

Bob told him he hadn’t missed it; there was Concorde leaving in an hour.

Midge Ure

He said: “It was crazy. There was this huge sea of reporters and photographers. And Bob and me. And nobody else.”

Despite their initial fears, every artist they had invited turned up – “plus a few we hadn’t invited, which was fine”. Everyone that is, except Boy George.

“He was in New York. We phoned him and he apologised for missing it. Bob told him he hadn’t missed it; there was Concorde leaving in an hour.

“Boy George turned up at 8pm, clicking his fingers demanding a brandy. We told him he would have to go to the corner shop himself.”

The initial hope was to shift 300,000 singles – a figure dwarfed by the three million copies

that were eventually sold. The single not only became arguably the greatest charity single of all time, but also paved the way for Live Aid, and subsequently Live 8.

Midge said: “People sometimes ask if I think it changed anything; after all, people are still starving.

“It did not ‘fix’ it, but then that is why we called it Band Aid; it could not cure the problem but it could fix it for a while.

“It also changed the attitude of young people towards charity. All of a sudden it was cool to be charitable, whereas before it had been seen as something done by the WI.” Midge was the guest speaker at the Institute of Directors Luncheon on Monday – part of Humber Business Week.

Speaking to guests at the dinner, he said: “Some people spend their retirement doing their hobby, but I have been lucky enough to have a career doing what I love. I don’t know what I would do if I had to ‘retire’ – I’d probably have to get a job.”

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BUSINESS

Hypnotherapist has expansion on her mind

‘EXTREMELY EXCITED’: Hypnotherapist Sheila Granger gained national recognition when she responded to a Hull Daily Mail appeal to help a woman who could not stop hiccupping.

Sheila wants to continue growing global business WHEN you think about the region’s most successful businesses, it’s easy to focus on those working in traditional industries like manufacturing.

Yet some of our most valuable exports are anything but.

Beverley-based hypnotherapist Sheila Granger has built up a phenomenally successful global business, teaching 2,500 other clinical hypnotherapists, in nine countries, how to use her methods and turn their practices into business success stories.

She is now taking this process one step further, by franchising the Sheila Granger brand and enabling other, carefully selected practitioners to deliver therapist business training using her model.

In just six months, the move has seen her business grow by a further 20 per cent.

She said: “I’m extremely excited about this fresh opportunity to make a difference to the international hypnotherapy community.

“My mission is to promote real-life hypnotherapy, making the amazing benefits accessible using my tried and tested methods that work on real modern problems in the real world.”

Sheila has just taken on her first tranche of franchisees, with 20 trainers in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Belgium and the US. Being a franchisee gives them access to Sheila’s branded courses, covering areas of hypnotherapy business development including marketing, business growth and financial management.

Franchisees can then use these materials and training to teach other therapists how to make a success of their skills.

Sheila’s reputation ballooned after, having been qualified for just two weeks, she

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

responded to a story in the Hull Daily Mail about a woman from the city who could not stop hiccupping.

She successfully hypnotised her out of her habit, with the resulting local and national media coverage putting her well on her way to becoming a well-known figure.

After that, she developed her “virtual gastric band” hypnotherapy-led weight-loss programme, which has helped hundreds of people shed pounds and seen Sheila featured in the local and national press again and again.

Speaking about the role of her virtual gastric band in controlling weight, she said: “Hypnotherapy is rather like flicking a switch in the brain to make us satisfied with smaller portions of food and choose healthier options.

“It gives us control over what we put into our bodies, rather than mindlessly eating the wrong types of food and feeling guilty afterwards.”

The East Yorkshire-based entrepreneur is now aiming to have up to 200 franchisees on the programme, giving her the potential to reach every hypnotherapist in the world and teach them the foundations of success.

She said: “I want to educate as many people as possible about hypnotherapy’s potential to change lives.”

To this end, she has written her own therapy manuals, covering her methods for dealing with everything from smoking cessation to phobia management and sugar addiction. Sheila recently launched her East Yorkshire Chamber of Complementary Therapists, another vehicle for bringing

practitioners together to share best practice. And she spends several months of each year touring the globe to teach her fellow practitioners and speak at high-profile industry conferences, and has just returned

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from the Hypno Expo 2017 event at Daytona Beach, Florida.

She’s also preparing to jet off to New Zealand later this month for the National Hypnosis Conference, where she is a keynote presenter.

• Bustling Shopping Centre with Large Car Park • Offering Enormous Potential for Much More • Retirement Sale After Many Years Here • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED • Weekly Turnover £2,700 to £3,000 • REF 557825. EPC Band E. Business £39,950

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• Prime Site • Substantial Freehold Property • Run In Evenings Only • Tremendous Potential • Taking £1,250 Weekly • REF 557584. EPC Band D. Business & Property OIRO £375,000

• Two Ground Floor Retail Units • Self-Contained Three Bedroom Apartment on the First Floor • Superb High Street Position • A SUPERB BUY • WITHIN 12 MONTHS, THE RENTAL INCOME WILL BE £26,138 PER ANNUM • REF 557633. EPC Band D. Property £275,000

• Retirement Sale After 20 Years • Substantial Freehold Premises • Four Bedroom Family Accommodation • Worked in Easy Hours Oozing Potential for Enthusiastic New Owners • Weekly Turnover £1,400 to £1,500 • REF 557652. EPC Band D. Business and Property, Offers Over £179,950

• Run Entirely by Staff • No Expense Has Been Spared on the Recent Refurbishment • Stunning Open Plan Restaurant with Over 40 Covers • Very Well Fitted Commercial Kitchen with 4 Pan Range • Weekly Turnover £6,000 • REF 557802.EPC Band C. Business £99,950 Priced for Quick Sale

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• First Class Trading Position • All Year Round Trade • 2 Bedroom Accommodation • VIEWING IS A MUST • Weekly Turnover £3,700 • REF 555627. EPC Band E. Business £65,000 Priced for Quick Sale

• Retirement Sale After 24 Years • Scope for So Much More • Superb Owners Accommodation • Weekly Turnover £4,000 to £4,500 • Post Office Remuneration £24,434 Per Annum • REF 557855. EPC Band E. Business £54,950

• 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

• Prime Position in the Heart of Hull City Centre • Showing Net Profits Adjusted to £53,435 Per Annum • Retirement Sale After 25 Years • PRICED TO SELL - LOW OVERHEADS • Taking £7,000 Weekly • REF 557661. EPC Band E. Business £49,950

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8 Wednesday June 7 2017

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MAI-E01- S4

BUSINESS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Company proves it has the Ability to meet your IT needs The future looks very bright for this progressive IT firm, which has grown from strength to strength in its 17-year history

L

ast year saw huge growth for local IT support company Ability IT, which says it is on target to achieve even more success in 2017.

Achieving finalist recognition for the Small Business of the Year award at the Chamber Bridlington and Yorkshire coast awards and recognised at the prestigious Hull Daily Mail Business Awards in 2016 for its Community Involvement, the team at Ability IT is working hard to capitalise on the awareness these awards have offered to an IT business that was founded in Hull in 2000.

Recently becoming a Sage Accredited Partner, over the past 12 months the company has focused on enhancing customer service levels, with investment into new staff, training and the development of a new website.

Offering a range of recommended IT support services, from the installation and support of PC suites and servers to software and hosted services, Ability now boasts an impressive list of clients – from national brands to local start-ups.

This success has helped the company achieve a massive 38 per cent growth in turnover at the end of the last financial year.

Growing exponentially, the company has been implementing a focused strategy to build on the successes of the last 12 months.

Its engineering department will be complemented by additional IT engineers and apprentices to increase the support team from five to seven IT professionals and ensure customer service remains at the core of operations.

Jannine Snape, of Tucker

Mechanical & Electrical Building Services (formerly Neville Tucker Heating), said: “We have used Ability IT for the past eight months and they have ensured we stay up-to-date and running smoothly.

“They offer a friendly, reliable first-class service for all of our IT needs.”

Not just IT professionals, the company is very active in giving back to the community.

Over the years it has supported many local charities, including local mental health charity Hull & East Yorkshire Mind. Last month, Ability IT held a Tea and Talk campaign during Mental Health Week, which raised £210 for the charity.

Chief executive of Hull & East Yorkshire Mind David Smith said: “Ability not only supports our IT service requirements for the charity, they also go the extra mile to help us with our fundraising initiatives and support our strategic aims, which have included delivering social media training to our staff to support our future development.”

In the next 12 months Ability IT has big plans to expand into new premises, with further growth forecast as hosted and cloud services continue to become the choice for many businesses.

The recent additions to Ability’s sales department has already achieved major contract wins and has complemented its growing team.

The future looks very bright for this progressive IT firm.

For more information about Ability IT and the IT services and support they deliver to both businesses and charities, visit www.weareability.com or call 01482 222477.

“

Ability IT has ensured we stay up-to-date and running smoothly. They offer a friendly and reliable first-class service for all of our IT needs Jannine Snape, of Tucker Mechanical & Electrical Building Services

SUCCESSFUL TEAM: The team at IT Ability has helped the company gain plenty of recognition in recent award ceremonies.

FIRM SENDS CARAVANS TO ICELAND

I CAME FOR A WEEK BUT NEVER LEFT!

EXPORT VICTORY

NEW BASE IN ‘STUNNING’ BUILDING

BIG INTERVIEW

PAGE 2

HISTORIC HOME

PAGE 4

Wednesday June 14 2017

PAGE 7

& commercial property

Business relocates after enjoying 50 per cent growth in past 12 months

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS FOR OIL FIRM

By Catherine Lea

Business Editor c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

A HULL business has relocated after enjoying a staggering 50 per cent growth over the past 12 months.

White Rose Essential Oils makes and supplies cosmetic-grade oils for the candle, soap and cosmetic market.

Founded 25 years ago in a building within the founders’ back garden, the family firm now sends its products across the UK and Europe.

Now, the company has moved to Goulton Street in a bid to continue its phenomenal growth, which has been fuelled by a spike in exports and the expansion of its contract bottling division.

Managing director Derek Long said: “We export across Europe, and have seen a

COMING UP ROSES: Derek and Sue Long, of White Rose Essential Oils, in their new Goulton Street premises.

Pictures: Jerome Ellerby

growing demand for our products over the past year, which has helped us grow the business by 50 per cent.

“Part of this is because of the strength of the dollar and the Euro against the pound, but it is also because our

products are the highest possible quality and all meet EU directives, which is vital to many businesses.

“Production is increasing at a phenomenal rate as a result to keep up with customer demand.

“We have, in the past four years, been very successful in contract bottling for small and larger corporate companies.

“This side of our business has grown by 94 per cent in the last year, so we are very pleased with our diversification in this field.”

Today, White Rose Oils stocks more than 350 different fragrances, all of which are made in the UK – including many made in the company’s Hull headquarters.

It also offers over 50 therapeutic-grade essential oils from around the globe, and has built up a client base ranging from universities, chemists and local authorities to aromatherapists,

Continued on PAGE 2

The Business Awards 2017

EXPORTS: The value of exported goods by companies in our region rose by more than a fifth in the first quarter of 2017.

In the three months to the end of March, exports from Yorkshire and Humber companies reached £3.9bn, up from £3.2bn in the same period last year – a rise of 21 per cent.

Exports to EU countries accounted for 56 per cent of the total value, followed by North America at 16 per cent and Asia and Oceania at 13 per cent.

Machinery and transport exports made the most significant contribution, at 29 per cent of the total value, while chemicals accounted for 23 per cent.

The, figures, from HMRC, also show a modest uplift in the number of exporters in the region, which rose from 8,959 to 9,365.

Mike Thornton, head of manufacturing at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, said: “The decrease in the value of the pound since last year’s referendum has helped exporters and these figures show the region’s businesses have been making the most of this.

“Looking ahead, the outlook for exporters is less clear. Last week’s election result has caused further turbulence, and businesses will no doubt be hoping for some early clarity on the UK’s future trading relationships with Europe once the Brexit negotiations start in earnest.”

ENTRIES OPEN hulldailymail.co.uk/ businessawards

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Celebrating the very best of local business #HDMbizawards

Machinery exports drive rise in values

2 Wednesday June 14 2017

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MAI-E01- S4

BUSINESS

Sweet smell of success for firm Continued from PAGE 1 retail outlets and party planners.

None of White Rose Oils’ products are tested on animals or contain any animal-derived products.

Online orders are bottled on the day of order, to ensure freshness and purity.

Mr Long said the company’s family ethics made it a nimble yet successful player in the global market.

“Family businesses are able to offer speed to market,” he said.

“We think about making a change in the morning and put it into action in the afternoon.

We also have a high level of trust among our team, working closely together with the aim to grow the business to its full potential.”

To attract new direct customers, the company has expanded its range, and now offers a cash and carry facility, as well as the option for customers to have their own label on products.

The move to larger premises has also enabled White Rose Oils to launch a new trade counter, so retail customers can browse and buy all of the products listed on the company’s website.

Mr Long said being “hands-on” in the business and being surrounded with a hard-working and trustworthy team has been key to White Rose Oils’ success and longevity.

The team of staff also includes Derek’s wife and fellow director, Sue, son Stephen and other family and close friends.

Mr Long said: “Twenty-five years means we have proven products in the beauty and essential oils market.

“We’ve grown, expanded and diversified over the years, always looking to bring in or launch complementary products to help support what we’re trying to do.

“Our success has also been driven by constantly trying to develop what we do for the good of our clients, while adding value.

Leisure home firm hopes for a Victory in Iceland Interest in caravans thanks to booming tourism industry and costly housing

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

THEY are one of East Yorkshire’s most successful exports and have become a staple feature of holiday parks and tourist destinations across the UK and Europe.

Now, caravans and leisure homes built in our region could be making a regular appearance in Iceland thanks to Scandinavia’s booming tourism industry.

Victory Leisure Homes, which is based at Gilberdyke in East Yorkshire, already exports holiday caravans and lodges to continental Europe.

The company has now started developing business in Scandinavia, and exported its first caravans to Iceland earlier this year.

Managing director Peter Nevitt said Victory was looking to further grow sales to the country over the coming months.

He said: “Iceland is a developing market for us and one we would like to work in more.”

Hull’s outgoing mayor, Sean Chaytor, said Iceland’s burgeoning economy could bring big benefits to East Yorkshire’s caravan industry.

Mr Chaytor, who stepped down from the role of Lord Mayor of Hull last month, paid a visit to Victory Leisure Homes before undertaking a trade mission to Iceland, to help forge trading links between the country and the Humber region.

EXPORTS: The shop floor production line at Victory Leisure Homes in Gilberdyke. Left, Peter Nevitt, of Victory Leisure Homes with former Lord Mayor Sean Chaytor.

He said there was a need for modular buildings and caravans in Iceland.

Mr Chaytor said: “Iceland is lacking in the natural resources required to build houses, so supply is limited and that prices

young people out of the market.

“This could be solved by modular buildings which can be used to create homes and assets like shops and community centres.

“Small caravans, such as those built by Victory, would be perfect for the tourism industry which is really starting to grow, especially when you have got the likes of Ed Sheeran saying it is their favourite place to visit.”

On his visit, Mr Chaytor met representatives from UKTI at the British Embassy, as well as the president of the country, Guoni Thorlacius Johannesson.

He said: “Whenever we had

official talks, whether it was with UKTI or the president, I informed them that 80 per cent of caravans and modular buildings are made in Hull and East Yorkshire, and that piqued their interest to the point where they are considering visiting the region.”

Mr Nevitt said: “Sean came to visit us before going out to Iceland, to learn more about our industry and find out what we hope to gain from his trip.

“From what Sean said, his visit has helped to pave the way towards that, which is fantastic news.”

Employment status – An ‘uber’ problem for all employers EMPLOYMENT status and the gig economy are hot topics in employment law right now.

It is estimated that about five million people in the UK work in the gig economy, and with cases against Uber and Deliveroo hitting the headlines, it’s unlikely the issues surrounding this way of working are going to disappear.

Employment status is a complex legal area and it is the status of gig economy workers which is the crux of the matter.

There are three recognised categories of workers – employees, workers and the self-employed – and each status has different employment rights attached to it.

Employees are afforded the most rights and protection, as detailed in employment law legislation. However, for employers who use a flexible workforce, the issue is determining who is classed as a “worker” and who is genuinely self-employed.

Workers have a bundle of rights which are not enjoyed by those who are genuinely self-employed.

The biggest impact for employers with workers is on the holiday pay bill, which

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

By Teresa Thomas, partner and head of employment, at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors

accounts for 28 out of 260 working days, meaning employers are looking at a potential 10 per cent increase on wage bills.

But it’s not just holiday pay that makes this a potentially expensive issue; workers can fall within the auto-enrolment regime and are also entitled to the national minimum/living wage.

Workers also benefit from the protection of discrimination and whistle-blowing legislation.

Although the difference in rights is clear, actually distinguishing between those who are workers and those who are genuinely

self-employed is not clear-cut. Indeed, HMRC and employment tribunals approach the issue in different ways.

For the self-employed, having contractual documentation in place which shows the parties’ intentions is useful and almost certainly better than nothing.

However, regardless of what it says on paper, the employment tribunal will look at what is happening in practice.

For example, how much control do you have over what the individual is doing? How integrated are they in your business? Are they on the payroll? Can/do they send a substitute when they are unavailable?

All of these factors can and do impact on employment status.

We are expecting the independent enquiry into modern working practices – The Taylor Review – to be published later this year. In the meantime, if you have any concerns about the employment status of your workforce, call Teresa Thomas on 01482 398398, email teresa.thomas@wilkinchapman.co.uk or visit www.wilkinchapman.co.uk

MAI-E01-S4

Wednesday June 14 2017 3

hulldailymail.co.uk

BUSINESS

Innovative way to keep hazardous waste safe

IN BRIEF

Hull company launches all-weather, explosion-proof containers ACHIEVEMENT: Michael Smith, left, and Paul Spence.

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

AN EAST Yorkshire firm has come up with an innovative solution to the dangerous stockpiling of contaminated waste.

Wastege Waste Management Ltd in Wincolmlee handles and recycles hazardous waste from all corners of the UK, and for some of the biggest names in the industry.

Each year, it manages hundreds of tonnes of waste for clients including Crown Paints, Dutch paints and chemicals business AkzoNobel, laboratory testing company Intertek and aerosol company LMA Services.

Last year, the company doubled its turnover, with further growth of more than 20 per cent anticipated before the end of 2017.

Now, in a battle against the issue of potentially problematic piles of dangerous waste, the company has launched its all-weather, explosion-proof galvanised “waste safes”.

Managing director Mark Taylor said: “Many of our contracts are with big companies who need us on site every day to remove their waste, but there are many businesses which require a less frequent collection and disposal service and don’t have a suitable storage area or system at their premises.

“It doesn’t make sense commercially for them to have a specialist contractor come and remove a small amount of hazardous waste each time they

YEARS EXPE

RIENC

E

Pair have given their all on the Great Wall

SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM: Wastege commercial manager Lucy Clark, managing director Mark Taylor and trainee environmental manager Elliott Taylor. Above right, one of the new ‘waste safes’. have it, and equally, they don’t want to put their own staff at risk in disposing of it.

“This means many businesses are stockpiling contaminated waste, chemicals, paints, rags, aerosols and liquids in the corner of their yards or in cupboards.

“That is simply not a safe way to operate, could potentially expose staff and visitors to harm, and is not good for the

environment, and could lead to prosecutions.”

The waste safes are 800-litre containers which can remain at a company site until full.

They are also UN-approved to carry dangerous goods.

“It’s a simple solution, but one which ensures businesses are always compliant with very strict regulations around waste,” said Mr Taylor. “The fines for mismanagement of

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waste are huge – potentially capable of bringing down a business.

“Waste management is a top priority for many large-scale businesses, but sadly for some medium-sized and growing businesses, nobody at the company has overall responsibility, and is actually a constant headache that is largely ignored.”

Established in 2013, Wastege Waste Management Ltd has a “zero to landfill” policy, focusing on reusing, recycling or recovering value from the waste it handles.

Liquid waste, for example, is treated and made ready for recycling or disposal purposes at the firm’s transfer facility.

Mr Taylor said: “Our commitment to recycling is something which sits very well with the companies we serve and has been a driver behind our growth.

“We see it as our duty to influence and lead industries to a more economic and environmentally sound waste management solution.”

HULL: A businessman has helped raise the aspirations of a local charity after taking on one of the world’s toughest marathons.

Michael Smith, of Cobus Communications, and Paul Spence, founder of Paul For Brain Recovery, pushed their minds and bodies to the limit to complete the Great Wall of China Marathon in six hours and 41 minutes.

Michael said: “In 2016, Paul and I did a 90-mile hike of Hadrian’s Wall. I remember Paul saying ‘what’s a bigger wall than Hadrian’s Wall?’

“We instantly agreed The Great Wall, though it started as a bit of a joke.”

Despite having never run further than 10k, Michael trained with Paul before jetting to China, where they faced 43-degree heat, high humidity, and 5,164 steps.

As well as raising funds, a key aim was to raise self belief among brain injury sufferers.

Michael said: “We wanted to help the brain injured believe that with the right commitment and dedication you can push yourself to achieve things you never thought possible.”

Paul said: “I can’t thank Mike enough for the time and energy that he has put in to help the charity.

“He’s gone from running 10k to a marathon in three months – what a positive message to inspire others.”

4 Wednesday June 14 2017

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MAI-E01- S4

BIGINTERVIEW

‘We used to be a provincial player, but the internet changed all that’ Nigel Gray, of GFG Plastics, tells Catherine Lea how the internet has turned a grassroots family firm into a global success

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or many businesses – particularly high street retailers – the internet has been both a blessing and a curse.

Our growing appetite for online shopping means the firms with an online presence have seen their bottoms lines boosted, but for many this has been to the detriment of their bricks and mortar operations.

For GFG Plastics, the internet has helped the family-run firm become a serious player in the plastic manufacturing and machining world.

They now export their products all over the globe via their website and eBay shop, supplying everyone from the elderly allotment holders to the Ministry of Defence.

Director Nigel Gray said: “We manufacture products from plastic sheet to rod and piping, to go into everything from pathology labs to mortuary ventilation systems.

“We also make caravan water tanks and chemical storage tanks, and even bed head protectors for Hull Royal Infirmary.

“We used to be quite a provincial player, but the internet has changed all that and we’re still growing as a result of remote orders we get through our website and our eBay shop.

“Europe in particular is a growing market for us – as well, of course, as the rest of the UK.

FAMILY-RUN: Nigel and Susie Gray, of GFG Plastics, West Dock Street, west Hull, which now has more than 50 export orders coming in each week.

Pictures: Simon Renilson

“

I left school in 1982, came to work in the factory for a week and have never left Nigel Gray

“We pride ourselves on solving problems in plastic– whatever a client has an idea to do, we can usually develop a solution.”

GFG Plastics now has more than 50 export orders coming in each week, and sends its products to every European state, as well as Malaysia, Israel and Australia – a far cry from when the business was founded in 1971 by Nigel’s father, George Frederick Gray.

“Dad started his career as a sheet metal worker, but realised the limitations of steel as a substance and started to develop solutions in plastic instead,” said Nigel. “Looking back, he was switched on enough to spot a massive business opportunity because, in the four decades since, plastic has become the material of choice and it’s now in practically everything we all use.

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TEAMWORK: From left, Nigel, Susie and Paul Gray, of GFG Plastics.

“I left school in 1982, came to work in the factory for a week and have never left. My elder brother, Paul, already worked here and I just loved coming to work every day with him and my dad. It was just so satisfying.”

GFG Plastics is based in a former fish factory in West Dock Street, off Hessle Road. Nine members of the Gray clan now run the operation: Nigel, his wife Susie – who also founded the Supporting Women in Industry Surrounding the Humber networking group – eldest son Calvin and youngest Ashley, his brother Paul, Paul’s eldest son Aaron and daughter Shannon.

They work alongside Paul Wigley and Graham High, who between them served the company for 55 years.

The team offers every aspect of plastic fabrication and machining, investing in the business to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of its industry.

Over the years, the firm has expanded its production, services and the industries it serves, now supplying industries ranging from ambulance makers, construction companies, the NHS, chemical suppliers and battery manufacturers.

“Our team are all skilled tradesmen and do everything from machining to extrusion welding, hot gas welding, thermo forming, line bending,” said Nigel. “We’ll do prototyping and one-off orders to runs of tens of thousands of products.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, like anyone. From January 2009 onwards was difficult for us, in the aftermath of the credit crunch. We survived thanks to a big order from a Hull company for PVC ventilation systems, but then 2010 kicked in and we had a delayed reaction.

“We then got a couple of orders, which kept us going, and the internet side started to grow with our eBay shop, which was our saving grace, really.

“We still get visits on Friday afternoons from elderly allotment holders who need a plastic fitting making for their greenhouse.

“While that might be a bit of a distraction from our day-to-day operation, we do it because that, for me, is what it’s all about.”

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MAI-E01- S4

YOUR MONEY ONEY YOUR YOUR M ONEY

The The hhottest ottest property property

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TRAVELLERS FACE CARD-BLOCK WOES TRAVELLERS FACE CARD-BLOCK WOES TRAVELLERS FACE CARD-BLOCK WOES ALMOST half of rely ononon their ALMOST half of people rely their ALMOST half ofpeople people rely their credit or cards when travelling credit or debit cards when travelling credit ordebit debit cards when travelling and aa quarter have had their cards a quarter have had their cards andand quarter have had their cards blocked while they are away. blocked while they are away. blocked while they are away.

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SCAN ANDAND PAY PAY TRIAL FORFOR SHOPPERS SCAN TRIAL SHOPPERS BARCLAYCARD is trialling a new BARCLAYCARD isFOR trialling a new SCAN AND PAY TRIAL SHOPPERS payment concept that allows payment concept that allows people BARCLAYCARD is trialling apeople new to scan and paypay forthat their shopping to scan and for their shopping payment concept allows people using their smartphone, without thethe using their smartphone, without to scan and pay for their shopping need totheir visit a physical checkout. need to visit a physical checkout. using smartphone, without the Grab Goatransforms a smartGrab and Go transforms a smartneed toand visit physical checkout. phone into aGo “pocket checkout”, phone into atransforms “pocket checkout”, Grab and a smartallowing users to scan thethe items they allowing to scan items they phone into ausers “pocket checkout”, want to buy as they pickpick them andand want to buy as them allowing users to they scan the items they then complete purchase with a a then their purchase with want to complete buy astheir they pick them and single click and walk out of a store. single click and walk out of a store. then complete their purchase with a TheThe concept is walk being trialled by by concept is being trialled single click and out of a store.

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MONEY FACT MONEY FACT TIME MONEY FACT

WORRIED JUNE 1 marked 60 60 JUNE 1 TAX marked ABOUT for change years since the the firstfirst years since AND SELF Sell on the go here!

Premium Bond Premium Bond JUNE 1 marked 60 ASSESSMENT? draw. draw. years since the first

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hulldailymail.co.uk

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AA small the adjust Young drivers have insurance. small thedata dataand and adjustthe the see seemoneysupermarket. moneysupermarket. was hiked on have June 1, to telematics, also ness of driving. perMarket says. every tracked by can pay everymove move tracked Young drivers already seen premiums tracking device is is box driver’s premiums, already seen premiums tracking device driver’s premiums, with com/car-insurance/ com/car-insurance/ from 10% to 12%. known as black Insurers canwith analyse For more information black box telematics black box telematics sky-high prices or have riserise by £284 year-oninside car performing telematics by £284 year-oninstalled inside the car those those performing well the telematics Young drivers have installed insurance.

Athe small the data andwell adjust see moneysupermarket. every move tracked by already seen premiums tracking device is driver’s premiums, with com/car-insurance/ black box telematics rise by £284 year-oninstalled inside the car those performing well telematics

Wednesday June 14 2017 7

hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01-S4

BUSINESS

‘Our new base really does have the wow factor’ Company is latest tenant at historic building AN EAST Yorkshire business centre currently undergoing a £100,000 refurbishment has secured a new tenant.

Applied Psychologies provide educational psychology services, building relationships with schools and working with businesses, sports-led organisations and community group.

The company is the latest to relocate to Hesslewood Hall Business Centre – an historic building which forms the centrepiece to the Country Office Park in Ferriby Road, Hessle.

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

David Lamb, director of Applied Psychologies, said: “Hesslewood Hall Business Centre will provide our first permanent base in Hull.

“We have a team of seven people working in the area and they will all be under the same roof for the first time.

“We work in schools throughout the region, so the business centre is in an ideal location for easily getting onto the A63 and accessing

the motorway network.”

The ivy-covered hall combines the character of a grade two listed building with modern, hi-tech facilities, set in tree-lined grounds with panoramic views across the Humber estuary.

It is now home to 15 businesses, including H&H, Pinnacle Computing and Prime Fifty Supplements, along with a number of resident peacocks, which can be seen throughout the grounds.

“The building is stunning,” said Dr Lamb. “It really does have the wow factor, with

IMPRESSIVE: David Lamb, director of Applied Psychologies, at Hesslewood Hall Business Centre. amazing features and grounds.”

David Warren and Malcolm Noble are joint majority owners of the building.

Mr Warren said: “The business centre is a grade two listed building, so the refurbishment has to take account of this status.

“We are upgrading kitchens, toilets, the reception and other communal areas.

“It’s a beautiful building and we are providing some TLC to further enhance it.

“We offer serviced office space with a fully manned reception, so tenants have the privacy of their own office suite but also the economy of sharing costs such as security, heating, and building maintenance.”

The two remaining offices are being let by PPH

Commercial. Ben Cooper, divisional director at PPH Commercial, said: “The offices are unique because they are in amazing grounds that overlook woodland to the Humber and their features include hand-carved marble Adam fireplaces.

“The offices are available on flexible, all-inclusive terms with early occupation available.”

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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 £406,639 • REF 558066. EPC Band C. Business and Property £699,950 Hull

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 Band D. Business £200,000 Scarborough

FULLY LICENSED DINER WITH 20 COVERS

• Commanding Main Road Site • Worked In Sensible Hours Over Six Days • PRICED TO SELL - INTERNAL VIEWING IS ESSENTIAL • One Bedroom Flat Sub-Let for £300 PCM • Weekly Turnover £2,000 • REF 557985. EPC Band D. Business £30,000 Hull

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

FISH & CHIPS SHOP

• Retirement Sale After Many Years • Densely Populated Residential Area • Vacant Spacious Two Bedroom Family Accommodation • HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND SCOPE FOR MUCH MORE • £12,000 to £13,000 Weekly Turnover • Adjusted Net Profits £39,046 • REF 557577. EPC Band D. Business and Property, Offers Over £379,950

• 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

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A LA CARTE RESTAURANT

• Fabulous Restaurant • Substantial 3 storey freehold property • Popular seaside town • Luxury 2 bedroom family accomm • Taking £1,400 weekly • REF 555502. EPC Band D. Business & Property OIRO £175,000 East Yorkshire

LICENCED GUEST HOUSE WITH SPACIOUS OWNERS ACCOMMODATION

• Tremendous Potential • Viewing Highly Recommended • 6 Superb Letting Rooms • Prime Site - Freehold Premises • Taking £57,000 per Annum (Eight Month Season) • REF 555887. EPC Rating C. Business & Property £297,000 Bridlington

LICENSED RESTAURANT & BAR

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT - 90 COVERS

• Superb 94 Cover Restaurant plus 30 Alfresco Covers • Wonderful Trading Positon - RIGHT IN THE HEART OF HULL CITY CENTRE • Currently Trading in Only a Four Day Week - Scope for 7 Days Here • VIEWING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED • Weekly Turnover £10,000 • REF 557835. EPC Band F. Business £94,000

• Densely Populated Area of Hull • Run Predominantly By Staff • Tremendous Scope for So Much More with Enthusiastic Working Owners • VIEW EARLY - THIS WILL GO • Weekly Turnover £8,400 • REF 557780. EPC Band D. Business £75,000

Hull

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

SANDWICH BAR, NEWS, SWEETS & FULL OFF LICENCE

• Tremendous Potential • Prime Trading Site • Viewing Highly Recommended • 2 Bed Accommodation • Taking £3500 weekly • REF 557308. EPC Band C. Business £39,950 North Humberside

SECOND HAND BOOK SHOP

• Worked in Very Easy Hours Over Six Days • RETIREMENT SALE AFTER OVER 25 YEARS • A Delightful Way to Earn Your Living • BUSY SITE IN THE TOWN CENTRE • Annual Turnover £30,723 • REF 557929. Awaiting EPC. Business £20,000

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The Business Awards 2017

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8 Wednesday June 14 2017

hulldailymail.co.uk

MAI-E01- S4

BUSINESS

Farm gives firms chance to grow Purpose-built commercial units for rural businesses AN EAST Riding farm is offering rural businesses a platform for growth.

North End Farm in Station Road, Ottringham is already home to agricultural and engineering operations. The farm is now looking to increase its offering with purposebuilt commercial units.

Andrew Croft, a director of the companies at North End Farm, said: “We have an arable farm, an engineering company and a business which manufactures agricultural machinery but this is our first venture in commercial property.

“The units have been built on an extension of our existing site.

“There is provision for offices within the building and we have planning permission for trade

“

The working environment is very pleasant, looking out over open fields

PUT DOWN ROOTS: Industrial units being developed at North End Farm, Ottringham. Inset, Dale Gooderham, senior agency surveyor at Garness Jones in Hull.

Dale Gooderham, of Garness Jones

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

counter use, so it is suitable for most commercial uses.”

While many people might associate rural areas with only farming and manufacturing, the importance rural businesses play to the local and national economy is significant.

Government data shows almost a quarter (24 per cent) of UK businesses are based in rural areas.

These businesses employ 13 per cent of the nation’s workers – about 3.5 million people.

Rural areas also provide a hotbed for business start-ups, with an average of 49 start-ups launched for every 10,000 residents.

Dale Gooderham, senior agency surveyor at Garness Jones in Hull, said the accommodation offers a range of options and should appeal to a variety of businesses.

He said: “There has been a tradition in some rural areas to convert former agricultural buildings for alternative use, but that approach doesn’t always deliver

great quality in terms of access, design, insulation and power supplies.

“This project has particular advantages in that it is completely new-build and is also high specification.

“That makes it suitable for a variety of uses and provides an attractive option for people who want to start or expand businesses in a rural area.”

The total space available is 8,250 sq ft, which can be sub-divided if required into units from around 2,300 sq ft.

Mr Gooderham said: “The developers are looking to build long-term relationships with tenants and will look at additional features such as mezzanine floors.

“There is a lot of commercial and industrial activity in the towns and villages in the area and this is a very good-quality addition.

“The working environment is very pleasant, looking out over open fields, and the location and facilities would suit a variety of businesses – manufacturing, storage and distribution perhaps for internet sales, or light industrial.”

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Powering business to the next level GW Power welcomes new manager to help drive the further growth

A

successful Hull company that carries out a wide range of mechanical and electrical (M&E) installation works has taken on a new manager to help drive the further growth of the firm.

GW Power, which operates across the commercial and industrial sectors, this week welcomed Rob Dixon to the team.

Daniel Haley, managing director of GW Power, said: “Rob brings with him many years of experience in the industry and I am hoping he will help to take the business to the next step.

“He will bring to the table key skills such as project management, health and safety, and contract management and has a wide range of business experience, including a business management degree, to help us to grow and develop GW Power.”

Rob joined GW Power as the company marked the first day of its fourth year in business.

Since launch, the firm has

WELCOME ABOARD: Managing director Daniel Haley, left, with new manager Rob Dixon at GW Power in Brighton Street Industrial Estate, Hull.

enjoyed considerable growth through offering combined M&E packages to existing and new clients, and has more than doubled its gross turnover year on year.

“With Rob’s assistance, I’d like to think we can double our turnover again,” said Daniel, 28, who was a finalist in the Young Achiever of the Year at last year’s Hull Daily Mail Business Awards.

GW Power has recently completed combined projects for the likes of Hobson and Porter Ltd and Stubbs Brothers Ltd, and has also begun works at the Guildhall in Hull with Sangwin Group.

“The project consists of energysaving LED lighting, new electrical distribution, plumbing, data, fire alarm, ventilation and heat

pump installation,” said Daniel.

“We also have many projects in the pipeline for the near future and are hoping to build on recent success within this area.”

GW Power can look after all aspects of a business’s electrical, plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) needs, meaning a client only needs to deal with one contractor directly.

Speaking about his new position, Rob said he was “extremely excited and highly motivated” about working alongside the managing director.

“Daniel is a very motivated and

switched-on young businessman,” he said. “We already get on really well together and I am very confident that we are going to make a great team.

“Hopefully existing and potential GW Power clients will see this move as a step in the right direction and give them even more confidence to use us for years to come.”

■ GW Power is at Unit 6, Brighton Street Industrial Estate, Freightliner Road, Hull, HU3 4UW. Call 01482 429354, email info@ gwpower.co.uk or visitwww.gwpower.co.uk for further infor mation.

GENERATION GAME FOR HULL FIRM LOYAL STAFF PAGE 3 24/7 breaking news at hulldailymail.co.uk

I’M CATCHING PESTS NOT RUGBY BALLS BIG INTERVIEW PAGES 7

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Wednesday June 21 2017

MAJORITY STAKE: Equistone staff celebrate the investment.

BUILDING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE Modular specialist’s multi-million-pound investment in new site will enable it to increase capacity and create jobs

AN East Yorkshire-based modular buildings specialist is gearing up for growth thanks to a multi-million-pound investment that will enable it to increase capacity and create jobs.

Integra Buildings has bought six acres of industrial land at Paull for £1.6m and is now planning a further £1.4m investment on the site.

The company, which already owns a 2.5-acre site next to the newlyacquired land, is making the move after outgrowing its office and production facilities in Burstwick.

Managing director Gary Parker said: “Our manufacturing facilities at Burstwick and Paull are running at full capacity so we are ready to make this major investment to take

By Catherine Lea Business Editor c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

the business to the next level.

“This is the perfect time for us to develop more of the innovative manufacturing processes for which we are noted and strengthen our position as a leading player in the UK modular buildings market.”

Integra Buildings is one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of bespoke modular buildings. Over the past five years, the company has doubled turnover to almost £19m, and now employs 80 people, as well as supporting a fur-

Continued on PAGE 2

The Business Awards 2017

MANUFACTURING: A Hull manufacturer is set for further expansion after securing an investment deal with one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors.

Equistone Partners Europe Ltd has acquired a majority stake in Willerby, in Hedon Road.

Founded in Hull in 1946, Willerby is now the UKs largest manufacturer of holiday homes, generating an annual turnover of £155m.

It employs about 900 people across its two recently expanded production sites, and designs and manufactures 70 different models of static caravans and lodges.

Andi Tomkinson, investment director at Equistone, said: “Willerby is the clear UK market leader in terms of both scale and breadth of product offering.

“It also enjoys an established reputation for quality and innovation rooted in over seven decades of its history, and has exhibited strong growth in recent years.

“When you combine this with the attractive fundamentals of the wider UK holiday home sector – namely a strengthening ‘grey pound’ driven by demographic change and the long-term upswing in Britons’ propensity for ‘staycations’ – the opportunity to invest was an exciting one.”

■ For more Willerby news, see page 3.

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BUSINESS

Building firm’s major investment Continued from PAGE 1 ther 20 jobs with sub-contractors.

Its latest investment is predicted to create an additional 18 jobs ranging from production roles to project management, sales and support functions.

It will also enable the company to revive its apprenticeship schemes to provide places for at least two new apprentices each year.

The firm’s current manufacturing facilities at Paull are focused on production of durable, anti-vandal modular buildings, which are used predominantly for welfare, canteen and toilet facilities on construction sites.

The investment will bring the company’s production together in one place, with the state-of-the-art facilities expected to be operational by early 2018.

Mr Parker said: “Purchase and development of the Paull site will allow the expansion we need to enable our business to grow, so this is great news for the company, our staff, our customers and the local economy.�

The company is to create two bespoke production facilities, amounting to 72,000sq ft of manufacturing space, within existing buildings on the Paull site.

Subject to planning permission, it will also build a new, two-storey modular office block on site.

Chris Turner, Integra Buildings’ commercial director, said: “The old image of modular buildings as prefabs is a thing of the past. Modular building is the way forward in the construction industry. “A wide range of sectors are recognising the benefits of modular, off-site construction and we are seeing that in the exceptionally strong demand for our products.�

The company has received an in-principle offer of funding from the Humber LEP’s Growing the Humber programme to facilitate the expansion scheme, which will also increase storage capacity and provide space for future expansion.

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Big-money projects lead to record year of profit Spencer Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-tax profit of ÂŁ5.1m the highest in firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

MULTI-MILLION pound projects, including the ÂŁ200m Energy Works power plant in Hull and a ÂŁ65m scheme to design and build wood pellet handling facilities at the Port of Tyne, has resulted in a landmark year for Spencer Group.

Financial statements show the Hull company achieved a turnover of ÂŁ113m for the year ending March 2017, with a pre-tax profit of ÂŁ5.1m â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest profit achieved in the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 28-year history.

Over the past year, the company has also grown its workforce, from 269 to 314, Commercial director Graham Beal said the figures â&#x20AC;&#x153;represent significant, continuing progressâ&#x20AC;? within the group.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These results are highly encouraging and reflect a landmark year for the business, during which we have made strong progress towards the successful delivery of two of the largest projects the company has ever undertaken, demonstrating once again the extent of our capability and expertise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having steered the ÂŁ200m Energy Works power plant in Hull from concept to development, we are now delivering the ÂŁ35m package of civil engineering works for the project, working with principal contractor M+W Group and on behalf of a consortium of international investors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Construction of Energy

LANDMARK YEAR: Spencer Group steered the ÂŁ200m Energy Works power plant in Hull from concept to development.

Works is progressing rapidly and the facility is on target to begin producing electricity from an innovative and environment friendly gasification process in April next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the same time we are delivering a ÂŁ65m scheme to design and build facilities for the handling, storage and rail-loading of wood pellets at the Port of Tyne, to support the conversion of Lynemouth Power Station to biomass burning. We expect to complete this project towards the end of the year.â&#x20AC;?

In light of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pressing skills gap, the company has recently stepped up its appren-

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ticeship and graduate recruitment programmes to build a new pipeline of young talent for the business.

Its efforts have seen homegrown recruits now excelling in roles in delivery, design, marketing, IT support and development.

Spencer Group is also one of the Founding Partners of Hullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Ron Dearing University Technical College, which will open in September and is heavily over-subscribed.

Spencer Group executive chairman Charlie Spencer OBE said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased to have achieved a year of record prof-

itability, as a result of delivering projects of very significant scale, challenge and complexity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By understanding our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs we have been able to deliver business critical projects and this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s results are testament to this focus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the current year we are continuing to demonstrate the pace, energy and imagination we bring to solving our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; engineering challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Looking ahead, we are well placed to continue to capitalise on the industry-leading capability we have in the fields of rail, energy, materials handling, specialist engineering and design.â&#x20AC;?

MAI-E01-S5

Wednesday June 21 2017 3

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BUSINESS GENERATION GAME: From left, Steve Drew with his daughter, Sydney; Cliff Bean with his son, Scott Beal; and apprentice Ethan Cambridge with his father, Aaron Cambridge.

Picture: Peter Harbour

The ‘very special’ reason holiday home firm is still going strong Family bonds behind committed workforce LAST weekend, hundreds of people across the region made a last-minute dash to the shops before turning up on their dads’ doorsteps bearing Father’s Day cards and gifts.

For a number of workers at Willerby in Hedon Road, however, they had already put in plenty of legwork having worked alongside their dads during the week.

Lean operations manager Stephen Drew has worked at the company for 25 years. Four years ago, he was joined by daughter Sydney.

She said: “I worked here part-time around my studies and gained some great work experience, so when they offered me a full-time job I didn’t hesitate.

“I work in account management and customer services, so am based in a different part of the building to my dad, but it is good to know he’s around if I need him.”

Ongoing investment in its people coupled with a focus on maintaining continuous employment for employees has enabled Willerby to steer away from fluctuating staffing levels that were once typical within the sector, and has resulted in 95 per cent of the current senior management production team comprising of people who have progressed from working on the shop floor.

Over the past 20 years, Cliff Beal has worked his way up to production director.

His son, Scott, joined the company eight years ago, also working his way through the ranks, from apprentice to furnishing team leader. Cliff said: “When you find a job you enjoy and which supports you to do well and rewards you for your hard work, you want to do everything you can to support that company’s success. The industry tends to be very cyclical, it has had its ups and downs and in the past this has seen companies taken on staff during peaks and then letting them go when the work dies off.

“When the CEO joined Willerby, he took a very firm stance that Willerby was to protect a permanent workforce of full-time employees, so we do go through periods of overtime, which protects the core workforce.”

ALWAYS DREAMT OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

Scott said: “I enjoyed doing woodwork and technology at school, and knew I wanted to work with my hands, but didn’t consider a career at Willerby first off. When I went to college, Willerby was advertising apprenticeship positions and with my dad working here for so long, I knew I would enjoy it.

“For me, the biggest opportunity has come through being able to progress with the company. During my second year, I was named apprentice of the year, and after completing my apprenticeship I moved on to operative on the shop floor, where now I am a team leader.”

Production manager Aaron Cambridge has clocked up 16 years of service, while his son, Ethan, is in his second year as an apprentice joiner. Ethan said: “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do when I left school, but to go from a level 2 apprenticeship to being offered a chance to progress to level 3 has been a big opportunity for me. It’s good to work in the same place as Dad, and even better I get a lift off him every day.”

Willerby was founded in Hull in 1946 and is now the largest holiday home manufacturer in the UK. As well as making static caravans and lodges, the company also designs, manufactures and installs modular timber frame buildings for the leisure sector, and for social and private housing, through its Willerby Innovations division.

Kirsten Bolton, marketing director, said: “Everything about Willerby is about family, from the products we make, to the people that make them. Generations of families have worked here and continue to do so.

Willerby wouldn’t be Willerby without its staff and we are so proud to see young people working with their parents. Watching new generations learn and grow is something unique and very special.”

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REWARDING HEARTBEA There are plenty of businesses whose innovation and skill is putting the region’s digital industry in good health. Debbie Hall looks at two of them which are the type of company we want to hear from for this year’s awards

T

echnology touches lives every day in many ways – advances in digital knowledge have transformed the accessories we have taken for granted for a number of years now, such as mobile phones, watches and wristbands, to turn them into personalised, portable health monitors.

There is a digital health revolution going on with your watch taking the place of your personal trainer, your bracelet tracking your food intake and sleep patterns, and your phone helping to monitor your blood glucose levels, while an app assesses you for potential symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The NHS is trialling digital services to improve care for patients experiencing mental health issues, which will include innovative apps to improve care and online access to real-time patient records.

One Hull-made pocket device that logs people’s feelings – users simply press a “happy” or “sad” button – has received a huge response following its recent launch.

Christina Colmer McHugh, co-founder and co-director of Moodbeam, said: “Since launching the website, which coincided with the beginning of the prototype trials, we have been inundated with enquiries.

“I think it’s Moodbeam’s simplicity to log and track the happiness of an individual, whether personally or professionally, that’s struck a chord with everyone.

“When you think that it can be applied at school, at home, in the workplace, in care, in medicine and physically, as well as mentally, demanding professions and performance-driven sectors, it’s the new metric for happiness and wellbeing.

“Because it is able to instantly log and diarise moods, creating an ‘at-a-glance’ calendar of how we feel visually, it has become the answer to gauging the age-old problem of seeing how someone really feels at any given part of their day.”

It is this type of innovation the Mail is celebrating at The Digital Awards 2017 on Thursday, September 7.

Thanks to the clever technology behind Moodbeam, and the fact that it is “not just another app”, having both hardware and software capabilities, its appeal is universal, making it “pretty much a tool for life”, according to Mrs Colmer McHugh, who was inspired to create Moodbeam when she discovered her daughter was being bullied at school.

Co-founder and co-director of Moodbeam is entrepreneur Jonathan Elvidge, who said: “What we have created is a very simple device that I firmly believe can have a life-changing impact.

“From those interested in their general wellbeing to those with specific challenges around mental health, from individuals to large organisations, the amount of interest

Rob Lewis, director of 54 Degrees North Ltd – a consulting and product innovation company based at Hull’s C4DI – said: “When the hormone relaxin is released by your body during pregnancy, it loosens all tendons and ligaments, including those in your feet. Those changes can increase your foot size by as much as a size, and make you more susceptible to suffering muscle and joint issues later in life.”

Souls, developed with the help of expert podiatrists, are designed to keep women comfortable, healthy and active during their pregnancies. They are made from a material called poron and coated in leather, providing cushioned support to minimise the risk of fallen arches.

Mr Lewis said: “Souls are beautifully designed and professionally made locally by Lakeland Orthotics. They are made in attractive colours and to fit women’s shoes.

“We are working on technology to work alongside Souls that will provide pregnant women with information to manage their You would not think “insoles” and “digital” health and comfort during pregnancy.” would ever appear in the same sentence, Hundreds of pairs of Souls are already out but think again. there and being trialled by expectant mothThe Hull developer of innovative Souls, ers, some of whom are bloggers reporting specifically designed for pregnant women, the “noticeably more springy” feel of the is planning ultimately to link the supportinsoles and the fact they have made walkive shoe inserts with digital technology to ing more comfortable and helped to reduce provide helpful metrics for mums-to-be. back pain.

Mr Lewis said: “There are 700,000 UK pregnancies every year making it a sizeable and attractive market just in the UK. “There is a similar pregnancy rate in France, Spain, Germany and Italy – I’m not bound by what country I am in because I’m online – and if I go into the US, you are talking seven million pregnancies a year.

“We are looking for a business to business Christina Colmer McHugh opportunity too. If you are a HR person and

POCKET DEVICE: Christina Colmer McHugh and Jonathan Elvidge have developed the Moodbeam app.

we are getting is overwhelming and I think this is because everyone knows someone who they know would really benefit from being able to see, and in many cases share, how they are feeling day to day.

“Being able to directly compare mood with, for example, diet, exercise, medication, hormone balance, eating habits, sleeping hours etc, alongside daily events at home and at work, can be hugely beneficial.

“Being connected with the feelings of others when you’re not with them is also extremely powerful – be it a young child in school or an elderly relative in care, it can open the door to really meaningful conversations. We have also seen that creating a mood map across an entire organisation is an area of widespread interest that could point the way to significant positive change in the workplace.”

Visit www.moodbeam.co.uk for details.

A company with soul

“

It’s Moodbeam’s simplicity to log and track the happiness of an individual that’s struck a chord with everyone 1) Best Mobile App – sponsored by Spencer Group Judges will be looking for a standout app, showing innovation, imagination and flair.

2) Young Digital Person Of The Year – sponsored by Wykeland Group This category will recognise an individual under the age of 25 who has made an impact on the digital landscape in Hull and East Yorkshire in the past year.

3) Best Digital Start-Up – sponsored by Trident A company or organisation that has launched in the past two years and has already found a strong and loyal digital following, customer base or audience.

4) Best Use Of Technology Within Education – sponsored by PureSpeed As more schools and colleges sign up to digital, we’ll be looking for a stand-out

an employee becomes pregnant, you start going through procedures, looking at their workstation, materials they may be exposed to in their job, that sort of thing.

The product recently received an accolade directed at new Hull innovations coming to the market.

Souls earned the To Be Made In Hull title at the annual Made In Hull awards, presented during Humber Business Week 2017,

Awards to recognise best-performing performer in education who is using digital technology to interact with pupils, staff and the public.

fast-moving digital industry. We’ll be looking for a unique design or innovation which has helped a company or organisation take a step forward in their 5) Best e-Commerce – sponsored by Arco digital journey.

A company or organisation that can show itself to be a vanguard of digital commerce. 8) Best Global Reach – sponsored by the University of Hull 6) Best Digital Marketing Communication The judges will assess entrants for evidence – sponsored by Bondholders of leveraging their own unique digital We’re looking for a one-off marketing or (hardware or software) products and promotional campaign, or continuous services to gain commercial contracts excellent use of digital tools such as social outside of the UK. media, to promote a business, organisation 9) Best Hardware – sponsored by HBP or event.

Systems 7) Best Digital Innovation – sponsored by The judges will assess entrants for evidence Hull College of creating novel devices of genuine utility or usability – hardware that supports clear New ideas are the lifeblood of the

5 MAI-E01-S5

in association with

AT OF DIGITAL SECTOR

SOUL TO SOUL: Andrew Manderfield, left, of Streets chartered accountants, presents Rob Lewis with the Made in Hull Award for the Souls product devised by his company, 54 Degrees North.

How to be a part of the Digital Awards 2017 TO BE part of the celebration at Stage@TheDock, call Jane Smallwood on 01482 315395 or email j.smallwood@ hulldailymail.co.uk -– tickets cost £35 per head and include a drinks reception, street food and entertainment by a live band.

Visit thedigitalawards.net for details.

firms in the region impactful improvement in the lives or situations of its end users.

10) Best Emerging Technology – sponsored by Arc Studios The judges will assess entrants for evidence of creating innovative technology (hardware or software) that broaches new territory in some significant way and that represents progressive developments within a field for competitive advantage.

11) Digital Ambassador – sponsored by KCOM Awarded by the judges to an individual, company or organisation that is leading the way in digital application and development and helping inspire others on the community.

awarded in recognition of delivering against the unmet need of foot support for pregnant women. Visit www.mysouls.co.uk 54 Degrees North is also developing a number of other digital health solutions, including a simple-to-use app called Flx. This brings decades of physiotherapy experience to smartphones to diagnose musculoskeletal issues and offer an intervention in the form corrective exercises.

Deadline for submission

28/07

Finalists announced

09/08

Awards ceremony

07/09

BEST DIGITAL START-UP OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATION: Chairman of C4DI David Keel talking at last year’s event

A company or organisation that has launched in the last two years and has already found a strong and loyal digital following, customer base or audience. This award can recognise success in a wide range of fields, from online retail to web development or marketing. The winner will have bold ambitions and clear evidence their growth plans have got off to a solid start.

Sponsored by

To enter visit www.thedigitalawards.net Brought to you by

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The Business Awards 2017 Celebrating the very best of local business ENTRIES OPEN hulldailymail.co.uk/businessawards

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6 Wednesday June 21 2017

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Lawyer leading drive to free up availability of migrant workers Support group set up for firms exposed to changes as a result of recent Brexit vote

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

A HULL lawyer is at the forefront of a drive to ensure the availability of more than 34,000 European migrants currently working across the region.

Figures show Hull is the only UK city that exports more to the US than it does the EU, with only a third of the city’s trade with EU countries.

But while the figures have been jumped upon by pro-Brexit campaigners, they hide the fact hundreds of the city’s businesses depend on EU workers, with food, manufacturing and highly skilled roles particularly reliant on imported talent.

Law firm Pepperells has now set up a focus group to support businesses who feel exposed to changes that could follow the UK’s retreat from Brussels.

Frances Ledbury, associate solicitor at the firm, says she has heard first-hand of concerns, as well as sickening incidents of racism stemming from the Brexit vote.

She said: “We have found that there are a significant amount of people, and a significant amount of businesses affected if people are forced to leave.

“A lot of Europeans are worried and we have seen a little bit of racism towards children. A ten-year-old boy on the morning of the Brexit vote didn’t want to go to school because ‘friends’ had been saying he will be deported the next day. The UK is all he has known.

“When kids start getting affected, parents start getting affected. Everyone is concerned about the future, about five to ten years time. Some European nationals have never experienced racism in this country and see it as home, but we are definitely seeing a shift between that and what people are now reporting to us.”

Migrants who wish to secure permanent residency can apply via Home Office documentation, however they face 85 pages of form filling to kick-start the process.

Pepperels is now looking to roll out support to businesses who need help with such processes.

BREXIT BREAKDOWN European economic migrants by local authority: ■ Hull 14,300 ■ East Riding 7,700 ■ North Lincolnshire 7,700 ■ North East Lincolnshire 4,400

‘CLOCK TICKING’: Frances Ledbury, of law firm Pepperells.

Ms Ledbury, who first worked as an immigration adviser at University of Hull while qualifying as a solicitor, said: “We still have legislation to protect European nationals who have been here some time. It is a question of either firming it up to have permanent residency that could lead to citizenship, or they can have permanent residency and keep their European nationality.

We have been doing these applications for a long time. A lot of people don’t know it can be done, especially businesses.

“Employers wouldn’t have previously had to engage with this decision as they have had a workforce that just keeps turning up.

“Now people are ringing us, asking what can they do about it, telling us how they need to secure a workforce. We have been dealing with agencies about securing workforces, too.

“A lot have felt the clock has started to tick.

We don’t know when the clock is going to stop, we are waiting for Government to decide that.”

MAI-E01-S5

Wednesday June 21 2017 7

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BIGINTERVIEW

Tackling pests is Gary’s career now

RUGBY and rodents seem like an unlikely pairing of areas to specialise in.

For Gary Wilkinson, of Elite Pest Control, however, it’s a harmonious career crossover that has become a family business.

Born and bred in Hull, Gary is a familiar face in the local area and is best known for his rugby prowess.

He said: “I played football in the local leagues from the age of 8 until 19, I then played amateur rugby league throughout my twenties, mainly for Orchard Park teams.”

It was in the early 1990s when he decided to take his coaching badges – a decision that would see him go on to coach the first team at Hull KR, Hull FC’s under 23s, the Great Britain students team and the Sheffield Eagles, to name just a few.

“The special memories from my rugby career range from winning trophies at West Hull, Ideal ABI and

Former sports coach Gary Wilkinson talks to Catherine Lea about the transition from rugby to rodents Great Britain students, to getting promoted with Sheffield Eagles,” he said. “I also loved seeing many players develop their game to become better players and, in Hull KR’s case, become first team players.”

Although the rugby season remains a highlight in Gary’s diary, with summer now upon us, he is turning his attention to the business activity, which comes with a change in the weather – namely a surge in bee and wasp infestations, which he deals with humanely, and to legal requirements, thanks to his certified status.

But how does a professional rugby coach end up owning a pest control business in the first place?

“I didn’t choose it,” said Gary.

“Throughout my career, I was also working for Hull City Council, and ended up transferring to the environmental health department’s pest control section.”

Playing and coaching rugby parttime, Gary worked there until April 1996, when he decided to start his own business, and continued doing both until 2007, when he left his coaching career behind.

Gary said: “I’m now in the 22nd year of business, so, with my work at the environmental health department, that’s 32 years of experience in total – not bad for someone who didn’t seek to be in the industry.”

Driven to deliver excellent ser-

‘PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE’: Gary Wilkinson, of Elite Pest Control, was a former rugby league coach. vices, March 2011 saw Gary earn his RSPH Level 2 certificate in pest management, a qualification that attests to his expertise as a pest control technician.

“I think my business is different from other pest control companies because I give my clients the kind of one-to-one service that can only be delivered by a small company,” he said. “I enjoy meeting people and building relationships with all of my customers who, over the years, have become friends. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than the cure’ and I want to change the perception of pest control.

“If you see my van parked outside

a local business, you can have peace of mind that that business is preventing infestations, rather than worrying that they are riddled with pests. Obviously, I do deal with issues that arise, but most of my work is stopping pests getting in there in the first place.”

As Elite Pest Control grows, Gary is keen to ensure his personal and friendly service is not lost.

And this will be easy to maintain when he takes on his new employee and son-in-law, Kris Welham, who is also making the transition from rugby to pest control when his career with the Salford Red Devils ends in the next few years.

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From the 1st of April, it is illegal for anyone to purchase alcohol from a wholesaler who is not registered under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS).

Dee Bee Wholesale is registered under the governments AWRS, so you can buy with confidence.

Dee Bee Wholesale registration number XKAW00000102226.

8 Wednesday June 21 2017

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IN BRIEF

Hull’s pioneering spirit recognised at awards MANUFACTURING: Bio-D and Heald were among the winners at this year’s Made In Hull Awards, organised by Streets Accountants.

The awards recognise the variety of goods and services produced in Hull.

Humber Wood Recycling won the Sold Locally category; Heald was named winner of the Sold Nationwide award; Bio-D was victorious in the Overseas category; APD Communications won the For the People of Hull award; FiftyFourDegreesNorth was named winner of the To Be Made in Hull award and APD Communications walked away with the Digital Award.

James Pinchbeck, marketing partner at Streets, said: “Manufacturing in Hull and the Humber region is enjoying something of a renaissance, which has been reflected in the growing number of entries for the awards as well as their diversity.”

Students get plastered CONSTRUCTION: Students at Bishop Burton College are taking part in a industry training workshops as part of a scheme to address the shortage of skilled construction workers.

Hull-based Hobson & Porter is working with industry partners, such as building merchant Jewson, to address the construction skills shortage through a series of events at the college.

The latest featured a visit from British Gypsum, with students given hands-on experience of using plaster and plasterboard systems.

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BUSINESS STUDENT CHEFS: Monday Supper Club held its latest get-together at Ellwell’s Restaurant, which forms part of East Riding College, Beverley.

Pictures: Peter Harbour

Supper Club is offering guests food for thought Idea to bring businesspeople together has pumped £20k into economy AN initiative designed to bring businesspeople together has pumped an estimated £20,000 into the local economy.

Monday Supper Club was established in 2014 in a bid to breathe life into a typically event-free and dreary night of the week.

Since its formation, guests have enjoyed meals in about 25 independent eateries across East Yorkshire, boosting local trade while helping bring a diverse range of business together under one roof.

Phil Ascough, one of the founders of Supper Club, said: “During Business Week in 2014, Jan Brumby [manager director

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

of For Entrepreneurs Only] spoke about the need to do something on a Monday night to get people out and about, and suggested a Monday Supper Club.

“I gave her a call and we also brought in Elaine Burke, an independent arts consultant and projects director who was chair of the Larkin25 Arts Awards Committee.

“While we have a lot of great business organisations around here, it’s not always easy to bring them together and many events

for the latest and breaking business news around the Humber region visit humberbusiness.com

tend to be for members only.

“Our approach from day one has been no membership, no speeches, no name badges – it’s not networking it’s ‘not-working’!

“That said, some people have secured work as a result of meeting people they would not normally have come across.”

The first Supper Club was held at Tapasya in Beverley Road in September 2014, with events subsequently taking place at venues including 1884 Wine & Tapas, Shoot the Bull at Old House in Scale Lane, Jardelle in Beverley, Marrakech Avenue in Princes Avenue, Furleys and Leonardo’s in Princes Dock Side and Stanleys in Paragon Square.

Each event starts at about 6pm, with food served from 6.30pm.

Guests pay £20 for three courses, and the evening is done and dusted by 9pm.

Phil said: “We only go to local independent restaurants because we recognise the importance of supporting them, especially on a Monday night.

“We get all sorts of businesses in attendance, including the arts

and culture sector.”

This week, Supper Club made a one-off departure from its usual Monday night programme with a Thursday event at Ellwell’s Restaurant.

Ellwell’s forms part of East Riding College’s Flemingate campus.

It features a professional kitchen where catering students hone their cooking skills before their high-quality creations are served up by students undertaking food and drink service courses.

“The college event was the first that hasn’t been on a Monday,” said Phil. “They only open occasional Thursdays, and we really wanted to use our contacts to take our guests to see what the students could do.

“It worked really well. We’ll definitely go again, and the college is now working with 1884 Wine & Tapas Bar on a few initiatives which will give students great insight into the industry.”

To find out more about supper club, email phil@ascoughpr. co.uk for details.

Green Port Hull in the running for major civil engineering award WORRIED ABOUT TAX AND SELF ASSESSMENT? Self employed and Limited Co accounts.

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CONSTRUCTION: Green Port Hull has been shortlisted in the Major Civil Engineering Project of the Year (over £50m) category at the British Construction Industry Awards.

Graham Lagan Construction JV

designed and constructed the works at Green Port Hull for Siemens’ off-shore wind turbine manufacturing facilities.

The scheme included filling one third of Hull’s Alexandra Dock with 780,000 m3 of material and reclaiming 7.5

hectares of the river to create a new 650m quay wall. Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal is also in the running for an award.

Ian Schofield, group head of asset management at ABP, said: “We are delighted

to hear Graham has been shortlisted by the British Construction Industry for the design and delivery of two major projects for ABP. “The company’s work on the Immingham Renewable Fuel Terminal, and its joint

venture with Lagan at Green Port Hull, would both certainly be worthy winners for the excellent way in which these projects were managed.”

Judges will visit both sites before announcing the results at a dinner in London in October.

LET’S RAISE A GLASS TO ASDA DEAL BREWERY PAGE 3

FOOD AND DRINK FIRMS SHORTLISTED AWARDS

PAGE 6

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Wednesday June 28 2017

FURNITURE FIRM AIMING FOR SEAT AT THE TOP TABLE Manufacturing company set for growth after securing major contracts

By Catherine Lea Business Editor c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

‘OPPORTUNITY’: Ian Macfarlane, with HSBC business manager Simon Worthington and apprentice Charlie Mulligan.

He said: “Although LabFX is a start-up business, I have been working in the laboratory and furniture industry for 31 years, so have a lot of experience and contacts.

“In this sense, we are not starting out from scratch, but have the expertise and knowledge of a more established business.

“When I started the company up

last year I initially planned to run it as a consultancy business.

“However, as is often the case, my wife said ‘why don’t you set up a manufacturing facility as well?’.

“I figured it would be a lot more hard work – I was 53 at the time and had been looking ahead to retirement – but the opportunity seemed too good to miss.”

Mr Macfarlane worked with Finnies Accountants in Beverley to create “a very comprehensive” five and then ten-year business plan, which he presented to HSBC. The Hull manufacturer secured a six-figure finance package as part of the bank’s SME Fund.

Continued on PAGE 2

An Electric String in the region’s bow SERVICES: A Hull company whose high-end audio-visual systems have been snapped up by royals and celebrities worldwide has become the first firm in the Humber to receive backing from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Electric String specialises in the design and installation of audio-visual systems for homes, corporate spaces and luxury yachts.

The company was founded in 2010 by former super yacht electronics designers James Ward and James Symonds, and in 2014 merged with RSAV Solutions, whose founder Robert Sullivan joined the team as director.

Following a number of new contract wins, it has now secured a £100,000 loan from NPIF to help fund its ongoing expansion.

Grant Peggie, director at British Business Bank, said: “Electric String is a prime example of a company in the Northern Powerhouse that has utilised its expertise in a niche area to develop a strong reputation for a topend quality service.

“With a high-profile client base, the company is now one of the UK’s leading AV companies and continues to grow.

“This investment will allow James to strengthen his team, and we are excited to see what new and exciting projects Electric String will deliver with NPIF support.”

Electric String’s clients have included members of the royal family, former Olympic athlete Lord Coe, and high-profile companies such as champagne producer Moët. It is currently working on Hull’s new DoubleTree by Hilton.

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A HULL furniture manufacturer is poised for growth after securing a string of prestigious contracts throughout the UK and Europe.

LabFX designs and manufactures laboratory and education furniture for clients in sectors ranging from R&D and healthcare to education, food and IT. Established in August last year, the firm is already making its mark with a series of contract wins, including one with Kier Group worth more than £1m, to fit out laboratories at a leading UK university.

Managing director Ian Macfarlane said: “One of the most exciting things for us has been to have a firm like Kier recognise our talent and expertise, and have the confidence to award us a contract as part of Project Capella.

“In terms of the business, we are already slightly ahead of expectations, but I predict this contract is going to take us much further ahead. It is a major project, and is worth more than £1m, so it is a significant win for us.

“To have such fantastic endorsement from a major UK contractor has been great for a business that is essentially less than a year old.”

Although LabFX is a relatively new business on the block, Mr Macfarlane has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

HIGH-END: From left, James Ward, managing director of Electric String, Phil Glover, growth hub manager from Humber LEP, and Ian Atkinson, from Enterprise Ventures.

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BUSINESS

Furniture business lands £1m contract Continued from PAGE 1 The lending fund is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Yorkshire, with £850m made available last year to enable local companies to realise their growth ambitions.

This year, the lender has upped its package of support to £1bn.

LabFX used the cash to cover start-up costs and facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Caroline Street, which is housed in the former White and Farrell building.

Though Mr Macfarlane admits Kier took what some might perceive as a “leap of faith” with LabFX, Phil Lavelle, senior project manager from Kier, said he was “entirely comfortable” placing the Project Capella order with the Hull-based start-up.

“Customers across education, healthcare, research and development have responded well to our offer, and our order book continues to grow,” said Mr Macfarlane.

“We’re extremely excited about the future, and dedicated to developing our business.”

Mike Hemmingway, regional director at HSBC, said: “We have so many ambitious businesses in our region who are keen to grow locally, nationally and inter nationally.

“This fund is all about helping those businesses make investments that will enable them to achieve their goals while stimulating our local economy and creating jobs.”

A major focus of this year’s fund is to encourage small businesses – both start-ups and more established companies – to explore export opportunities.

More than a fifth (21 per cent) of SMEs currently export, however a report by the Federation of Small Businesses suggests there is potential to double this figure with the right support.

Amanda Murphy, HSBC’s head of commercial banking, said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy, and for many there is an opportunity and appetite to grow their business through exporting.”

YEARS EXPE

RIENC

E

Over-50s showing you cannot put a price on work and life experience Research shows this group is the dominant force in UK economy

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

IN AN era of rapidly advancing technology in which the concept of “a job for life” is as outdated as last months’s new smartphone, the employment market can often seem geared towards bright new things.

But businesses who disregard the “silver spenders” or more experienced job applicants are missing a trick, as new research has now shown.

A report from Hitachi Capital UK and the Centre for Economic and Business Research found the over-50s are creating more jobs and contributing to the growth of the UK’s economy at a faster rate than any other age group.

Robert Gordon, CEO of Hitachi Capital UK, said: “Not only have we shown that this group is now the dominant force in the UK economy, but also that their contribution across jobs, spending and wealth creation is growing at a considerably faster rate.

“We are now seeing the over-50s setting up and running their own businesses at a faster rate than any other age group, directly employing almost 10 million people – two million more than the under-50s.”

The research found in addition to creating more jobs, the

‘I’M LIVING PROOF’: Alan Hemingway set up Hemingway Bailey Accountants in 2010. over-50s last year spent more than the under-50s for the first time, with a total £376bn of discretionary spending.

The economic impact of this ‘silver pound’ translates to a boost to UK GDP of £119bn, supporting about 1.9 million jobs.

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Mr Gordon said: “It’s time we stopped being negative about the older generation and instead of writing them off, we need to become more effective at realising the economic ambitions of this growing section of the population.”

Beverley businessman Alan Hemingway agrees employing someone with life experience can bring big benefits to a company’s bottom line.

As someone who himself falls into the 50-plus age bracket, he set up Hemingway Bailey Accountants in 2010 after more than 20 years’ industry experience, and has recently created a raft of jobs for both school leavers and more experienced applicants.

He said: “I am an apprentice ambassador and over the past four years have taken on three youngsters doing apprenticeships, and have found school and college leavers are very keen and ambitious, which is great.

“But there is also a huge pool of talent out there made up of people at a later stage in their career, which employees might not recognise, yet they have great life skills and experiences that can really benefit a business.

“I advertised three positions at the start of the year, and was

“

There is a huge pool of talent made up of people at a later stage in their career Alan Hemingway

expecting to receive lots of applications from people early into their accountancy career who were looking to move firms, but we actually received a lot more applications from people looking to change career.

“One of the people I have taken on has been a lady in her 40s who took her accountancy qualifications while doing another job.

“She has been fantastic; she has experience of the workplace, albeit it in a different industry, has great life skills and has worked in a high pressure environment, so can deal with pressure in a way someone less experienced might not be able to do.

“I think one of the things that puts some businesses off hiring an older applicant is the assumption they will not have a grasp of new software or technology, but I’m living proof you can be very up to date with technology at any age.”

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BUSINESS

CHEERS! Allan Rice, co-founder of Atom, shares a glass of beer with Jon Tabiner, Asda Kingswood store manager.

Craft brewer raising a glass to the future after securing Asda deal Supermarket will stock four beers brewed in Hull in 156 of its stores throughout the UK A CRAFT brewer in Hull is raising a jar to further growth after securing its first national listing with Asda.

Atom Beers was founded by Allan Rice and Sarah Thackray in 2014 and has since found national and international acclaim among real ale conneissuers.

Its beer is now set to be enjoyed by an even wider audience as four lines of Atom’s brews – Atom Schrodinger’s Cat, Atom Quantum State, Atom Pulsar Pilsner and Atom Phobos & Deimos – are to be sold in up to 156 Asda stores throughout the UK. Mr Rice said: “We are delighted to have secured our first national listing with Asda, making our beer more accessible from a convenient location while doing your weekly shop. As a young microbrewery, it’s great to be featured by a national retailer, and we’re impressed at Asda’s commitment to supporting local suppliers, no matter how big or small the brand.

“It’s incredible to think that a microbrewery in Hull has been recognised internationally, and we are excited that more people across the country can now taste our beer.”

When Mr Rice and Ms Thackray set up their business, their aim was to not only make great beer, but to also use the brewery as an educational facility, to inspire people to consider careers in science and engineering.

Its focus on science and education is evident through weekly public tours of its Malmo Road brewery an eight-week intensive beer school for beer-lovers wanting to improve

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

their knowledge and craft. The brewery is also actively involved in scientific research, college outreach programs and collaborating with the University of Hull and the Science Without Borders programme to study complex carbohydrate characteristic of beer.

The new deal will see the following lines stocked in Asda stores: Atom Schrodinger’s Cat – 3.5%, 330ml: Schrodinger’s Cat is a paradox, as is this beer. Brewed to be low in alcohol, but full in body; to have a strong malt backbone, yet pack a punch of Mosaic and Citra hops.

Atom Quantum State – 4.2%, 330ml: A beer for every occasion, light, drinkable and full of citrus flavour. Extra pale malt, with some body from the addition of oats, a simple but effective malt bill allows American hops to shine.

Atom Pulsar Pilsner – 4.45%, 330ml: A pulsar is like an electromagnetic lighthouse in space. A classic German Pilsner, modernised by new age hops. Bright in flavour, crisp, refreshing and with a citrus-led hoppy finish.

Atom Phobos & Deimos – 7%, 330ml: Named after the sons of Ares who was known to the Romans as Mars. This Rye IPA has a strong spicy malt backbone that makes way to big-hitting American hops.

The Business Awards 2017 Celebrating the very best of local business ENTRIES OPEN hulldailymail.co.uk/businessawards

#HDMbizawards

4 Wednesday June 28 2017

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IN BRIEF

MAI-E01- S4

BIGINTERVIEW

Shipping lawyer makes move to Hull solicitors MARITIME LAW: Experienced shipping lawyer Gordon Sewell has joined Williamsons Solicitors’ civil litigation department.

He will provide maritime law expertise, civil litigation and defence advocacy, and is also keen to build up more commercial business with the firm, which has offices in Hull, Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington.

Mr Sewell, 37, has appeared in the Admiralty and Commercial Court in London, as well as county and magistrates’ courts and inquests.

Bill Waddington, Williamsons’ director, said: “We are very keen to develop the maritime and regulatory law sector and Gordon can make a big contribution to our practice.

“He brings high-level experience with him.”

Beverley business BBQ

‘REACT QUICKLY’: Directors Gary Boden and Julian Frazier with the new vans, which will help DSL meet a demand for time-critical deliveries.

DSL hope time is right to make light haulage move

EVENTS: The FSB is holding a ‘First Tuesday’ event in Beverley on July 4.

The event is designed to help businesses boost their contacts book, and will provide delegates with access to the area’s movers and shakers.

Attendance costs £5, which includes a celebratory barbecue.

It will take place at the Tiger Inn in Lairgate, from 6pm. Registering is essential; non FSB members are welcome. Visit http://bit.ly/2qYzUQI for details.

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Since winning a Mail Business Award in 2015, DSL Global Freight has enjoyed a 600 per cent growth in orders. Catherine Lea finds out more WHEN Gary and Liz Boden founded Derwent Shipping and Logistics in 2010, their aim was to provide specialist transportation and logistics for abnormal loads across the globe.

Their expertise and ability to exceed clients’ expectations helped to fuel the company’s rapid expansion, with year-on-year growth prompting a relocation to larger premises in 2015, together with a rebrand to DSL Global Freight.

By that point the company had organised the transport and logistics of components to wind farms in Scotland, Devon and North Wales – long before the foundations had even been laid at Green Port Hull.

While moving abnormal loads across Europe and beyond remains key to DSL’s success, the company is now flexing its muscle in the light haulage market thanks to the launch of a van-based service to meet a demand for time-critical deliveries.

Director Julian Frazier said investment in the new service was designed to meet a growing demand among customers, in particular those serving the aerospace and engineering sectors.

He said: “The aerospace industry operates a just-in-time supply system which requires a reliable delivery service offering fixed drop off times to fit in with their production schedules.

“For many years we have been providing an international service to aerospace companies in Germany and Portugal, and now we have created this new UK-based service which offers precise timings.

“We are also taking loads from a range of other industry sectors and our vans have been modified to take cargo of up to two metres wide and 4.2m long.”

Before joining DSL, Mr Frazier built up extensive experience in large onshore and offshore wind farms, having spent 14

years as director of a modular building manufacturer that supplied the energy sector.

He was appointed to the board of DSL directors in 2015 – the same year the company was named winner of the Hull Daily Mail Small Business of the Year (small) Award, pictured above, in recognition of its healthy balance sheet and rapid growth.

Since winning the award, the company has continued to grow and has seen its number of orders increase by a staggering 600 per cent.

One of the firm’s latest projects has been to move about 100 40ft-high cube sea containers from the UK to Dubai’s Jebel Ali port.

The steel work had been destined for a prestigious high-rise building complex in the Dubai area.

Mr Frazier said: “Our core business providing logistics for abnormal loads continues to thrive along with our international air, sea and land freight forwarding service.

“One of the reasons for our success is our ability to react quickly to provide a solution for our customers’ needs, and our new van delivery service is an example of that.”

5 MAI-E01-S4

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#HDMbizawards

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BUSINESS

NOMINATED: From left, Beverley Burch, from Three Little Pigs, Jonathan Shepherd, co-founder of The Yorkshire Wagyu Company, and Wold Top Brewery’s Scarborough Fair IPA.

Region’s food and drink firms proving they are a cut above Four East Yorkshire businesses have been shortlisted for Great British Food Awards EAST Yorkshire’s prowess in the food and drink stakes has been ramped up a gear with four East Yorkshire businesses being shortlisted for Great British Food Awards.

Free range chicken from poultry specialists T Soanes and Son, in Middleton, is in the running for best fresh meat product, while Wold Top Brewery’s Scarborough Fair IPA has made it on to the best craft beer shortlist.

Beverley-based Three Little Pigs has been shortlisted in the charcuterie/cured meat

“

Knowing that our meat has been recognised is a real honour Jonathan Shepherd, of Yorkshire Wagyu

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

category for its chorizo “with a tickle of habanero chilli”, while the Yorkshire Wagyu Company, from Tibthorpe, is in the running for awards in two categories.

Yorkshire Wagyu’s sirloin steak has been shortlisted in the best fresh meat product and its paleo sliced original biltong is up for best savoury snack.

The double nomination comes as a welcome surprise for Yorkshire Wagyu, which only launched its new biltong earlier this year.

Co-founder Jonathan Shepherd said: “We’ve worked hard to grow the Yorkshire Wagyu brand and knowing that our meat has been recognised in its raw steak form and as a cured product is a real honour.”

The Great British Food Awards were launched in 2014 to celebrate the country’s finest homegrown ingredients, producers and those who cook with them.

There are now 20 categories, ranging from meat and dairy to confectionery and even gin. The shortlisted products are now being further taste tested by some of the top names in the food and drink industry – a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Winners to be announced in the October edition of the Great British Food magazine.

Nigel Upson, general manager at T Soanes and Son’s, said he was delighted the company, near Driffield, had been recognised.

He said: “We are extremely proud to have reached this stage of a renowned national food competition with our free range chicken that is reared just a few miles away from ‘EXTREMELY PROUD’: Nigel Upson, general manager at T Soanes and Son’s. the factory.”

We have a powerful story to tell, so let’s show our young people this is #whereitbegins EARLIER this month, the region’s business community came together to enjoy the annual “fest” of all things business: Humber Business Week, now in its 13th year.

As has become tradition, Bondholders staged the curtain-raiser to the week with our popular Breakfast Event, this year kindly hosted by Hull University.

The University’s newly refurbished Middleton Hall provided the ideal setting for this year’s event, the theme of which was the importance of retaining our young talent in the region.

As part of our role in marketing the Humber region, Bondholders helps

Anita Pace, chairwoman of Humber Bondholders to address the key challenges faced by our business community and we know from what our members tell us that recruiting and retaining young talent is a serious issue.

We know that far too

often, our young people are tempted by the bigger cities such as Leeds, Manchester and London.

We can’t afford for this to continue and need to raise awareness about what’s here on their doorstep; there is no need for them to move away – they can develop a rewarding and successful career right here.

So, with a captive

audience of more than 350 senior business leaders, we launched Bondholders’ new campaign, which is aimed at young people across the Humber.

Targeting the 17 to 24 age group, the focus is to communicate the vibrancy of the area in which we live and work, and the wealth of opportunities available to them here.

The Bondholders’ team

has been working on a new short film, narrated by young people, to showcase what the region has to offer; the film was shown at the Breakfast event and will form an important part of the campaign in terms of spreading the message.

But this is just the start.

We know there are plenty of examples of young people throughout the region who are thriving professionally while enjoying an affordable lifestyle.

And it’s these examples we need to bring the campaign to life. We are therefore inviting our Bondholder members, and the wider business

community, to help us shape campaign; to tell us their stories and showcase the opportunities available here and now.

We’ve already had some fantastic feedback, but if you’re interested in hearing more about the campaign, and importantly how you and your business can get involved with your stories, please contact a member of the Bondholders team on 01482 485242 or email bondholders@ marketinghumber.com Let’s not lose our young talent to other regions.

Collectively, we have a very powerful story to tell so let’s use that and persuade our young people that this is #whereitbegins.

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8 Wednesday June 28 2017

hulldailymail.co.uk

IN BRIEF

MAI-E01- S4

BUSINESS

Insurance Partnership wins technology award SERVICES: The Insurance Partnership Financial Services Ltd has won a technology award at the Change the Game Conference in Manchester.

The Hull-based wealth management company was handed the award for “Most Extensive Use” in recognition of its significant investment in Intelligent Office (iO) technology.

Sarah Davies, administration and operations manager, said: “This would not have been possible without the fantastic support from the administration and support staff who have fully embraced the changes we have made over the last 16 months.”

Free event with a twist EVENTS: A free business networking event with an “intergenerational” twist is taking place in Hull next month.

The event is designed to help people start and grow their own businesses, and will feature inspiring speakers.

It has been organised by Chapter 3, and takes place at the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, Hull, on Thursday, July 6, from 4pm to 7pm. Visit www.chapter3. org.uk for details, and to register.

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your daily port of call for the latest and breaking business news around the Humber region visit humberbusiness.com

‘EFFORTS PAYING OFF’: General manager Sid Ashfaq, left, and director Andy Deacon at The Country Park, which has benefited from a £1m investment.

Country Park on crest of a wave after £1m injection Investment is helping bring venue back from the brink of closure JUST a year ago, it was in administration and faced an uncertain future after being badly damaged by the tidal surge that wreaked havoc along the banks of the River Humber.

Today, The Country Park in Hessle is riding high thanks to a £1m cash injection which has brought the venue back from the brink of closure.

Iconic Venues, the company owned by local businessman and restaurateur Mark Ciuffetelli, bought the Country Park in June last year.

Andy Deacon, a director of Iconic Venues, said: “Since we took over the venue, we’ve invested heavily in the conferencing and events facilities, which has given that side of the business a massive boost.

“The entire team has worked extremely hard this year to encourage old customers to return, as well as attracting new ones, and we’ve had some great feedback on the new facilities.”

So far, more than £300,000 has

By Catherine Lea Business Reporter c.lea@hulldailymail.co.uk

been spent on refurbishment, which has included the creation of two self-contained conference suites on the first floor.

Offering panoramic views across the River Humber, the new suites are equipped with high-tech conferencing facilities while a self-serve, buffet-style business lunch menu has been launched for corporate customers.

A new outdoor decking area offering views of the River Humber and the Humber Bridge has also been opened.

Work is now under way to upgrade existing accommodation facilities with the addition of six boutique-style guest suites while a new Secret Garden will provide a romantic backdrop for wedding photographs from late Summer.

As well as providing job security for existing staff, the invest-

ment has also facilitated a string of new appointments – including team member Bridgette, a converted retro Citroen that is serving up ice creams and alcoholic drinks from the venue’s grounds.

This week, The Country Park has been announced as a finalist in the Business Tourism cat-

egory at the 2017 White Rose Awards. Organised by Welcome to Yorkshire, the awards recognise the very best of the county’s tourism offering.

Mr Deacon said: “To be shortlisted for one of the region’s top tourism awards is a fantastic achievement and shows that our efforts are paying off.”

Travel ticket firm BemroseBooth Paragon eyeing up further growth SERVICES: A Hull-based supplier of travel tickets and smart cards has acquired Buralls InfoSmart.

BemroseBooth Paragon (BBP) in Stockholm Road supplies almost one billion magnetic stripe tickets for the UK

train companies. The acquisition will enable the business to launch ITSO approved smart products and services into the sector, helping train operators to make a smooth transition to smart ticketing, as well as expanding its offering

into the sector. Paul McEnaney, from BBP, said: “The many synergies between BBPtech, our technological centre of excellence in Boston, and Burall InfoSmart will allow for a much greater offering of RFID

[radio-frequency identification] smart ticketing and smart card bureau services, not just to the transportation sector, but many other areas such as education, local authorities and public utilities providers.

“Coming together to become one of the leading suppliers in the UK supports our strategy for future growth and development as we explore new markets, as well as continuing to supply to the mass transit sector.”