Hull Business Editions March 2019 by Humber Business

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

Birds & Bees is bringing colour to cemeteries

Siemens Mobility wins award in rail industry

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William’s Den honoured for excellence

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Bus company has unveiled plans to invest £6m in new vehicles

MKM’s 60th UK branch

New look for East Riding buses

Bus company is set to invest £6m in revamp By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Bus company EYMS has unveiled plans to invest £6m in new vehicles over the next two years. The operator will add 13 new buses to its fleet later this year, with

more on the way next year. EYMS has also announced it is to rebrand to be known simply as East Yorkshire, with all the buses being repainted into a new colour scheme focused on a yellow cream with a dark red rear. A new logo has also been unveiled,

incorporating the famous Yorkshire white rose. The announcement comes on the back of the sale of EMYS to Go-Ahead Group in June last year. Ben Gilligan, area director at East Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to unveil our continued plans for

East Yorkshire and our new branding brings about a dynamic and engaging look to our fleet and wider communications. “The brand is an evolution of the strong traditions of the company’s Turn to Page 2

Hull-based MKM Building Supplies has officially cut the ribbon on a new branch in Mansfield, reaching a milestone 60 locations across the country. Founded in Hull in 1995 by executive chairman David Kilburn, MKM’s growth has taken on significant momentum over the past few years. Reflecting commercial success, MKM has added 15 new branches to its network in just over two years, and is currently the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant. The 60th branch in Mansfield comes less than 18 months after the firm’s 50th - Leamington Spa, which opened in October 2017. David Kilburn said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening a milestone 60th branch in Mansfield, especially so hot on the heels of our 50th. “Despite the challenging national economic-political outlook, our success places us in the strong position to continue steadily growing our branch network.” Tony Daynes, branch director at MKM, said: “Our ethos will be about providing unbeatable customer service, a brilliant product range and fantastic prices to local tradespeople and retail customers. “This approach has helped MKM to expand to 60 branches, and it’s exactly what we intend to replicate in Mansfield.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019

Business N ews Bus operator to add 13 new vehicles to its growing fleet

Inside BAE Systems site at Saltgrounds Rd, Brough

Pictures: Peter Harbour

From Page 1

long history and we are proud to emphasise East Yorkshire as a locally-run bus operator.” The 13 new buses coming later in 2019 add to seven new coaches already in service, and 16 “likenew” refurbished vehicles being converted. East Yorkshire has also revealed more new buses will be added to its fleet next year. The company’s name will remain East Yorkshire, though will no longer be known as EYMS or East Yorkshire Motor Services. The plans are part of continued investment following the acquisition by the Go-Ahead Group last year, which has already included a £1m investment in new ticket machines, which accept contactless payments. Further investment behind the scenes has resulted in improvements to engineering facilities and IT infrastructure. Martin Gilbert, managing director at Go-Ahead’s North East regional business, said: “Today is an exciting day for the future of East Yorkshire as well as transport infrastructure across Hull, the East Riding and North Yorkshire, as we continue our commitment to offering a high standard across our bus network. “The investments already made and those planned over the next two years will make further improvements for our passengers, with more comfortable journeys as well as an extension of the number of vehicles in our fleet with additional features on board, such as Wi-fi and next stop announcements.” Passengers will start to see the new brand across the region over the coming months, as well as the introduction of the new and refurbished vehicles. East Yorkshire’s buses are being painted at the company’s inhouse facility based in Hull, and by company partners.

Young BAE apprentice soaring through ranks Man studied at BAE Academy

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

A budding young aerospace worker who joined BAE as an apprentice has soared up the ranks to lead a team of six at the Brough firm. Harvey Gotts, 20, studied at South Holderness Technology College before taking the bold step to leave Hull at 16 to train at BAE’s academy in Preston. Since returning to his roots and joining the Brough site as a fitter, Harvey has impressed those around him, and is now head of a team of six other employees in the manufacturing side of the business. Harvey said: “The biggest thing for me was the moving away, as I went to Preston training centre straight from school at 16. “It was a big step, and a big thing for me to do, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. “I have progressed to where I am now, since coming in as a fitter at

BAE, and now lead a team of six guys.” Apprentices at BAE train at the company’s £15.6m centre in Samlesbury, Lancashire. Unveiled back in December 2016, it was the single largest investment in skills for the UK’s aerospace sector. Harvey learnt the ropes at the facility, before heading to Brough to continue his journey. He said: “As a young person, I honestly don’t think there’s a better job around. It came as a bit of a shock when I was promoted to the role I am in now. I always wanted to get there, but thought it would happen over a longer period of time. “Last week I was the only team leader in this section, as well, so I was responsible for about 15 people. I never thought I would have got this far so quickly.” Outside of life at BAE, Harvey is a talented rugby league player. Recently named in Hull FC’s reserves squad to face Keighley on

Harvey Gotts

Wednesday, March 6, he has also represented England on the national stage. BAE announced in December plans to recruit almost 700 apprentices across the UK in 2019.

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

Hull branding firm completes project at ‘home of British cycling’ Hull-based signage and vehicle branding company Designs has completed a major rebrand at the “home of British cycling.” A three-month project, the rebrand was commissioned to accommodate the new HSBC branding, which needed updating throughout the centre. Known as the “home of British

cycling”, the HSBC National Cycling Centre is home to Britain’s first indoor Olympic cycling track. One of the world’s finest and fastest board tracks, regular users include members of the GB track cycling team and famous cyclists including Chris Hoy and Laura Kenny. Taking over five days to install,

Designs produced all of the exterior and interior brand elements for the centre. Rob Daysley, managing director at Designs, said: “The team here at Designs worked overnight to ensure that the rebrand was effective and on schedule. Having worked with MACactive, which manages The National Cycling Centre, we were

delighted to work on the rebrand. “We have built a good relationship with trust over the years, and there was no hesitation from either party when considering carrying out the rebrand.” A leading supplier of sports stadium signage and branding, Designs has more than 14 years’ experience in the industry.

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

Business N ews Paperchase to close stores in restructure Stationery retailer Paperchase has announced at least five of its stores will close as part of a restructuring programme. The high street chain, which has a branch in Beverley, has launched a company voluntary arrangement, which will see it ask landlords for reduced rents and walk away from some locations.

Neil Williams and Laura Venables-Gomme, of Birds & Bees

Birds & Bees looks to fill floral market Flower company aims to help grieving families in cemeteries

By philip winter

Birds & Bees opened at the start of December, and enjoyed a busy first few weeks of trading. “The run-up to Christmas was a very Working in a cemetery would not be the first choice for a lot of prospective busy period for us,” Laura said. “A lot of people like to go and visit new business owners. But that’s exactly what Laura Vena- their loved ones at that time of year, so bles-Gomme and Neil Williams have it was a great time for us to set up. “Now it is about getting more people done with their new venture, Birds & Bees. After spotting a gap in the mar- used to the fact they can turn up to the ket to sell flowers to people visiting cemeteries without flowers and know their loved ones in Hull’s Northern and they can buy them there.” While working in a cemetery would Eastern Cemeteries, the duo launched the business last December, and have not appeal to some, Laura said she had enjoyed her new business setting. enjoyed a booming first few months. “To be honest the environment is Laura said: “I was a high school teacher by profession, but left that actually very peaceful. It is a bit like to start a family. When I returned to working in a park,” Laura said. “There are lots of foxes and teaching, I realised it was not squirrels, and I even saw something I wanted to do some redwings recently. anymore. I grew up around People come to cemeterflowers and plants, and ies looking for a relaxing, my mum was a very big calm environment, so it gardener. is nice to be a part of that. “I started selling flow“When we first started ers at different markets it was a little bit spooky, across East Yorkshire. No because when we were one had been selling flowBirds & Bees setting up in the morning it ers at Eastern Cemetery for a would be pitch black. long time, so I was interested in “We would play a few jokes on each securing the tender.” Laura said when she registered an other to make each other jump, but it interest to take up the Eastern Cem- really is a lovely place to work.” Birds & Bees is currently open on etery site, the council encouraged her to also take the reins in Chanterland Saturdays and Sundays at Hull’s Northern and Eastern cemeteries. Avenue’s Northern Cemetery. philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

In a statement, the company said: “While the majority of the 145 store estate will continue to trade as normal, Paperchase expects a small number of lossmaking stores will be closed as part of the process. “Paperchase will work closely with employees affected by the closures to try and ensure their

continued employment with the business.” The retailer has 145 stores in the UK along with 75 department store concessions in the UK, Europe and North America. Duncan Gibson, CEO, said: “We need to reshape our store estate in order to ensure a long-term, sustainable future.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019

Business N ews in brief

Siemens Mobility has been crowned UK Rail Business of the Year

Poultry firm given help to deliver goods An award-winning East Yorkshire poultry specialist has sourced its latest delivery vehicle from a family-owned Hull business. Hedon Road-based Paneltex Ltd supplied Soanes Poultry with a bespoke vehicle to service its customers throughout Yorkshire. Soanes Poultry employs more than 100 people and sells its chicken to retailers and wholesalers across Yorkshire and the UK. Nigel Upson, general manager at Soanes, said: “We pride ourselves on buying goods and services as locally as possible, so it’s good to support both Paneltex and Market Weighton company Provins Signs, which provided the graphics.” Operating out of a 12,000sq m factory in Hull, Paneltex Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of refrigerated and commercial vehicle bodies.

Company wins UK Rail Business of the year ahead of East Yorkshire factory expansion

Siemens wins rail award By philip winter

trains, maintenance and signalling for the project. More than 550 Siemens trains are in The company set to bring up to 700 service every day. The business’s trains are operated by new jobs to East Yorkshire at a new £200m train factory has been named Eurostar, Heathrow Express, Thameslink, South Western Railway, West MidUK Rail Business of the Year. Siemens Mobility, which hopes to land Trains and Transpennine Express. Siemens Mobility employs around start building the new Goole factory later this year, collected the prestigious 4,400 staff and contractors, who work gong at the 2109 Rail Business Awards, at the company’s own sites around the UK. held in London. Siemens’ commitment to the UK The business announced last year it had won a £1.5bn contract to build rail industry is underlined by plans to almost 100 tube trains for London’s develop a factory in Goole, to manufacture and commission state-of-thePiccadilly Line. art trains for the expanding The trains will be built UK market. in Goole, creating This project gained hundreds of new further confirmation jobs in the East in November 2018 Yorkshire town. I think we will have a following the signGordon Wakvery good response ing of a billion-pound eford, CEO at contract to design Siemens Mobilfrom people again with and build a new genity, said: “The the new train factory. eration of trains for the Rail Business of Piccadilly Line in the Year award and Finbarr Dowling London. the other accolades Early plans for the new reflect our record and Goole factory are expected to be reputation as trusted and submitted this spring. reliable partners in the renewal of Pending to planning being approved, the UK’s rail infrastructure and rolling the facility is expected to open in 2022. stock. Finbarr Dowling, project director at “They also acknowledge the vital part we play every day, with our part- Siemens, said: “We’re aiming for outners, in shaping connected mobility line planning to be submitted in the and enhancing passenger experience.” spring, with detailed planning in the As well as scooping Rail Business of summer. “When we opened our blade factory the Year, Siemens Mobility also won two awards for its work on the £6bn in Hull, we were amazed by how many people wanted to come and work for Thameslink programme in London. Siemens Mobility collected the us. “I think we will have a very good Digital Technology Excellence award, and the Infrastructure Project response from people again with the Excellence accolade, as it provides new train factory.”

philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, SWEETS AND STATIONERY • Densely Populated Shopping Centre • Been in the Same Hands for Over 43 Years • Two Bedroom Accommodation • SHOWING OVER £53,000 PURE NET PROFIT • Weekly Retail Turnover £1,000 • Annual Post Office Remuneration £117,000 • REF 581702. EPC Band C. • Business and Property £419,950

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

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• Densely Populated Area • Run in Easy Hours Over Seven Days • Attractive Bar and Very Well Fitted Commercial Kitchen • Priced to Sell Due to Other Business Interests • Weekly Turnover £4,500 to £5,000 • REF 581853. EPC Band D. • Business £39,950

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

Scarborough

• Densely Populated Area within this Bustling Shopping Centre • Adjusted Net Profits in Excess Of £80,000 • Retirement Sale After 36 Years Here • Self-Contained Apartment on First Floor • Annual Turnover £542,932 • REF 583171. Awaiting EPC • Business and Property £199,950

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

• Showing Net Profits of £43,923 prior to Depreciation & Finance Costs Year Ended March 2018 • Fantastic Position in a Busy Part of Town • Enjoying an Excellent Reputation • A FABULOUS BUY • Weekly Turnover £11,000 to £12,000 • REF 581382. EPC Band D. • Business and Property £149,500

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

Hull HOT FOOD TAKEAWAY

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

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Business N ews My dream is to make a dent in the universe by helping people to understand technology as a tool

Think Cloud has moved to The Deep Business Centre and doubled its staff base as it targets ambitious growth

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Sky is the limit for IT business offering cloud services to Hull firms Pioneering company is reaping the rewards of deep move

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

A pioneering Hull IT company is reaping the rewards of its move to The Deep Business Centre, as it targets ambitious future growth. Think Cloud, co-founded by Scott Clark and Leon McQuade, has grown from a team of five to today employing 11 people. The tech firm is on a mission to offer IT services, which can transform businesses and save hours of time every week, and has earmarked the manufacturing sector as a target for growth. Leon said: “My dream is to make a dent in the universe by helping people to understand technology as a tool and enabling them to unleash their full potential.

“We are also on the doorstep of the digital community at C4Di, but what we like most about The Deep is that it allows us to expand. “We offer training courses to businesses, which are designed to help people understand more about the technology they work with. “We then provide a digital training manual, which businesses can then use as a stepby-step guide to develop the staff they already have.” Think Cloud’s origins can be traced back to a different company launched as a start-up by Scott in 2003 from his parents’ bedroom. Virtual Networking Ltd grew to support more than 150 customers, including the Humber Bridge Board, KCOM Stadium and char-

ity Andy’s Man Club. The business rebranded as Think Cloud, moved from its home in Melton to The Deep Business Centre, and now offers services beyond traditional IT support. Think Cloud’s approach is based on a belief that traditional IT support is outdated, and that the changing digital landscape will see a merger of the accountancy and IT sectors. The new-look company has invested heavily in adding other services as a re-seller partner for Google Apps, Xero for cloud accounting, Unleashed for inventory management and Hubspot for marketing automation. Scott said: “Nobody else is selling that app stack in this way. “In the past five years we have

seen a massive drive towards the cloud and one that I feel is set to revolutionise and digitally transform business forever. “This change is one that we need to be a part of and our old model no longer fitted our clients of today, let alone tomorrows clients.” Leon said Think Cloud’s aim moving forwards was to grow organically, and said its home at The Deep could provide the perfect place to expand. “We have some really ambitious growth plans lined up. Moving forwards we would like to develop our own Centre of Excellence, and work closely with the manufacturing sector. “Our IT solutions could save a business hours of time every week. Think of what that new time could be used for.”

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

Business N ews

William’s Den wins rural business title By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

A booming East Riding tourist attraction has been named as one of the country’s best rural businesses. William’s Den, at North Cave, was a winner at the national final of the Rural Business Awards, less than two years after it first opened its doors, in June 2017. The £3m adventure centre, opened by Tor and Christian Carver, has, since its launch, quickly grown into one of East Yorkshire’s busiest tourist destinations. It has now fended-off competition from some of the country’s top businesses to win Best Rural Diversification Project at the prestigious awards. Tor Carver, owner of William’s Den, said: “We are over the moon to have won the National Rural Busi-

Business scoops national gong ness Award for Outstanding Rural Diversification Project. “In creating William’s Den, we aimed to diversify in a way which would benefit the landscape, the environment and the community. We are so proud of the results. “The business enables children to play freely and creatively in a rural setting. We have really enjoyed our experience with the Rural Business Awards and believe that programmes like this are vital to promote the rural sector.” William’s Den offers both outdoor and indoor play areas for children. It includes an expansive outdoor play area with water play, discovery zones, unique play structures, den-making materials and space for children to run free.

Inside features a bespoke wooden crafted sensory play zone, bridges, tunnels and climbing nets. It also houses a restaurant featuring wood-fired pizzas, a brick barn, which serves homemade ice-cream, and a gift shop. William’s Den opened in June 2017 to give children the chance to connect with nature and get active. Now in its fourth year, the Rural Business Awards is the only UK-wide programme dedicated to showcasing the success of rural businesses. It is run in partnership with Amazon. Doug Gurr, UK country manager at Amazon, said: “The Rural communities across the UK and it’s Business Awards shines a much- great to celebrate their successes at deserved spotlight on the innova- this year’s national final. tors, creators and inventors in rural “I’d like to congratulate William’s

William Carver with his parents Christian and Tor Carver, officially opening William’s Den in 2017

Den and all the other winners and finalists at this year’s event and wish them continued success for the future.”

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Solar farm has a bright future and could use green energy for years Long-term contract deal for Gridserve

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

A major new solar farm on the edge of Hull would help a council become the first to produce all of its own electricity using green energy. Renewables firm Gridserve has said the 131-acre site near Bilton would produce more than 25MWp of solar energy for Warrington Borough Council. It would help the council save millions of pounds a year on its energy bills, and see East Yorkshire become home to the biggest solar farm to be built in the country since 2016. A second solar farm to support the Bilton site would be built near York.

Toddington Harper, CEO and founder of Gridserve, said: “These will be the most advanced solar farms in the UK, and quite possibly the world, ushering in a new era of subsidy-free, truly sustainable energy. “We’ve completely rethought the solar model, looking in detail at how to maximise value at every step, and these projects will also pioneer the use of cutting-edge technologies that serve the grid.” Warrington Council said it expected the two solar farms, which it has paid more than £60m for, to generate millions of pounds in profits every year for 30 years. The Hull solar farm will supply

all the council’s electricity needs and cut its energy bills by up to £2m a year. Electricity from the York solar farm will initially be sold on the open market, although a number of other councils have expressed an interest in buying its power. Together, the two solar farms will generate enough green electricity each year to supply the equivalent of more than 18,000 average UK homes, or power more than 30,000 electric vehicles, saving 25,000 tonnes of carbon per year. Investec Bank will help fund construction of the solar farm near Hull. Olivier Fricot, of Investec, said: “We’re proud to have supported

Toddington Harper, CEO of Gridserve

Picture: Calum Whiteley

Gridserve on this landmark deal. Projects such as this one are fundamentally changing the way solar power is funded and delivered, and we see appetite for future projects following this template.” The Hull solar farm will also feature a number of firsts for the UK solar industry, pioneering the use of technology to maximise solar

generation, make more money from electricity sales, and earn income from grid services. It will become the first solar farm in the UK to use bifacial solar panels, capable of generating energy on both sides. A battery storage system is also planned to be installed at Hull in a later phase of the project. Headline sponsor

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

Brexit issues reach cake decoration industry

humber can be ‘heart of new industrial revolution’

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“Refreshingly Local!”

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

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Chloe Horton, of Siemens Gamesa

New study to identify hydrogen opportunity

Brightest young prospects in the world of work

30 under 30: Stars of future business By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

The very best of young business talent across Hull and the East Riding has been revealed in the 2019 Top 30 Under 30 list. This year’s cohort includes employees working across all sectors, from technology and manufacturing to emergency services and offshore wind.

It is the second year the Top 30 Under 30 has celebrated the region’s top young employees, and comes ahead of a night of celebration at the KCOM Stadium in April. Simon Jones, founder of the awards, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the 2019 list. “After last year, there were a few industries which I said it would be great to see represented in the new list. They included the public sector

and construction, and we have got both of those included this time. “We had a lot more entries this year than in 2018, and the standard was extremely high.” Businesses represented on the 2019 list include KCOM, Ideal Boilers, law firm Rollits, Willerby and Siemens Gamesa. The new list also includes a communications manager at Humberside Police, and a student engage-

ment officer at the University of Hull. The construction sector is also represented by Harry Fawcett, a trainee quantity surveyor at Beal Homes. Speaking earlier this year, Mr Jones said he was looking for inspirational young people who had made “a significant impact” on the business they work at. Turn to Page 2

A new study into hydrogen technology has paved the way for its potential as a future clean energy source in the Humber region. Industry experts iNNiti teamed up with the University of Hull to complete the research, which was commissioned by the Humber LEP. Hydrogen as an energy source is seen as holding great potential, with trials currently taking place across the UK and beyond. The energy can be produced through a variety of methods, and has the potential to use renewable energy sources that would make significant strides in reducing carbon emissions. It also has a range of applications from industry, through to fuel for zero-emissions vehicles and homes. Alexandra Poole, director of the iNNiTi effect, said: “We were delighted to assist the LEP in developing its portfolio of evidence for investment in the Humber energy sector. “We were able to identify and evidence the key strengths and weaknesses in developing the production and application of hydrogen in the area. “As the UK’s largest trading estuary and enterprise zone, the Humber represents 16 per cent of the country’s seaborne trade and is a major source of renewable energy, offering the opportunity to explore green hydrogen. “It also has significant natural and industrial resources that lend themselves to the capture and storage of hydrogen.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Business N ews

Sales up £3m at Coachman By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ales at Hull caravan builder Coachman rose by more than £3m last year, despite “challenging market conditions” in the sector. The manufacturer, based in Amsterdam Road, currently builds just under 10 per cent of the UK’s touring caravans every year, and employs about 185 people in Hull. Last year saw Coachman Caravans’ turnover grow from £33m to £36.7m, but its total profits dropped from £1.6m to £1.5m. In August, 21.5 per cent of Coachman Caravans was acquired by Swedish motor home manufacturer KABE, and the pair will team up in product development. Elliot Hibbs, managing director at Coachman, said: “The caravan market had a challenging year in 2018, and the biggest pressure was with currency. “That is why our profit margin was down a little bit. We did how-

Ben Parkin and Elliot Hibbs, of Coachman

ever have a full order book and built more than 2,000 caravans last year. “That boils down to the product being better. We have a focus on quality, and giving the consumer the confidence to invest in a new caravan.”

Coachman Caravans was formed in 1986. The family business built between 800 and 900 caravans in its earlier days, but by 2012/13 this had increased to 1,400. Last year, Coachman hit the 2,000

caravan figure for the second year in a row, and is on track to complete the hat-trick this year. Mr Hibbs said of the KABE acquisition last year: “For us, it was good partnership. “They are a family business like

we are, and they approached us because we share a lot of the same values as them. “It came a little out of the blue for us, but it will enable us to collaborate in product development and purchasing, as well as the exchange of production technology.” Looking ahead, Mr Hibbs said one of the challenges facing the sector was to build the right number of caravans to meet demand. “On the back of the warm summer we had in 2018, people will look at purchasing new motor homes,” he said. “I am very confident, moving forwards, that the caravan sector will have a good few years ahead of it. Now we need to give people that confidence to buy a caravan.” Coachman has also recently promoted two senior managers to director positions. Lee Machin and Ben Parkin have risen through the ranks at the manufacturer and Emily Fisher has also joined the team as a senior accountant from EY.

Promising business talents under age of 30 are revealed From Page 1

officer, Connexin.

Here is the Top 30 Under 30 Mike Hogan: General manager, in Hull and the East Riding: Medi-Clear. Rich McAlpin: Product and propositions lead, KCOM.

Emily Gallagher: Sales manager, Bio D.

Michael Bulmer: C ustomer service rep, Ideal Boilers.

Chris Jolliffe: Head of sales, Tevalis.

Gareth Orriss

Natalie Downie

Josh Richardson

Rich McAlpin

Lydia English

Lindsay Cooke

Danielle Thomas: Learning and Oliver Hookem: S ales and development manager, Wescot business development, Sovereign Credit Services. Signs. Petya Todorova: Marketing leader Europe, Krehalon.

Harry Fawcett: Trainee quantity surveyor, Beal Homes.

Lindsay Cooke: H R officer, Intergreen.

Nathaniel Read : Senior IoT Engineer, Ideal Boilers.

Gareth Orriss: Senior solicitor, Rollits.

Shardee Manzouri: Customer acquisition manager, MKM.

Lydia English: H R assistant, MKM.

Jack Laws: Senior design engineer, Willerby Holiday Homes.

Kimberley Urry: P ayroll manager, AAK.

Rebekah Daddy: Customer relations manager, Willerby Holiday Homes.

Chelsea Myers: General manager, Language is Everything. Natalie Downie: Account director, Forward and Thinking. Will Kebbell: C hief technical

Billie McLoughlin: BD and accountant, Harris, Lacey & Swain. Alexina Russell-Lewis: Global digital marketing and communications, Sonoco Trident.

Jack Howdle: Pre and post development engineer, Ideal Standard.

Josh Richardson: c hartered financial planner, Informed Financial Planning.

Lisa Mayes: M arketing and internal comms manager, Humberside Police.

Daniel Kirby: Quantity surveyor, Kitchen Civils.

Neil Russell: L ead process technician, Bericap.

Louise Blyth: IT supervisor, Ultimate Packaging.

Chloe Horton: Production data system lead, Siemens Gamesa.

Emma Palmer: Student engagement officer, University of Hull.

■■For more information, www.top30under30.co.uk

visit

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

Business N ews in brief

Student Union open to renting out event space New venues for business conferences and events are up for grabs in Hull as the university’s Students Union throws open the doors to some of its best-known spaces. The union has launched a new business venture, known as HUU Services Ltd, in a bid to make the most of venues including the Asylum Nightclub, Sanctuary bar and Eat Italia. The venues can cater for all sizes of business events, from those looking to seat as little as 30 people right up to over 500. Fran Lane, entertainments manager at the Hull University Students Union, said: “The commercial side of the union has been going for a long time, through the nightclub, bars and eateries we have. What we are now looking to do is get more people using these spaces for business events such as conferences. “We have some quite large spaces, which can be changed around to suit the needs of customers. In the past we have been more focused on student-led events, but now we are looking to open the venues up more to the community.” Ms Lane said some of the union’s venues would also make good after-party spaces for larger awards and conference events across Hull. She said the prices the union was able to charge made it very competitive in the city. “A lot of venues like the ones we have available charge a lot of money, and for some organisations it makes it unaffordable,” she said.

Deal or no meal: cake firm offers to support customers A By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

leading East Yorkshire confectioner has reassured regular customers amid fears over a no-deal Brexit, but warned other buyers they could find themselves “at the back of the queue.” Shepcote, which produces cake decorations and almond marzipan confectionary, has pledged to “look after its regular customers wherever it can” whatever the outcome of Brexit. It admitted, however, it “did not have all the answers” to the impact a no-deal Brexit could have on the business, and issued a warning that “speculative” customers would be its lowest priority if conditions change for the worse. Shepcote issued the statement in response to concerns from its customers over the impact of Brexit. It said: “Shepcote has started to receive numerous requests for information about the company’s plans in the lead up to Brexit, particularly in the case of a ‘no-deal’ scenario. “It is simply not practical for this company to answer all the questions being sent to us by individual customers, because, frankly, we just don’t have all the answers. We have been speaking with our suppliers and also the import-

ers of the goods we supply, and there has been no indication that supplies of product are likely to be affected.” Shepcote has been a family-bun confectioner since 1969. The marzipan specialist, based in Gavin Astill, Driffield, supplies a number of luxury factory manager London stores, and has customers across Europe and beyond. In the statement, it said while the business had not been urged to “stockup” on products in the event of a nodeal Brexit, it was “forward buying a little more than it normally would, just in case.” Shepcote said: “Regular customers should rest assured that whatever the Whether you own land with development Brexit outcome, we will look after them potential, multi let premises or individual wherever we can. They will be our first business units, our specialist commercial priority, while those who buy from us property team will advise you. If you are on an ad hoc basis or are simply makbuying, selling, leasing or developing ing speculative approaches because their own supplier has let them down, property, we have the legal experience to will go to the back of the queue. help you move forward. “Concerns about any increased duty There for you because property matters in the event of a no-deal Brexit cannot be addressed because once again, no one knows what the effects might be. “However, should there be an increase in import duty, which leads to higher prices, then Shepcote will try to mitigate most of these.” The business said it hoped the statement would ease the fears of its customers and suppliers. Call Beverley 01482 398398 or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk

making strategic moves

4 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Business N ews The ground breaking ceremony for the Aura Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park in Hessle Picture: Neil Holmes

Humber poised to be ‘heart of next industrial revolution’ Lord Prescott is excited by region’s rich potential in green energy sector

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

Recognising local businesses, committed to the development of renewable and green energy across the Humber

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ord Prescott said the Humber region is perfectly poised to be at the heart of the UK’s “next industrial revolution.” The former deputy Prime Minister and Hull MP went as far as to say there had “never been a more exciting time for the region,” as Hull took centre stage in the Government’s offshore wind sector deal released on Thursday morning. The honorary research fellow at the University of Hull also spoke about the region’s £12m Aura Innovation Centre, which was touted in the deal to be at the heart of the Humber’s green energy sector moving forwards. Lord Prescott said on Thursday: “Today is, without doubt, a significant step towards the next industrial revolution, which will be in clean energy. “What is important now is for the university to continue with its research and development, and to create a whole new set of graduates to meet the demands in the sector. “The university is ideally placed at the centre of the offshore wind industry. It is the university itself that first brought me to Hull back in 1954.” The new Sector Deal provides a

government commitment that will enable major renewable energy companies to invest up to £48bn over the next ten years to grow offshore wind energy being produced in the UK, from 7.9GW today to at least 30GW by 2030. The deal will combat climate change, triple the number of highly-skilled workers in the industry to 27,000, including a target of at least 33 per cent being women. It will also mean that, for the first time in UK history, there will be more electricity from renewables than fossil fuels, with 70 per cent of British electricity from low carbon sources. The University of Hull and its ambitious Aura project, which brings together academic, industry and government expertise, has been identified as a priority in the deal. Professor Dan Parsons, director of the Energy and Environment Institute at the University of Hull, said: “This new offshore wind sector deal is a clear acknowledgement from the Government that offshore wind is working for the country, and recognition of the growing international leadership of the Humber region in offshore wind. “Our recent funding win for the Aura doctoral training centre, along with our partner universities of Sheffield, Durham and Newcas-

tle, in offshore wind is demonstrating how government funding in this sector is working. “Industry will need cutting edge innovative solutions and highlyskilled people to achieve these ambitious targets. The Aura CDT is all about achieving this.” In recent months, Aura has started work on a £12m innovation centre in the Humber to develop the next generation of offshore wind technology. Targeted at SMEs, the Hesslebased centre has secured £5.5m of government research and innovation funding to lead the Aura Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) consortium, which will create a host of opportunities for more than 75 post-graduate students. Lord Prescott said: “This sector deal has been a long-term goal for the Humber and is a great opportunity that will further cement Humber as the heart of the offshore wind energy sector. “For more than a decade people across this region have been working hard to put us at the heart of the offshore wind industry and this deal will ensure we can continue to grow the Humber cluster so that this region and the entire country will benefit in the long-term. “The University of Hull and Aura will be pivotal, delivering the ideas, research, innovation and skills we need as we push ahead to a future of clean growth.”

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

Humber LEP chairman Lord Haskins with Councillor Stephen Parnaby and city council leader Councillor Steve Brady

‘Clean energy strategy could be agreed with Government’ Ambitious plan could happen soon

n ambitious Humber industrial strategy which will map out the region’s future as a world-leader in clean energy is hoped to be agreed with Government this year. The plan is currently being put together by the Humber LEP, alongside businesses and councils across the estuary, with the aim of keeping the region at the centre of the UK’s offshore wind sector. Last week, the offshore wind sector deal was released by the Government, setting out targets to triple the number of people working in the industry, and to power a third of the UK’s electricity by 2030. The Humber LEP was singled out in the sector deal as setting “a model example” of how to maximise skills and training opportunities in the offshore industry. Lord Haskins, chair of the Humber LEP, said: “The Humber Energy Estuary has been at the forefront of the development of the offshore wind sector in the UK, and is ready to play a leading role in this next phase. “We have already had some significant successes, with companies including Siemens Gamesa and Orsted bringing new jobs and investment to the region and local SMEs expanding to supply the sector. “The ambition agreed in this deal means that there are now many more opportunities ahead for the Humber. “Our industrial strategy will set out how the Humber will support the

further expansion of the offshore wind sector, making the most of our region’s potential.” The sector deal also pledged the creation of a £250m Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, to invest in the UK’s supply chain. It hopes to build on the success of regional programmes such as Green Port Hull and Growing the Humber. The Humber LEP was not the only organisation singled out within the government document. The University of Hull-led Project Aura was highlighted as bringing together a coalition of public and private sector partners to sustain the region as a global leader in offshore wind. The Humber is in prime position to benefit from the further roll-out of offshore wind, with most of the seabed earmarked for the new zones located in the North Sea and within easy reach of the Humber ports. The sector deal specifically highlighted that “Local Enterprise Partnerships may build on the example set by the Humber LEP to maximise opportunities in the offshore wind sector by investing in specialist skills and business support...” It added that Project Aura, which was established in 2016, is “an example of how a region can harness the industry, local enterprises, innovation providers and skills agencies, bringing the public and private sector together to promote regeneration and grow capability in the region.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Business N ews in brief

Funding boost for apprentices The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced a major boost in funding to help employers take on construction apprentices. From April 1, CITB’s attendance grants to employers will increase to £2,500 per year, while achievement grants will rise to £3,500 for companies whose apprentice successfully completes their training. This is an overall funding increase from £10,250 to £14,500 for each apprentice an employer takes on, an uplift of more than 30 per cent on current rates. Stephen Radley, director of strategy and policy at the CITB, said: ‘We know that taking on an apprentice is a big investment for employers who have seen the cost of doing this go up significantly in recent years. “These grant increases are designed to help employers of all sizes take on apprentices and ensure those learners complete their courses.”

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital. Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

Andy Haldane, chief economist and the executive director of monetary analysis and statistics at the Bank of England Picture: Neil Holmes

Bank of England economist’s praise

Andy Haldane calls Hull a ‘success story’

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

Bank of England boss who visited Hull said his trip highlighted how the city has become a “success story”. Andy Haldane, the bank’s chief economist, this week met with children, university students, business leaders and members of the public as part of a visit to Hull. His trip gave the city’s people a chance to voice their worries about the region, as well as grill some of the country’s top policy makers. Transport, Brexit and skills shortages were some of the most common concerns raised by Hull people, but he said the big thing that he took away was how Hull is on the up. Speaking to the Mail, Mr Haldane said: “The people we have spoken to have been very well informed and insightful, and there have been some great questions. “The main topics that came up probably will not come as a surprise, but what did come through

was that Hull is a success story. “That was absolutely underscored – people feel upbeat about how things are going in the city. I think that is partly because Hull is shouting louder, and partly that we are listening more intently.” On Wednesday evening, Hull became the first city to host a Citizens’ Panel as the Bank of England gave people the chance to speak out, and transport came high on the list of people’s concerns. Common fears surrounded the region’s rail and road links, the impact of Brexit, skills shortages in sectors including engineering and construction, and the lack of a long-term energy policy. Much has been talked about in recent months and years about the city’s road and rail network, and the need for change. Work on the £400m Castle Street scheme is set to get under way later this year, at the same time as Hull Trains is expected to unveil its new £60m fleet of Hitachi trains. Bus company EYMS also last week revealed plans to invest £6m over the next two years, with new buses and a rebrand on the cards.

The announcements go some way to addressing the issue, but there is a view that more needs to be done to improve transport. Mr Haldane said: “The transport concern is not a message unique to Hull. It is fair to say the singularity of Hull does not fit the aspirations of the city. “It is, unfortunately, hard to find anywhere in the country where it is easy to travel from east to west.” The bank’s chief economist said concerns had been raised over the skills gap in both the engineering and construction sector in Hull, but said again this was not an issue unique to the city. Mr Haldane’s trip to Hull was led by the Yorkshire and Humber branch of the Bank of England. Juliette Healey, an agent at the branch, said: “We chose Hull for the first Citizens’ Panel because Hull is a great city, and a key city in Yorkshire, and we wanted to take Andy there. “Hull has felt a bit neglected in the past, and felt at the end of the line, so hopefully this is a way of saying we are listening to what people in the city have to say.”

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

Business

Entrepreneur who grew his start-up into a national name By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

n entrepreneur who grew his recruitment business from a single office in Hessle to employing hundreds of people nationwide has shared his story with aspiring young tycoons. Charles Draper, 26, launched Sure Group back in 2013, when the business was known as Sure Staffing. The recruitment firm has grown year-on-year, and since 2016 has seen its turnover soar from £1.2m to £5m. Sure Group now employs more than 300 people across the country, from sites including Hull, Manchester, Liverpool, Northampton and Gloucester. Charles took to the stage last month at the prestigious Recruitment Agency Expo in London, to share his top tips with the next generation of business leaders. He said: “Since our formation and throughout our short history we have worked in partnership with some of the UK’s largest businesses, supplying skilled personnel in various sectors and offering services such as distribution and storage to high standards at costeffective prices. “Our foundations were built in Hull and we’re proud to serve the region by helping people find employment and providing local businesses with a onestop solution for their recruitment and logistics requirements. “Following our huge organic growth, we now supply staff in both temporary and permanent positions anywhere from the North-East down to London Charles spoke at the Olympia in London

and are exploring opportunities for further market growth.” The Recruitment Agency Expo is the UK’s biggest recruitment networking event, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and attended by more than 3,000 senior level staffing professionals. Charles used his guest speaker slot at the London event to reflect on his own experiences during his short career. Under his leadership, Sure Group has grown to a nationally recognised business. Charles said: “Following significant investment in our four businesses we have enjoyed some fantastic success, which has resulted in our consistent growth.“ catalyst for this has been our investment in commercial property across the UK which has helped us target key regions we have identified as target areas for our business streams. “For example, operating from Wakefield and Liverpool gives us good access to the M62 corridor while Northampton and Gloucester sites have increased our presence in the Midlands.” Sure Group is formed of four companies – Sure Staffing, Sure Logistics, Sure Commercial and Sure Healthcare. The group has made several major investments in recent years to support its growth. Its logistics business recently invested £500,000 in a new vehicle fleet and opened a second depot in Manchester to service clients on-site. Its healthcare business, founded in 2017, recently gained CQC accreditation, which allowed it to launch a dedicated department for clients requiring in-house care.

Business founder shares his story to inspire others

INVESTMENT PROPERTY • Set In Approximately 2 ½ Acres of Land • In Excess of 12% Annual Yield • Ranging from Engineering Works to a Storage Yard with 32 Containers • The Investment Returns £109,374.36 plus VAT per Annum • REF 556237. EPC Not Required. • Property £1.1 Million

B&B & TEA ROOMS • Picturesque Village Location • Our Client Chooses to Close October to February • 25 Cover Tea Room plus External Seating • Six Letting Rooms Plus Owners Accommodation • Weekly Turnover £1,000 • REF 583198. Awaiting EPC. Business and Property £699,950

North Yorkshire

MAINS POST OFFICE, NEWS, SWEETS, TOBACCO, CARDS AND CONVENIENCE STORE

FISH & CHIP OUTSALES AND 40 COVER CAFÉ

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

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

Beverley

Cleethorpes

RESTAURANT AND BAR

HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON

• 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

• Run Entirely By Self Employed Staff • Has Taken Much More When Our Client Ran the Business • This Salon Only Needs Seeing • SENSIBLY PRICED TO SELL • Weekly Turnover £900 • REF 583277. EPC Band D. Business £24,950

Barton Upon Humber

Goole

Charles Draper, of Sure Group

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

FULLY LICENSED CONVENIENCE STORE

SUB POST OFFICE, GREETING CARDS, GIFTS & STATIONERY

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

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

East Yorkshire

Scarborough

Hull

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

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

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019

Business N ews Marketing firm wins university contract deal East Yorkshire marketing agency Sowdens has won a new contract with Scarborough UTC. The deal comes on the back of a successful stint with Hull’s very own technical college, Ron Dearing. After generating £1m worth of fees for Ron Dearing UTC, Sowdens has now set out to up Scarborough’s ante. Rachel Smurthwaite, account director at Sowdens, said: “When the opportunity arose to work with Scarborough UTC, we were really excited at the chance to play a part in inspiring future generations and can’t wait to see what impact our campaign has.” Scarborough UTC opened its doors in 2016 and has since catered for many engineering and computer science students. After only a month on the job, Sowdens has increased Instagram engagement by 110 per cent, reached a 271 per cent increase in retweets and have attracted 80 sign-ups to the February Open Event. The Hessle-based company is one of the longest-standing marketing agencies in the region, and with vast experience and award wins across multiple sectors, has been providing strategic and creative solutions for four decades. For more information, visit: www.sowden-sowden.co.uk.

New face at city law firm Experienced solicitor Mike Farr has been recruited to East Yorkshire’s largest defence advocacy team. He has joined Williamsons Solicitors, which has offices in Hull, Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington, bringing a wealth of experience to the firm, which employs more than 130 people. Mr Farr said he was attracted to the new role due to Williamsons’ strong reputation and longstanding client base. He said: “I got hooked on defence work during my legal training contract more than 20 years ago and have never looked back. It’s a fast moving, exciting and rewarding area of law.” After working in the food and manufacturing industries, and then a spell in the military, Mr Farr returned to college to study business at the age of 21. He went on to study law at Sheffield Hallam University and the York Law School.

Edible oils and fats giant AAK has announced it will invest almost £25m to expand its new facility in China

Fats giant looking to China as it expands with a £25m facility By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

dible oils and fats giant AAK has announced it will invest almost £25m to expand its new facility in China. The business, which has a base in King George Dock, Hull, opened its new production plant in the Far East just 18 months ago. AAK has, however, now announced it is to pump an additional £24.4m into the facility, to increase its capacity and support growth. Part of a Swedish-Danish company, AAK is one of the biggest businesses in Hull. Johan Westman, president and CEO at AAK, said: “China is a key growth market for AAK and the country will continue to

present attractive opportunities for profitable and sustainable growth in the speciality and semi-speciality vegetable oils and fats market. AAK has established a solid presence in the Chinese market and with these new investments we are

Combined with the investment related to our high-end bakery solution, we will support our longterm growth in the fastgrowing and very important Chinese market Torben Friis Lange

very well positioned to continue to grow organically and capture market share.” The £24m investment will act as an add-on to the facility AAK already has in Zhangjiagang, China. It comes on the back of a high demand for AAK’s special nutrition and bakery products. AAK will also invest in some further base production equipment and infrastructure to accommodate the wider domestic growth. The business’s production site in Zhangjiagang was inaugurated in September 2017 with an annual production capacity of 100,000 MT, but was always built and prepared for further expansion. That expansion has now been announced by AAK. Torben Friis Lange, president of AAK Asia, said of the news: “The processing plant for Special Nutri-

tion will significantly strengthen the product and service offering for end customers. “Combined with the investment related to our high-end bakery solutions, we will support our long-term growth in the fast-growing and very important Chinese market.” The investments are expected to be commissioned during the second half of 2020. AAK supplies value-adding ingredients, vegetable oils and finished products to all the main retailers and food manufacturers, and many leading pub and restaurant chains. Last year in Hull, the business unveiled its new Customer Innovation Centre at King George Dock. The centre comprises a large test bakery, an ultra-modern demonstration kitchen, and conference and office facilities.

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

Holiday home manufacturer celebrates 10 years in style

400 new hull construction firms launch in the region

page 3

how Broadband has changed the way rural firm operates

page 4

page 7

The latest business news at humberbusiness.com

Firms urged to assess flood impact on business in the region

More than 100 jobs will disappear as facility closes

Job losses as McBride closes its doors in Hull By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

ore than 100 jobs will disappear in Hull next week when manufacturer McBride closes its facility for the final time.

The business, which said it expected “substantial losses” in its aerosol department, will cease production on March 31. A total of 117 jobs will be lost in Hull, as the West Carr Lane site prepares to enter its final week. It comes as recently-filed accounts

showed heavy restructuring costs saw McBride lose almost £15m in the year ending June 30, 2018. Despite the loss though, which included £15.8m of restructuring, sales rose from £212.3m to £220.9m. Speaking about the factory closure decision, McBride said: “In recent

years, the financial performance of the group’s European Personal Care and Aerosols (“PCA”) business has deteriorated, and the aerosols business in particular has experienced extreme margin pressures. Turn to Page 2

Businesses in Hull are being urged to assess how prepared they are for the impacts of flooding. New figures released by the Environment Agency have shown the average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000. The effects can be devastating to the small and medium businesses, which represent 99.9 per cent of all the UK’s private business sector. An estimated 184,000 properties in Hull and the East Riding are at risk of flooding, which can be caused by variety of factors, including surface water, swollen rivers or coastal flooding. In 2007, more than 9,000 homes and businesses in the area were flooded as a result of record levels of rainfall. Business in the Community (BITC), The Prince’s Responsible Business Network, is now encouraging firms to make sure they are safe. Amanda Mackenzie OBE, chief executive, said: “Businesses in Hull and the East Riding are particularly vulnerable to flooding and there are lots of simple things businesses can do to prepare for an emergency and limit the harmful effects flooding can have on their business.” BITC wants to encourage businesses to take its free online readiness test that assesses how prepared businesses are for a range of disruptions. For more information, and further details of BITC campaigns, visit www.bitc.org.uk

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Business N ews Team Tempest Future Combat Air System concept

Brough-based business is a key part of the team tempest strategy

Accounts show tough times for firm despite its increased sales From Page 1

“McBride has enjoyed a long history in Hull and the group does not underestimate the effect of this proposal on our colleagues, their families and the wider community.” Production at McBride in Hull will halt for the final time on March 31. Decommissioning of the facility is expected to be concluded by the end of June. McBride is one of Europe’s leading providers of household products. In the UK, it also has sites in Middleton, near Manchester, and in Barrow. Directors at the business remained upbeat on McBride’s future. In accounts filed last week they said: “The past 12 months have been a demonstration of the company’s resilience and financial strength. “The increase in revenues was mainly due to increased customer pricing and volume gains within the household segment. “This revenue increase was partially offset by decreases in revenues in the Personal Care and Aerosols segment, as the aerosols business continued to experience an extremely competitive environment in the UK.” It was these difficult trading conditions that led to the decision to drop the aerosol section of McBride’s business. In 2017, McBride recorded total profits of almost £8m. Just 12 months later, however, this figure had plummeted to a loss of almost £15m. As part of its restructure, McBride also sold its Personal Care Liquids business last November for £6.7m.

Picture: BAE Systems

100 engineering jobs to be created at BAE by 2020 By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

round 100 engineering roles are expected to be created at BAE in Brough by 2020, the aerospace firm has announced. BAE is one of the key partners in Team Tempest – a strategy which aims to ensure the UK remains a global leader in future air combat. Tempest is expected to replace the existing Eurofighter Typhoon jet, and can be flown either with pilots or as a drone. The Tempest project will be at the centre of BAE’s recruitment drive in Brough, with engineers needed to support its development. BAE has also said talks are ongoing with staff who could be affected by manufacturing redundancies later this year, with the aim of moving them into engineering roles. Speaking about the Tempest programme, Charles Woodburn, chief executive at BAE Systems, said: “The UK’s combat air capability,

built by generations of committed and highly skilled people through a century-long partnership between the RAF and industry, is admired the world over. “The UK Government’s Combat Air Strategy is a powerful statement of intent to invest in next generation combat air systems. “We’re proud to play a key role in this important programme, with our world-leading technology, capability and skills, which will contribute to the UK’s defence and prosperity for decades to come.” BAE is working alongside the likes of Rolls-Royce, Leonardo and the RAF to form Team Tempest. The programme aims to keep the UK at the forefront of future air combat. The current aim is for the Tempest fighter jet to be operational by 2035. In Brough, up to 25 engineering roles will be created by the end of 2019. Up to 40 positions will follow in 2020. The Tempest programme comes at an important time for BAE, as uncertainty over the future of its

manufacturing department in Brough lingers. The aerospace company recently warned that more than 70 jobs would be lost at the East Yorkshire site by the end of the year, if a new Hawk order is not secured. This could be followed by a further 81 in the first quarter of 2020, and another 68 by June 2020. The challenges facing manufacturing at BAE come as new opportunities arise in engineering.

Bridal shop recognised by Financial Times A wedding dress retailer, which has a store in Alfred Gelder Street, has been named in the 200 fastest growing companies in Europe. WED2B placed 193rd in the list, published earlier this month by the Financial Times. The list recognises companies in Europe, which have achieved the highest compound annual growth rate in revenue.

Todd Cassidy, managing director at WED2B, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have our efforts recognised by the Financial Times. “It truly shows that our proposition, which puts the needs of brides-to-be at the heart of everything we do, is paying off.” The company, which was founded in 2009, has grown to be the UK’s largest and fastest

growing bridal retailer. Also recognised as one of the top companies in the UK for Brick & Mortar retail, WED2B now has 36 stores nationwide, from Edinburgh to Brighton, and another six in wider Europe, including Dublin, Gent and Rotterdam. Hull’s WED2B store opened in 2017. For more information, visit www.wed2b.co.uk

Gavin Williamson, defence secretary, said of Tempest: “We have been a world leader in the combat air sector for a century, with an array of skills and technology, and this strategy makes clear that we are determined to make sure it stays that way. “British defence industry is a huge contributor to UK prosperity, creating thousands of jobs in a thriving advanced manufacturing sector, and generating a UK sovereign capability that is the best in the world.”

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

Business News Peter Nevitt

Victory for holiday home manufacturer 10th anniversary celebration

By philip winter

philip.winter@reachplc.com

caravan firm which has grown from just 27 employees to building more than 1,000 holiday homes a year, is celebrating ten years of

business. Victory Leisure Homes was established in March 2009 in Stoneferry, Hull, following the closure of Cosalt Holiday Homes. Backed by the Rix Group, Victory today employs almost 200 people, and is one of the region’s biggest caravan manufacturers. Peter Nevitt, managing director, has led the business since its inception. He said: “Ten years ago my phone rang, I picked it up and Tim Rix, chief executive of J.R. Rix and Sons, was on the other end. The Rix Group owned the land and factory that Cosalt operated from, and there was plant and unfinished holiday homes on the site. “Tim rang to ask me if they could be finished and sold and I said they could. That was the original plan, just to finish the holiday homes off that were half built, but we didn’t stop there. “We created a whole new company from that site, and a whole new brand. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it has also been a lot of fun along the way. It seems to have gone very quickly.” When Victory Leisure Homes was first launched, it manufactured around

250 holiday homes a year. Today, that number has more than quadrupled. The rapid growth of the business led to it relocating from Stoneferry to a bigger site in Gilberdyke, East Yorkshire. Victory is this month celebrating a decade of successful business. To mark the occasion, the manufacturer is launching a new model of caravan in a throwback to its roots. The Rimini is named after a caravan formerly made by Cosalt in Hull, but the new version has been transformed with a thoroughly modern interior. Mr Nevitt said: “The Rimini is a classic model from the past that we’ve reintroduced, because it had a very popular layout. “Of course, as you would expect from us, we’ve given it a whole new look and feel and brought it right into the modern age. “We think the trade and public alike will love the combination of nostalgia and modern design.” The businessman also provided a glimpse into the future of Victory Leisure Homes. He said: “We’ve got exciting growth plans for the years ahead, both organically and potentially in other ways, so we’re looking forward to a busy future. “These past ten years have been fantastic, but they really are just the start. We’ve got many more holiday homes and lodges yet to build.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Business N ews Construction firms boom, but shortage of skill still real

More than 400 new hull construction businesses By philip winter

with 15 per cent in their 60s. Mark Scott, president at the Yorkshire Builders’ Federation, spoke ore than 400 new con- at an event at Bishop Burton Colstruction businesses were lege about the challenges facing the launched in Hull in just industry. He said: “I have been in the conthree years. New figures, released struction industry for 35 years, and by the Office for National Statistics, for that long we have been complaining and complaining about the showed 405 companies in skills shortage. the sector were estab“While we have lished in the city been complaining, between 2015 construction has and 2017. fallen out of the T h e y top careers kids accounted While we have been want to get into for almost complaining, construction – we should be 15 per cent has fallen out of the top ashamed. of new busicareers kids want to get “Construction nesses in needs to stop talkHull in the into - we sould be ing about shortages, three-year ashamed. and start listening to period. Mark Scott clients and get better Despite the results for them.” construction boost The Humber region has though, concerns remain in the sector over a growing skills moved to tackle the skills gap problem by launching a new specialist gap. Just under a quarter of all work- hub. The Humber Construction Hub ers in construction are aged over 50, philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

Skirlaugh Young Farmers, is holding a tractor run on Sundayin aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)

More than 400 new construction businesses were launched in Hull last year

aims to provide 767 training opportunities, and almost 300 new jobs, in the sector. It will provide on-the-job training provisions in an outdoor classroom environment in the hope of an employment boom. Apprentice services provider EN:Able Futures has been given the go-ahead to build the hub in Hull. Lee Parkinson, chief executive at Efficiency North, said: “EN:Able

Futures’ position in this important initiative continues the company’s expansion into the provision of high quality training and apprenticeships through a site-based construction skills hub.” As the Government sets ambitious house-building targets across both the region and the UK, it is more important than ever that a talent pool in construction exists. More than a million homes are

expected to be built across the country by next year. It has also been predicted that more than 150,000 new construction workers will be needed by 2021, to keep up with the targets. After construction, food businesses were the most popular startups in Hull between 2015 and 2017. There were 300 new firms in business administration and support services, and 230 in retail.

Young Farmers remember Hornsea teen A group of young farmers are raising money to fund heart screenings in schools in memory of Hornsea teenager Josh Fell. Skirlaugh Young Farmers will use its sixth annual charity tractor run, which takes place on Sunday, March 24, to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Josh died from sudden arrythmic death syndrome (SADS) while playing football aged just 15, in 2011. Since that time his parents, Rich and Donna, have raised more than £100,000 for CRY in an effort to make screenings for

the condition standard practice in schools. Emily Jackson, of Skirlaugh Young Farmers, said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s tractor run. It is the sixth year we have staged it and it is always well supported. “This year’s charity is one that is close to a lot of people’s heart’s because Josh was a local lad and a lot of people knew him and went to school with him, so it’s a great cause to support.” The event starts from Old Hall Farm, Catwick, at 10am. It is being sponsored by leading

family fuel company, Rix Petroleum. Duncan Lambert, managing director of Rix Petroleum, said: “We’re proud to be involved with this event because we think Skirlaugh Young Farmers are raising money for a fantastic and very important cause. “The tractor run has become a much-anticipated annual occasion and it’s great to see it being used to help make a real difference to young people’s lives.” For more information about the tractor run, email emilyjackson94@hotmail.co.uk

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Offshore wind facilities Picture: Relmar

Green energy boss returns as judge for Renewables Awards

eam Humber Marine Alliance chairman and chief executive, Mark O’Reilly, will lead the judging panel for the Humber Renewables Awards for a fifth year. The organisation recently moved into Hessle’s ergo centre, which alongside the eagerly-anticipated £12m Aura Innovation Centre, will form a green energy cluster at the business park. Team Humber recently celebrated reaching a landmark 250 members from across the renewables sector. Its boss, Mark O’Reilly, will once again head up the judging for the 2019 Renewables Awards. He said: “The Humber Renewables Awards is a great way to celebrate what is happening here. “We don’t only celebrate the achievements of the big companies,

the big investors, who regularly find rently making blades at its facility themselves there, but every year we in Hull for the Hornsea Project One find new companies, making great wind farm, has also returned as strides forward in renewables in the headline sponsor for the awards. “It is important, as we do with OffHumber. shore Wind Connections, “There are great things hapto stop and think, and pening, and it is somemake sure it is a celtimes under the radar, ebration as well but we want to hear as an event,” Mr from them all.” O’Reilly said. Mr O’Reilly There are great things “It is all part will be joined by happening, and it is of the journey sponsors’ reprewe are on, and sentatives and sometimes under the we need to stop event organisers radar, but we want to once in a while to analyse entries, hear from them all and recognise with applications the people, for welcome until May Mark O’Reilly what, often, has come 10, ahead of the June 13 about from really hard event. work.” New study into potential of Offshore Wind Connections is the hydrogen energy in the Humber Siemens Gamesa, which is cur- annual conference and exhibition

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thrown by Team Humber. This year it takes place on May 1 and May 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull. The offshore wind sector deal, released recently by the Government, is expected to be at the heart of the event. Mr O’Reilly said: “We will be lifting the hood and looking down, and I’m

sure we’ll see some really interesting things. “Longevity is crucial, people being more serious about investment, and UK content – that all really matters for us. It has always been one of the main themes.” To enter the 2019 Humber Renewables Awards, visit www. reachplcevents.com Headline sponsor

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Business N ews ROBOCUT: Medical tech could slash surgery times

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

FTSE giant teases launch of a new medical robot By philip winter

Smith & Nephew has also announced it has agreed to purchase the Brainlab Orthopaedic mith & Nephew has teased Joint Reconstruction business, as it the launch of a new medical positions itself at the heart of future robot, which they hope to medical robotics. Namal Nawana, CEO at reduce surgery times. Smith & Nephew, said: The Hull “Smith & Nephew FTSE company, is making a longwhich recently term commitannounced it had ment to bring bought US medOver time these digital t o g e t h e r ical firm Osiris advanced Therapeutics surgery and robotic assets technolofor more than will be deployed across all gies in robot£500m, will surgical specialties and ics, digital release its healthcare settings where surgery, and NAVIO 7.0 by machine learnthe end of 2019. Smith & Nephew ing as well as The device operates augmented realaims to help surNamal Nawana ity to empower surgeons in a variety of geons and improve procedures, and could clinical outcomes. reduce the time patients “Over time these digital surgery have to spend on the operating and robotic assets will be deployed table. philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

across all surgical specialities and healthcare settings where Smith & Nephew operates, starting with orthopaedic reconstruction and sports medicine.” NAVIO 7.0 has not yet been cleared for distribution in the US, but is expected to be commercially available by the end of the year. Smith & Nephew has said it plans to add Brainlab’s pioneering hip software to its NAVIO 7.0 device. The pair will also work together to develop additional digital platforms. Skip Kiil, president of orthopaedics at Smith & Nephew, said: “The

near-term commercial opportunities with the innovation of our robotics platform and the integration of the Brainlab hip software are very compelling. “Not to mention, the strong collaboration on design and development of next generation technology that will bring our customers more differentiated advanced surgical capabilities. “We’re excited to work together with Brainlab to bring the future of the digitally integrated O.R. to life and into the hands of surgeons worldwide.”

The FTSE 100 manufacturer, headquartered in Hull, revealed earlier this year it was on the hunt for new acquisitions in 2019, after buying fellow medical tech company Ceterix for up to £80m in January. Smith & Nephew blew that deal out of the water last week, by announcing it had struck a deal with Osiris Therapeutics - a US firm which specialises in regenerative medicine products. Osiris hit sales of more than $100m in the first nine months of 2018, and will this week release its full-year results.

Brewery wins top awards Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital. Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

Alex Balchin receives the award for Wold Gold from Charlotte Taylor

The team at an East Yorkshire brewery is celebrating after winning a hat-trick of awards for the taste and quality of its beer. Wold Top Brewery’s blonde beer, Wold Gold, won the gold award in the Premium Bitters, Bottle and Can category at the SIBA National Independent Beer Awards. One of the brewery’s glutenfree beers, Scarborough Fair IPA, also won a silver award at the SIBA North East Regional Keg awards. Just a week earlier, Wold Top’s Against the Grain beer scooped international honours when it was awarded a gold medal in the Reduced Gluten category of the International

Brewing and Cider awards. Alex Balchin, brewery manager at Wold Top, said of the triple triumph: “Our team are committed to brewing great beers using Yorkshire grown cereals, so it’s really rewarding when brewery experts judge our beer as award-winning.” Wold Top Brewery was founded by in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire. For more information, visit www.woldtopbrewery.co.uk

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

Business N ews in brief

David Weston, left, and Hayley Silvester

Fire station could be made into new flats

Broadband boosts business

New plans being put forward by Humberside Fire and Rescue Service could see a new lease of life being given to the former East Hull station in Southcoates Lane. The landmark building opened in 1932 and is best known for the fire brigade’s motto “Ready Aye Ready” being carved into the stonework of the three main archway doors. It closed last year when fire crews moved to the new £9m Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre. Now people are being invited to have their say on proposals to convert the empty station into residential use. If given the go-ahead, the building will be extended to create a total of 25 new apartments. The building is still owned by the fire service but if planning approval is secured it would be sold and marketed and developed under new ownership.

By philip winter

internet speeds. Hayley Silvester said: “Newland is a hamlet in the East Riding of Yorkshire n East Yorkshire firm, which and is approximately three miles east was blighted by poor internet of Howden, near Goole. “Like many rural areas, it struggles speeds, has said its new superfast broadband has to get good internet speeds from traditional suppliers, which is why they transformed its business. Cambrian Granite, which specialises came to us here at Quickline. “Now they’ve installed our superfast in granite and quartz worktops, said its computers would often freeze if a cus- broadband we are thrilled that it has made such a huge difference to the tomer sent a file that was too large. The business made the switch to day-to-day running of the business. “This is a perfect example of how we Quickline, a broadband firm which targets customers living in rural areas, can improve efficiency for rural busiand has seen its fortunes drastically nesses.” Mr Weston said having a faster change. broadband had meant the David Weston, busicompany could complete ness development orders more quickly, and manager at Camavoid disruption. brian Granite, He said: “There’s said: “It was getLike many rural areas, no interruption in ting ridiculous. Newland struggles to our workflow, we “If a customer have instant uploads sent us a plan get good internet speeds and downloads and of their kitchen from traditional our turnaround times which was four suppliers. for quotations and to six megabytes for producing finished in size or more, the Hayley Silvester worktops has dramatically download process increased. would sap all the band“We have finally entered the width from our other sys21st century and we are getting a real tems. “Sometimes it could take an entire opportunity to grow the business. “We are much happier and a lot less day or we would have to leave it to download overnight. Everything we do frustrated and, more importantly, our is in the cloud – quotations, designs, customers are happy. “We can also offer them the use of emails, and our accounts system – and our previous internet simply couldn’t our free Wi-fi when they come to visit. It means they can show us pictures handle it.” Cambrian Granite is based in New- they’ve found online they particularly like, which we can then incorporate land, a hamlet close to Howden. The head of sales at Quickline said, into their worktop, so they have much like many rural places, customers in more input into the design of their the hamlet struggled to get reliable kitchen or bathroom.” philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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

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Business N ews

Law firm expands employment team Rollits recruits new staff

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

ull law firm Rollits has expanded its employment law team after picking up a prestigious industry accolade. The firm, which has offices in Hull and York, was recently ranked in the top tier for employment law in the region in the Legal 500 2018. Rollits has now added an extra name to its line-up, a move which means it has the largest team of qualified employment lawyers in East Yorkshire. Nilu Love joined the firm in September 2017 as a trainee solicitor. She gained a Law LLB Honours degree from the University of Hull, and was a former president of the

Student Law Society. Later this month, she will qualify and join the award-winning firm as a solicitor. Nilu said: “The quality of the training I have received at Rollits has been outstanding, I’ve learned so much during my time here from colleagues right at the forefront of their specialist fields. “I am really looking forward to building my career at Rollits. It is such a positive and forward-thinking firm, with exceptionally high standards and the team’s attitude towards client needs is second to none.” During her period of recognised training, Nilu gained experience in different areas of law, spending time

with teams across the firm, before choosing employment law as her specialist area of practice. Her new appointment at Rollits means the firm’s employment law team can boast more than four decades of experience. Ed Jenneson, head of the employment team at Rollits, said of the appointment: “When we interviewed Nilu for a role as a trainee solicitor at Rollits she impressed us right from the start. “Nilu performed exceptionally well as a trainee and we are delighted to bring her into our team. We strive to recruit the right people from the start in the hope they will enjoy a long and rewarding career with us.

Rollits was recently ranked in the top tier for employment law in the region in the Legal 500

“We consider that trainee solicitors are the future of our firm, proven by how many partners and senior lawyers trained at Rollits.” Rollits works with a range of businesses from major PLCs, education providers, private companies and substantial charitable organisations and institutions.

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Mr Jenneson said: “We are looking for people with the right attitude and who are motivated and enthusiastic about a career in the law. Above all, they must have integrity and be a team player. “Nilu has all of these qualities and will be a great asset to the firm and our clients.”

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FIRST LOOK AT ARCO’S £25M DEVELOPMENT

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‘hOW hUMBER CAN HELP WITH CLIMATE CHANGE’

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Alan Sugar will address crowds at Bridlington Spa

KCOM is up for national ‘web’ award

Business icon set to feature At The Business Day

Sweet deal: Alan Sugar hired by Brid Spa event By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

usiness tycoon and TV star Lord Sugar has been announced as the headline speaker at a major business event in Bridlington this summer.

The Amstrad founder and face of BBC’s The Apprentice will share his story at The Business Day, the culmination of the showcase Humber Business Week, on Friday, June 7. Lord Sugar also served as the chairman of Tottenham Hotspur football club between 1991 and 2001.

Andrew Aldis, general manager at Bridlington Spa, said: “I’m still pinching myself that Lord Sugar is to be the headline speaker of this year’s event. I had to check the confirmation twice to make sure I was reading it correctly. “Since 2017, in producing and delivering The Business Day, we

have strived for quality in our speaker line-up and the delivery of the event. “This announcement serves to only reinforce the great reputation we continue to earn, and demonstrates to the business community Turn to Page 2

KCOM’s rollout of ultrafast broadband across Hull has been nominated for a national award. The internet provider, which will complete its deployment of Lightstream broadband to more than 200,000 premises this month, has been shortlisted in the fibre connectivity category in the Connected Britain 2019 Awards. Launched last year, the awards aim to celebrate the best in broadband and showcase how companies and organisations are leading the way in contributing to a more connected Britain. KCOM is one of 14 companies, including TalkTalk and Gigabit Jersey, shortlisted in the category. The winner will be revealed at the award ceremony in London on Tuesday, June 18. Sean Royce, managing director at KCOM, said: “We’re delighted to be nominated for this prestigious award, which shows our commitment to creating a truly world class full fibre network for the people of Hull and the East Riding is paying off. “We have already made huge strides in delivering ultrafast broadband to the region to make our network the best in the UK, if not the world.”

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Business N ews Alan Sugar is set to be the key speaker at business event From Page 1

that Bridlington Spa is a force to be reckoned with in the business event arena.” As a child, when his family couldn’t afford to buy him a bicycle, Lord Sugar built one himself from an old bike frame. By the age of 12, he had started earning his own money working part time for a local greengrocer. On leaving school, he became a statistician for the Ministry of Education but, finding it boring, he unleashed his burgeoning, entrepreneurial skill by selling car aerials from a dilapidated van. He founded Amstrad (Alan Michael Sugar Trading) in 1968 when he was just 21 years old, taking it public on the London Stock Exchange in 1980. The company saw significant growth during the 80s, leveraging the surge in demand for personal computers and later, the production of set-top decoder boxes for satellite television provider, Sky. Stephen Parnaby, deputy chairman at the Humber LEP, said: “It’s hard to imagine finding a more prestigious and appropriate speaker to headline this high quality event. The name Lord Sugar is synonymous with business and The Business Day is the East Riding and Hull celebrating business at its best.” Lord Sugar made his first appearance on BBC reality show The Apprentice in 2005. He was knighted in the 2000 New Year Honours list and was awarded two Doctorates of Science from City University in 1998 and Brunel University in 2005. He became a life peer in 2009, receiving the title of Lord Sugar. In Bridlington, he will host a question and answer session with the audience at The Business Day, creating a unique and interactive element to the day. Gyles Brandreth has already been announced as host and speaker at the event this year, and additional speakers will be added to the line-up in due course. The Business Day has established itself as the traditional end to the Humber Business Week. It is produced fully in-house by Bridlington Spa, on behalf of Humber LEP. Previous speakers have included Karren Brady, John Simpson CBE, Alexander Armstrong, Naga Munchetty, Josh Littlejohn and Sir Bob Geldof. Tickets to The Business Day are available from Bridlington Spa. Call 01262 678258 for details.

Hessle High School Year 9 engineering students visited the new Arco facility, which is being built by Clugston Construction

Sean Spencer/Hull News & Pictures

First look: inside Arco’s £25m distribution centre Site could create up to 200 new jobs at safety specialist

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

ew images have given a glimpse inside Arco’s new £25m distribution centre in west Hull. The site, in Henry Boot Way, could create up to 200 new jobs in the city, as the safety equipment supplier expands its presence in Hull. Work on the centre got under way in early 2018, and a year later new images have provided a sneak peek at what the new distribution hub will look like. It comes as a group of pupils from Hessle High School visited the centre as part of a wider initiative to get more young people to consider a career in construction. Neil Griffiths, director of logistics at Arco, said, “This was a fantastic opportunity for pupils who may be interested in construction to see a live site and learn about the huge

variety of roles within the industry. Arco’s new distribution centre is being built by contractor Clugston. The 20,439msq building will house additional warehouse and logistics capabilities, doubling Arco’s capacity. Construction of the centre comes at a busy time for Arco in Hull. In February, plans were submitted for a new £22m development in the city’s Fruit Market, expected to move 500 jobs to the area. The scheme includes a new stateof-the-art headquarters for Arco, as its current home in Waverley Street is close to being sold to Hull City Council ahead of the Castle Street improvement project. The visit to Arco’s distribution centre came as part of the Open Doors initiative. Led by Build UK, it enables students from across the country to look behind the scenes of major “live” construction sites, offices, factories and training centres.

Paul Gouland, marketing director at Clugston, said: “Once again Clugston is delighted to be supporting the National Open Doors Event and especially pleased to have Arco, our customer for this project, actively engaged as well.

“Over the years we have seen Open Doors grow in popularity with the number of young people wanting to learn about construction as a career increasing.” The new distribution centre will be able to store up to 40,000 pallets.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Business N ews

Worried about tax and self assessment Self employed, Limited Companies, Payroll, vat CIS and Making Tax Digital. Free Home and weekend visits call Linda on 01482 669110

Help firms with rate escape Businesses of all sizes need support to help combat dwindling footfall By philip winter

in the Humber region being charged less than 75 per cent of the amount for a major department store in Hull, and less than 50 per cent of the figure for a store ore support is needed to encourage big- in Grimsby. “The out-of-town warehouses also save money name stores to open in the centre of Hull, in other ways, by having fewer sales staff and by not a business expert has claimed. Adrian Smith, founder of Adrian Smith needing the wide range of facilities required in a city Rating, said a scheme to help businesses centre property,” Mr Smith said. “How do city centre businesses compete? With cope with crippling business rates would help Small Business Rate Relief applied to a rateable value increase footfall in streets including Whitefriargate. The city centre street has come under the spotlight of £12,000 a business would save £480 per month, but if a big store nearby closes it will cost more than in recent months, with big names including that in lost footfall. Marks & Spencer, Ann Summers and “A better idea would be to launch a Boots among those to announce City Centre Regeneration Rate Relief their exits. of around 50 per cent for shops, bars, Mr Smith said a regeneration restaurants and offices, because rates-relief scheme would be they are all essential to a vibrant beneficial not only for larger If a city or town centre is city centre business community.” names, but also independent not stimulated by having The Mail recently did a study on businesses. some of the larger stores it how much it would cost to open He said: “If a city or town will affect the prosperity a business in an empty unit in the centre is not stimulated by city centre. having some of the larger stores of smaller businesses. In Whitefriargate, when combinit will affect the prosperity of the ing business rates and rents, many smaller businesses, which need Adrian Smith of the retail spaces would set an owner help to get footfall through their back at least £50,000, with some rising as doors, and that’s much more important high as £73,000. than Small Business Rate Relief. Mr Smith said: “Over the years, various govern“More should be done to give substantial rate relief to big names to encourage them to come in, bringing ments have tried various ideas to help small busijobs and footfall and having a knock-on effect, which nesses, such as rates discounts for pubs and the payment of hardship relief through local authorities. will benefit small independent traders.” “But the amounts involved have been too small to Mr Smith also cited the difference between business rates paid by companies in large towns and cit- make a lasting difference and there are already suggestions that the new post-Brexit fund will fall into ies, compared to those in rural areas. He said there is now widespread recognition of the same category.” “City Centre Regeneration Rate Relief would be a the support for city centres and urban areas, and added the key questions were now how to address positive and productive way to help large and small city centre businesses and it could be paid for by the problem, and how to pay for it. He gave the example of an online sales warehouse introducing meaningful taxes for online businesses.” philip.winter@reachplc.com @PhilWinterBiz

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6 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Business N ews

24 of the most influential women working in the city

Inspirational females making an impact in Hull

By philip winter philip.winter@reachplc.com

Inequality and the gender pay gap is considered to be one of the greatest challenges facing business. Last year, the Minister for Women and Equalities Penny Mordaunt said: “the fortunes of mankind depend on the inclusion of womankind.” She also said that if we address the current inequality, it would “not just be women who benefited.” The figures still make for startling reading. Research last year showed women account for less than a quarter (22 per cent) of senior roles across the country. Only 13 of the country’s 350 biggest companies have a women at the helm. The women who make up this

list though, drive Hull’s economy and make decisions on a daily basis which shape our city and wider region. They work across all industries, from education and politics, to transport and the public sector. They are the most influential women across Hull and East Yorkshire.

Professor Susan Lea: The vice Chancellor of the University of Hull. She has previously worked at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa, and the University of Greenwich.

Louise Cheeseman: The managing director at Hull Trains is currently overseeing the

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arrival of five new Hitachi trains, worth £60m, in November.

Michelle Swithenbank: Michelle Swithenbank is the chief executive officer at Hull College, an education provider which offers more than 1,000 courses to more than 26,000 students every year.

Kayleigh Pepper: Inspirational Kayleigh has recently joined forces with the Mail to launch the #NoMoreKnives campaign to get knives off the street of Hull. For the launch, Kayleigh bravely walked the east Hull street where her younger brother was stabbed to death. She campaigned to get every

single secondary school in Hull to Jean Bishop: In 2013 pledge to sign up to a new initiative Jean Bishop was named which will see her visit pupils to talk as Fundraiser of the Year at the about the real impact knife crime national Pride of Britain Awards, can have. which celebrates the achievements of remarkable people. Mrs Bishop, Emma Latimer: E mma is the also known as the Bee Lady, has raised more than £100,000 for Age chief officer at the Hull Clinical UK. The 93-year-old from Hull Commissioning Group. With 27 regularly attends local fundraising years of experience in the NHS, she has led the region’s CCG since 2013. events in her bee outfit.

5 6

Dr Elaine Lancaster: D r Lancaster is the chief technical officer at Groupe Atlantic UK, the company which owns Hull’s Ideal Boilers. She is also the president at the Energy & Utilities Alliance.

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Jan Brumby: The chief executive of For Entrepreneurs Only which is supporting the efforts of aspiring business people. Jan was awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2006. Her career has also spanned the financial (HSBC), education (Hull University) and charity (Young Enterprise) sectors.

Kathryn Shillito: K athryn is the executive director at Hull BID (Business Improvement District), a company focused on improving and developing business in the city centre. HullBID represents around 750 city centre firms.

Kirsten Simister: K irsten Simister is the curator at Hull’s Ferens Art Gallery. Under her leadership, the city centre gallery has seen work displayed by the likes of David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Spencer Tunick’s unforgettable Sea of Hull.

Kath Lavery: K ath Lavery is the chair of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and among various other roles is also the chair of the Humber Business Week.

Dr Kirsty Clode: D r Clode is the chair at Women into Manufacturing and Engineering. The initiative was launched by Green Port Hull, Siemens Gamesa, Airco and Jobcentre Plus to encourage women to choose a career in the industries.

Diana Johnson: D iana entered Parliament as Hull North MP, for Labour, back in 2005. A barrister, she has a close history of involvement with the NHS and held non-executive directorships in a primary care trust and acute district general hospital.

Emma Hardy: H ull’s most recently-elected MP, Emma Hardy was elected for Hull West and Hessle at the 2017 general election.

Alison White: Hull’s first female Bishop and she was only the second to have the honour in the UK.

Rachael Winter: Rachael has been a director of clinical operations at Smith & Nephew in Hull for the past three years. She heads up the clinical operation team in advanced wound management at the FTSE 100 medical giant.

Michelle Dewberry: Reality television star Michelle Dewberry made her name

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

as the winner of the second series of The Apprentice. But even before featuring on the programme, Miss Dewberry had already overcome a troubled childhood to rise through the ranks of the telecommunications industry. By the time she entered the competition she was already earning a £160,000 salary and credits her difficult upbringing as giving her the drive to become a successful businesswoman.

Christina McHugh: Christine has spent two decades working in journalism, covering regional and national newspapers, magazines and radio. She has now joined forces with Red5 founder Jonathan Elvidge to launch Moodbeam - a wearable piece of tech which allows people to log how they are feeling and track their moods using an app.

Diana Taylor: Diana Taylor leads the executive team at Bondholders in Hull, and is the managing director at Marketing Humber. She is responsible for guiding the vision and strategy to market the region on both a national and international stage.

Caroline Lacey: T he chief executive at East Riding Council is head of the council’s paid staff, and is also East Riding’s top advisor on policy.

Katy Duke: Katy Duke was appointed as The Deep’s chief executive in 2017. Beating off stiff competition from all over the UK, her ‘commitment and passion’ for The Deep clinched her the prestigious role. Hundreds of thousands of people visit The Deep every year, making it one of the country’s most popular paid attractions.

Marjorie Brabazon: Marjorie Brabazon is the chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, a limited company owned wholly by Hull City Council. The company manages, develops and delivers a vast range of services in Hull, including museums, galleries, libraries, parks, sport, leisure centres and swimming pools.

Katy Fuller: Katy Fuller is the creative director and CEO at Absolutely Cultured. She has been a part of Hull’s City of Culture journey since 2015, and has led memorable events including Dominoes, Land of Green Ginger, Blade and Urban Legends.

Anna Bielby: Anna Bielby has been the chief financial officer at KCOM since January 2019. She has been a director at the broadband giant since last summer, and previously served as a partner at PwC.

8 HULL-LIVE.CO.UK

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Business N ews

‘Humber can lead the climate change fight’ Lord Prescott advises region

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

ord Prescott has urged leaders in the Humber to make the region a “centre of excellence” in the global fight against climate change. The former deputy prime minister was one of the architects of the ground-breaking Kyoto Protocol in 1997 that first committed nations around the world to cut greenhouse gases. More than two decades later, he has thrown his weight behind a new, campaign launched by Marketing Humber and the University of Hull. The campaign, called The Waterline, aims to put the Humber at the forefront of decarbonisation. Addressing an audience of more than 200 business leaders, Lord Prescott said: “In the Humber we have the chance to show we have a

new economic and environmental model to deal with global climate change. The Humber can be a centre of excellence. “We need to put the vision together, in a more integrated way than we have done before. We have the assets and advantages, the skills and the attitude. We need to turn them into investment and plans. “We have the chance to develop an exciting new model. This is our future. It’s leading the world. “The world needs the Humber to show you can create a low-carbon economy.” Lord Prescott said the region was now coming together with “one message, one voice” and had the opportunity to be at the forefront of change that the whole world had to make.

The Bondholders event at Hull Minster, on Thursday evening, also featured a presentation by video by Professor Dan Parsons, director of the Energy and Environment institute at the University of Hull. He warned the audience in Hull that the world was experiencing “untold catastrophes” caused by global warming, with 16 of the past 17 years having been the warmest across the world since records began. But he said the Humber estuary was a “corridor of green economic growth” and well placed to address climate change challenges. The Waterline campaign recognises that the Humber is one of the coastal regions around the world officially listed as at high risk, due to rising sea levels and increasing flood threat.

Lord Prescott said the Humber region could be at the forefront of decarbonisation

Picture: Neil Holmes

It also builds on the Humber’s ever-growing reputation as the UK’s leading centre for renewable energy generation. Dr Diana Taylor, managing director at Marketing Humber, said The Waterline campaign built on the success of branding the Humber as the UK’s Energy Estuary and “takes us to a new level of opportunity for global recognition”. She said: “Other regions have

London and international offices and this is a first and important step on our journey to position the Humber at the heart of some of these influential networks.” Dr Taylor also announced plans to launch a London Humber Ambassadors Club, made of senior politicians, civil servants and industry leaders, who will provide the heavyweight influence to make the vision a reality.

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