Hull Business Editions October 2017 by Humber Business

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GLAZING COMPANY’S NEW TARGET MODULAR PAGE 8

Wednesday October 11 2017

EXPANSION FIRMLY ON FIRM’S RRADAR Move to new offices complement ambitious legal company’s plans By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

A HULL law firm that is revolutionising the way clients access legal services has moved to new offices to accommodate its expansion and rapidly increasing recruitment. rradar, which was established in 2012 by leading corporate defence lawyer Gary Gallen, has taken a three-storey, 15,000sq ft office at The Beacon, a business development by the Horncastle Group. The move comes after rradar outgrew its Livingstone Road headquarters in Hessle, expanding from just Mr Gallen five years ago to a staff of about 100 people. The firm plans to employ about 120 staff by the end of the year. The new building is situated off Clive Sullivan Way, just a mile from Hull city centre, and has space to more than double current staffing numbers, facilitating the fir m’s ambitious growth plans. Mark Smith, rradar’s IT director, said the company had been looking to move but wanted to remain close to its previous base to minimise disruption to staff. He said: “We started on one floor of our previous office and grew to the point where the rradar team was distributed over two-and-a-half buildings, which is not a great way to run a business. “We had been looking for a new headquarters for some time. We wanted to retain our connection to the Humber estuary, and remain fairly close to where we were to minimise disruption. “When Horncastle heard we were looking for somewhere, they approached us to talk about The Beacon. The development obviously ticked a lot of our boxes, so after considerable thought, we decided to commit.” The firm has worked alongside insurance giant AXA to develop an organised and more clearly prepared approach to

Hull company moving into business park A LONG-standing Hull business that started life as a brass foundry is relocating its manufacturing to a business Park in Brough. Shipham Valves, recently bought by Wartsila Valves, is moving its manufacturing facilities to a 60,000sq ft premises in Humber Enterprise Park in Brough from its current base in Hawthorn Avenue, west Hull. Set up in 1798, the firm began life as a foundry supplying fishing and commercial shipping on the Humber, but is now looking to the future and a “state-of-the-art” manufacturing process. Chris Harding, managing director of Shipham Valves, said: “The facility gives us a blank canvas to establish a state-of-the-art, highlyflexible and modular manufacturing footprint. “It also provides room for significant expansion and, more importantly, gives a greater opportunity to become more operationally excellent, which is of significant benefit to our customers.” The company will operate alongside other business park tenants, which include software specialists itim, Dearing Plastics Limited and Crafty Little Brewery. James Appleton-Metcalfe, managing director of park owner Citivale, said: “Humber Enterprise Park is proud of its own important heritage, so we are delighted to welcome a Hull business that also has a long history. “The park offers excellence to ambitious firms as demonstrated by the fact that we are continuing to to attract exciting new tenants like Shipham Valves.” PPH Commercial secured the letting, which is one of the largest industrial transactions to take place in the region this year.

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Continued on PAGE 2

REVOLUTIONISING THE LAW: Clockwise, from left, Gary Gallen, CEO of rradar; The Beacon; Ian Hodges, left, MD of the Horncastle Group, shaking hands with Mark Smith, IT director of rradar, outside its new HQ, The Beacon.

NEW HOME: Humber Enterprise Park.

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BUSINESS

Ambitious, young legal firm moves to flagship offices Continued from PAGE 1 legal services. rradar provides business templates and checklists to help clients before any legal crisis occurs. Working alongside Hull-based interior design agency Red Frog Design, rradar has invested £600,000 in fitting out the building, including a pool table, a golf putting green and even swings on the ground floor for employees and clients. Mr Smith said: “The Beacon is a great development and very befitting of rradar’s culture and approach. It is easy to find, which is convenient for our clients, and is surrounded by amenities. “There is plenty of parking, which is great for staff who commute, and we’re close to the major thoroughfare in and out of Hull. “Most importantly, however, there is room to expand. We’re a young and ambitious company with huge plans to revolutionise the law. The space we have at The Beacon will enable us to realise our vision.” The company has also been at the forefront of embracing digital technologies to help support its clients. It has developed the rradarstation, a one-stop advice library, providing guidance on running a legally compliant business. Another creation is rradargrace, a voice-activated virtual legal assistant available via a mobile app and website, using speech-recognition technology to respond to queries. As well as the Hull office, the company has expanded with offices in Glasgow and Leeds as its client base continues to grow. Ian Hodges, managing director of Horncastle Group, said: “The Beacon is one of our flagship office developments, which was created to attract brilliant, ambitious companies such as rradar. “The building looks fantastic inside and out and we hope Gary, Mark and the team will be extremely happy and productive in their new home.”

‘Delays and frustration’ caused by rates system Valuer warns job cuts will affect bid to improve online operation By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

JOB cuts at the department responsible for overseeing business rates are expected to pile more frustration onto firms already hit by confusion and delays from a new “check, challenge, appeal” system. Adrian Smith, founder of Hullbased AS Rating, said the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) plans to streamline its online service after acknowledging it is creating great difficulties for ratepayers. But he said any benefits were likely to be undone as the Government presses ahead with plans to cut 1,000 VOA jobs by 2021. Mr Smith said: “It appears to me that the Government has rushed the introduction of the new system to fit in with the timetable for job cuts. “The system has massive flaws that are causing huge complications and delays, but the Government is pressing ahead with the job cuts regardless.” The rates revaluation, which took effect on April 1 this year, has created various anomalies and left some people facing higher bills because of inaccurate rateable values. The new system makes provision for ratepayers to use the “check, challenge, appeal” facility on the VOA website, but the reality is some business owners do not have the time or the technical skills to work through the complicated process. The Royal Institution of Chart-

‘MASSIVE FLAWS’: Adrian Smith.

ered Surveyors has called on the VOA to make changes to the system and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) has placed the subject at the top of the agenda for its annual Rating Diploma Holders’ Conference. Mary Hardman, chief valuer at the VOA, told the IRRV audience improvements would be made to the online service by the end of this year, with more planned. Mr Smith said: “It was clear she recognised there are problems with the system. They need more people to sort this out but instead they are facing job cuts, with properties likely to be assessed from the plans, rather

than by proper inspections. “The job cuts will affect the ability of the VOA to carry out a professional service and I think the system will get worse before it gets better, with ratepayers becoming more frustrated. Any improvements that result from streamlining the online system are likely to be at least cancelled out by the loss of more staff.” Mr Smith, who operates across the UK, said questions have arisen from business people making assumptions about information they have heard from other people involved in rating issues. Mr Smith said: “Unlike the procedure with other taxes, ratepayers have to register them-

selves before they can appoint an agent to investigate the matter. “There are business owners who have no idea of what is involved and, therefore, whether their payments are correct. “Imagine the problems you would have if they used a similar system for self-assessment and made it more difficult for accountants to register on behalf of businesses. “The Government should take the burden off ratepayers and hand it to people who are comfortable with it. Instead, they are just frustrating ratepayers and making it more difficult for them to find out whether they are being treated fairly.”

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BUSINESS

IN BRIEF

City law firm rewarded with top ranking place LEGAL: A Hull law firm has been recognised as being one of the UK’s leading private client teams. Andrew Jackson Solicitiors LLP, which is based at Marina Court in Hull, is one of only three Yorkshire firms to have been top ranked by leading industry directory Chambers and Partners. Private client partner Kevin Webster was also singled out as being a leading individual and described as “being very knowledgeable”, while another source noted that “he is a very safe pair of hands”. Mark Pearson-Kendall, managing partner of Andrew Jackson, said: “These results are so important to our team as they provide us with invaluable feedback from our clients that we are consistently delivering what they need.”

Expansion in activity BLESSED: Steve Lazenby, left, with the Rev John Cowan at the blessing of the Chapel of Rest at J.Ribbons Funeral Services. Picture: Simon Renilson

Couple hope to put their skills to good use by opening funeral directors Former hospital bereavement specialist launches venture with partner By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

A HULL couple say they hope to help bereaved families with a personal and cost-friendly service after opening a funeral directors in west Hull. Steve Lazenby has decided to use skills gained as a bereavement specialist at Hull Royal Infirmary to launch independent funeral directors J.Ribbons in Greenwood Avenue with his partner, Jessica Ribbons. The opening of the shop is a new venture for the couple, but Mr Lazenby says their backgrounds made the decision to start their own business a logical option. “It requires a lot of similar skills to what I was doing at the NHS, as a bereavement officer, when it comes to dealing with families at that time,” he said. “I was based around the mortuary and have developed those skills as well when it comes to dealing with the deceased, so people should recognise that this is something we do well. “My background is in bereavement services and, with that, I

‘PERSONAL TOUCH’: Steve Lazenby has launched J.Ribbons in Greenwood Avenue with his partner, Jessica Ribbons. spent a lot of time listening to the feedback from families that they should be getting more than they are from some companies. “The main reason for opening an independent funeral directors was simply to try to offer a better service, listening to the needs of clients and offer it at a reasonable price.” Mr Lazenby said that the new business will focus on families and by starting out as an independent funeral directors, they will be able to offer a more

“

We hope to offer a more personal service at a reduced price Steve Lazenby

manageable price than some larger chains. He said: “As a small independent we can keep our costs and overheads quite low, which will mean we can keep prices lower, because we recognise it can be a

large expenditure and can come at a completely unexpected time. “There are quite a few larger businesses in the industry, but we hope we are able to offer a more personal service at a reduced price. “It is not so much that we want to provide something entirely different, but we want to ensure that what we do is entirely focused around the families. “I have experience of being that link with the family, so we can try to provide that for the families during an incredibly difficult time. “We opened in August, so we have now had two months under our belts and we are doing well.” NPS Group acted on behalf of the landlord, negotiated and prepared the new lease for the new tenants. Simon Preston, of NPS Group, said: “I understand the building has historically been a funeral directors, so it was a very unique and appropriate letting. “NPS Group would like to take this opportunity to wish Steve and Jessica all the best in the future.”

STRONG INCREASE: Businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber created jobs at the fastest pace in two-and-a-half years during September, as firms built capacity to meet increased demand for goods and services, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Regional PMI report. The region’s expansion in business activity was the second-fastest out of all 12 monitored UK regions last month, coming closely behind Wales. The Yorkshire & Humber PMI registered at 55.9 in September showing a strong increase in business activity.

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IN BRIEF

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NEWS

Smaller firm’s missing out on digital boom E-COMMERCE: Thousands of Britain’s smallest firms are in danger of missing out on the boom in online sales as the UK’s e-commerce habit continues to explode, a campaign claims. Despite a dramatic increase in the number of consumers buying online in the UK, Britain’s smallest firms – those with nine or fewer employees – are not feeling the benefit, says small business support group Enterprise Nation. According to the Office for National Statistics, online sales increased 21 per cent in December 2016 alone. But the ONS’s E-commerce and ICT Activity Report suggests just 9.7 per cent of all sales from UK-based micro firms were e-commerce transactions, compared with almost 56 per cent of sales from firms with 1,000 or more employees. Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “Big firms have the resources to invest in the latest digital e-commerce and m-commerce functionality, SEO, marketing and everything in between. “Smaller firms have been slower on the uptake over the years, and seem to have less appetite for it. “They are busy simply running the business and don’t always see the benefits that digital can deliver.”

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: Manufacturing space at the Siemens Gamesa facility in Alexandra Dock is available to developers.

Siemens Gamesa opens the door to developers Manufacturing space available at facility By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

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MANUFACTURING space at the Siemens Gamesa facility in Alexandra Dock is available to developers, it has been revealed. Siemens Gamesa has confirmed that, while it has not marketed space at the port site where it builds wind turbine blades, they are open to inquiries from developers. The decision to offer other developers access to its Hull site is seen within the industry as another boost for the growth of the offshore wind industry in the Humber, and particularly Hull. The Siemens Gamesa factory was opened in September 2016 and produced its first complete wind turbines earlier this year. It has had a full order book since opening and says it hopes to expand into the currently unused areas of the site. As part of its contract with Associated British Ports (ABP), Siemens Gamesa would be able to allow developers to utilise the unused part of the site. However, Siemens Gamesa says it has hopes to expand its manufacturing into those areas at some point in the future. Guy Dorrell, of Siemens Gamesa, confirmed that the company was not working at full capacity in the factory and there was an area made available for “future-proofing”. He said: “In the contract, it must be used for renewable energy industry, but we do have extra capacity at the present. At the minute we are using around two thirds or three quarters of the site. “The main reason for the extra area is future-proofing and we will be looking to utilise that. We have a full order book for the next two years and after that we may be looking to see if we can use the extra capacity. In terms of ABP’s lease, as long as they are in renewable industries it could be used, but we are not actively looking for businesses.”

Renews has reported that there are plans to offer developers access to a full marshalling and pre-assembly port at the site, but Seimens said that, while it is open to inquiries, the unused site has not been offered out or put on the market. The arrival of Siemens Gamesa in Hull and the opening of its factory have brought great benefits in terms of direct employment and in terms of supply chain activity, and other renewables businesses have reacted positively. David Elcombe, the chief executive of TRG Wind, says that it is good news for Hull because it further strengthens the city’s position in the industry with the prospect of increased activity, which will also bring benefits to other businesses in the city. He said: “This is excellent news for Hull and the Humber region. Siemens Gamesa has already contributed a fantastic amount to the Humber region and this forwardthinking move will allow a greater volume of work to be performed in Hull. “That, in turn, will have a tremendously positive effect on the local jobs market and local supply chain businesses and help to cement Humber as the number one spot for UK offshore wind. We are building strong partnerships in Hull with the business community and the renewables sector, which is growing very quickly following the investment of Siemens Gamesa.”

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BIGINTERVIEW

Proud to be involved in regeneration of region

PBS Construction director Glenn Smurthwaite talks to Henry Saker-Clark THE past year has seen continuing regeneration across the county, and family construction firm PBS says it has been proud to be part of that development. Completing work on the Ennerdale cycle track in north Hull, and now working on £4.2m of regeneration in Bridlington town centre, the Hull firm, led by father- and-son team Peter and Glenn Smurthwaite, has continued to grow. The company has celebrated its growth by moving into a new £430,000 building, in Trinity Street, to account for growing staff numbers. Glenn Smurthwaite said recent development projects have helped create the growth that made them take on a larger office space. He said: “We have just moved into the new building and it’s miles better. “We needed to make that improvement because of the growth in staff numbers. “The new building was about £430,000, so was a major investment for us as a business. We have the office space as well now, which has about ten staff, where originally we only had four or five. “It reflects the developments we have made across the board. “We have taken more people on in the past few months, so needed to move somewhere bigger so everyone can work well, and it is also simply a more attractive environment for people to work in.” He says this growth has also seen them venture further away from Hull to complete projects, while retaining their pride for their home city. He said: “We have been working with a lot of high-profile clients recently as well, doing work with Hull City Council, East Riding Council and other big groups in the development sector. Those who have worked with us once seem to continue to work with us and that has just helped us develop as a company. “We’ve done projects people will recognise, including the Ennerdale cycle track, which was a really interesting project. “We are also working on the regeneration project in Bridlington, doing about £4.2m of development work in the town centre. “We have also completed numerous bridge refurbishments, work on embankments on the M1 motorway, work on a garage around there and also some development work in Old Goole. “We couldn’t just stay working in Hull; while this is where we are proud to be from and have completed a lot of important work here, we are keen make the most of any opportunities around Yorkshire and further afield.” He said the company’s local core of staff who have been retained over a long period is a key factor in the recent pattern of growth. “We’ve really continued to grow and I think

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HEATING and plumbing specialist Aqua Shield is hoping to kickstart the next stage of its development, ten years after launching, by taking half the ground floor of PBS construction’s new Trinity Street premises. Julian McCann, managing director of Aqua Shield, said: “The business started with me and a van and expanded when my wife, Amanda, and son, Alex, joined. Now, we’re up to 25 people. We have grown year on year, particularly with our domestic services, and we needed a bigger office.”

DIRECTORS: Glenn Smurthwaite, left, and his father, Peter, inside PBS Construction’s new HQ. Picture: Peter Harbour a lot of that stems from getting through the recession having kept our staff,” he said. “Keeping people on through the hard period meant we had that skilled, committed workforce when the situation improved. “A lot of people were a massive part of that success and now that has allowed us invest more in our own. “About 90 per cent of our staff are from the area, so we have at least 60 people contributing to the local area. “On top of that, we are involved with local suppliers as well, such as MKM and Humberside Aggregates, so it is important these businesses support one another.” The company was announced as 2018 shirt sponsors for Hull FC and Mr Smurthwaite said this epitomised their involvement with the community. “We have always seen the importance of being involved in the community, sponsoring Hull FC, as well as work we have done with local charities,” he said. “Gareth Ellis came down with the Challenge Cup at the opening of the new site and it made a huge difference and gave all staff a big lift.”

We’ve done projects people will recognise, including the Ennerdale cycle track, which was a really interesting project Glenn Smurthwaite

Heating firm eyeing development

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IN BRIEF

Lack of innovation

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BUSINESS W:19.8046cm H:93.999mm

FRESH IDEAS: UK businesses are failing to support a culture of innovation despite employees believing that their companies would benefit from fresh ideas and innovative ways of working, new research shows. A study of 1,000 workplaces conducted by RADA in Business (the commercial subsidiary of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) found that 81 per cent of workplaces have failed to create a culture that encourages new ideas and experimentation, according to their staff.

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Business Services

INVESTING IN YOUTH: The team at Ridings Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Reluctant relocation to new HQ as firm grows Engineering consultancy moves as it focuses on apprenticeships

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visit humberbusiness.com

A CONSULTING building services engineering business is shaping its own future by investing in youth as it prepares for a move to new premises. Ridings Consulting Engineers Ltd has responded to the industry’s skills shortage by committing to education. Founding directors Liam Beardshaw and Ian Grimwood aim to develop a workforce to match the standards they have adopted over more than 40 years in the industry. But they say the immediate requirement, as they accommodate the ongoing expansion, is for a reluctant relocation from The Deep to Hesslewood Business Park. Mr Beardshaw said: “It’s been brilliant here and we can’t praise the team at The Deep highly enough. “We’ve gone through three expansions while we’ve been here, each time with no fuss and no downtime. On one occasion, we moved in an afternoon. “The support we’ve had has been a big factor in our success, enabling us to concentrate on running the business, and we’ll be sad to leave.

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

“But we’re getting bigger and we want to consolidate in readiness for future expansion. “Hesslewood is another nice environment, and it’s more convenient for many of our people.” The pair launched the business in May 2015. Ian brought more than 30 years’ experience and Liam had been working in the sector for 11 years. Their individual experience counted for little when they set up Ridings, but they landed contracts worth £30,000 within 24 hours and progressed from there, with residential and health projects around the UK, playing a key part in multi-millionpound redevelopments at two major industrial sites in Hull. Mr Grimwood said: “There will always be challenges, but we will work hard to overcome them. “When we started, we were just the new kids on the block, but we managed the few

clients we were able to pick up, developed the business, introduced ourselves to new clients and continued from there. “When we had difficulty finding engineers who could bring the skills that we needed, we took the apprenticeship route to develop our own talent.” The current workload includes projects at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, care homes in Hull and York and a leisure centre for North Lincolnshire Council. Freya Cross, business and corporate manager at The Deep, said: “This is another case of mixed emotions for us. “We are so pleased to see the team at Ridings build the business so successfully, and that makes us all the more sorry to see them go. “They started as a team of two, bringing in more great people by carving a real niche for themselves in a competitive sector and investing in training young people. “They are a great example of what The Deep Business Centre is all about – supporting businesses and helping them progress.”

Charity is helping the community to get online HULL: An east Hull community centre is helping people get online with the help of KCOM. The Friends of Pelican Park charity is celebrating the opening of its new IT suite, which has been made possible with money from KCOM’s Community Grant scheme. The charity, which is based at a new £300,000 centre off Lambwath Road, now has six

ultrafast Lightstream PCs that can be used by the community. Charity founder and trustee Jan Hornby said the suite would help open up new horizons for the wide range of groups that use the centre. She said: “KCOM giving us the money to buy these new computers will create so many new opportunities for the people who use the centre, who come from all backgrounds and

range from four to 94. “We have youngsters who use the centre for their homework and teens who will be able to come here to learn basic skills, like CV writing and computing. At the other end of the scale we have the over-55s, many of whom have never touched a computer before. “It’s all about helping people to learn new skills and building confidence.”

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YOUR M ONEY

YOURMONEY POUND NOTES

FINANCIAL FACT IT’S five years since automatic enrolment started, with the UK-wide scheme having been launched in October 2012. Since 2012, £405 billion has been saved into workplace pensions – of which, £119 billion are employee contributions, £247 billion are employer contributions and £39.2 billion is tax relief, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA). SIR ISAAC NEWTON 50P COIN LAUNCHED A NEW 50p coin celebrating Sir Isaac Newton has been launched. Just 375 Sir Isaac Newton 2017 50p circulating coins are being released into tills at his birthplace of Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire – but more are also being released into circulation generally across the country. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Royal Mint and the National Trust, to celebrate 375 years since his birth. OLDER WORKERS ‘JUGGLING FAMILY NEEDS WITH THEIR OWN FINANCIAL FUTURE’ ONE in five over-50s workers are juggling their children’s or parent’s financial needs with their own retirement prospects, according to research from Aviva. A third of over-50s with dependents say their children’s financial needs are the only reason they’re still working. One in 10 say the same of their parent’s financial needs, the research found. 83% OF CAR BUYERS ‘PLAN TO HAGGLE’ MORE than eight in 10 (83%) people intending to buy a car will haggle over its price, aiming to get an average price reduction of 12%, a survey has found. Men are more likely than women to say they intend to haggle “very hard”, the research from Sainsbury’s Bank Loans found. Male hagglers are also more likely to aim for a bigger price reduction, with 11% of them expecting to get 21% to 30% knocked off the price, compared to just 6% of female car buyers, according to the research among over 2,000 people from across the UK.

MAKE A WILL MORE than half of UK adults are at risk of dying without a will. A fifth think they don’t have enough assets to make it worth the effort to sort one, while a quarter say they plan to do one later in life, according to a study from unbiased.co.uk. While some people may not own a house or have much in savings, what many do have is children. It’s vital parents decide and make a record of who should bring children up should the worst happen. Also, having no will means assets could pass to the Crown if you have no relatives.

oint J accounts – what you need to know

THINKING OF TAKING OUT A JOINT ACCOUNT? MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT’S INVOLVED BEFORE SIGNING UP, SAYS V ICKY SHAW

F you’re in a serious relationship with someone, chances are you might have talked about the possibility of getting a joint account to pool your savings and manage your everyday cash. But while these accounts can be useful, new research suggests many people are in the dark about exactly how they work – which, in some cases, could lead to nasty surprises further along the line. The research, from website SavvyWoman.co.uk and M&S Bank, found many people who do have a joint account with a provider admit they didn’t read the small print when they signed up to it – and there’s also confusion about who’s liable for debts when couples split up. So here’s a guide to how joint accounts can help with your finances – and the pitfalls to watch out for. HOW DO JOINT ACCOUNTS WORK? WHILE you may want to have your own separate bank or building society account, you may also want to share an account with

someone else. Either person can use the account, although, depending on the terms, you both may need to sign when money is withdrawn. Joint accounts allow the account holders to decide between themselves how money held in the account will be used and how any borrowing on it will be paid back. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A JOINT ACCOUNT? THEY can make it easier for a couple to manage the money they have coming in and going out every month, in one place. A joint account could also be a useful place to pay bills from. And it may be possible to boost the amount of interest you are earning, by having one larger pot of cash rather than two separate smaller pots. WHAT COULD THE PITFALLS BE? MANY people don’t seem to realise that they could potentially be pursued for the full amount of debt run up on a joint account – not just a proportion of it. The research from SavvyWoman.co.uk and M&S Bank found three-quar-

ters (74.1%) of UK adults don’t know that each person is liable to pay the entire debt on a joint account and that the bank or building society may pursue either for the full amount. Nearly half (46%) wrongly think that if they split up with a partner and there is a debt on the account, each person is only liable to pay half the debt. And over one in 10 (11.9 %) incorrectly think that only the person who runs up the debt is responsible for paying it. WILL HAVING A JOINT ACCOUNT AFFECT YOUR CREDIT RECORD? CREDIT reference firms may create a financial association between both joint account holders – which could be positive if the other person has a good credit history, or problematic if the other joint account holder has a bad credit history. This association could impact on your ability to take out credit in the future. SO WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFORE OPENING A JOINT ACCOUNT? IT’S vital to make sure you

A joint account can be a useful place to pay bills from understand all the terms and conditions. The SavvyWoman/M&S Bank survey found that over four in 10 (42.3%) people who have a joint account with their partner didn’t fully read the terms and conditions that their bank provided. It may not be a nice thought, but consider what would happen if you split up. Sarah Pennells, founder of SavvyWoman.co.uk, says: “Thousands of couples open joint accounts each year and I’ve been concerned for some time that many of them don’t know what they’re signing up to. If a relationship breaks down, one partner can be left with debts of hundreds or even thousands of pounds.” So if you’ve got doubts about how the other account holder may use the joint account, it’s important to think carefully about whether a joint account is the right option. UK Finance, which represents banks and other firms, says that while joint accounts offer a useful service, as with any product, it is important customers fully understand the terms and conditions before they sign up.

How s tudents a re making their money last through uni life THREE-QUARTERS (74%) of students are concerned about how much debt they’ll be in when they finish university, according to a new survey. More than half (53%) believe they will never pay off their loan, the research from current account Nationwide FlexStudent found. For 43% of those surveyed, juggling jobs with their studies is one way of getting by. The top reason given by students for working during university is to finance their social life (64%). However, for four

in 10 (40%), they work simply to lower Here are students’ top 10 savvy ways to post-university debt, which according to save: the survey of more than 1,000 UK 1. Shopping in discount stores students, is £41,348 on average. 2. Buying reduced items in The jobs students are most likely to supermarkets take up to fit around their studies are as a 3. Using a railcard retail assistant, waiting tables, working in 4. Using an NUS discount card a coffee shop, bartending and working as 5. Budgeting a supermarket assistant, the research 6. Freezing leftovers for another day found. 7. Using coupons and discount vouchers As well as making money, the findings 8. Buying second hand textbooks also showed savvy students are using a 9. Making meals as a group variety of ways to make their money 10. Shopping at a local market stretch as far as possible.

8 Wednesday October 11 2017

hulldailymail.co.uk

IN BRIEF

Hull Trains celebrates first employee awards EXCELLENCE: Former Home Secretary and Hull MP Alan Johnson has hosted Hull Trains’ very first employee excellence awards evening at The Deep. The ceremony was attended by the company’s colleagues in a celebration of the firm’s values and behaviours that have led to its many successes. In addition, colleagues were recognised for going above and beyond what is expected in their day to day role to deliver an exceptional service for customers. In the past year, Hull Trains has won a string of awards including the prestigious Rail Operator Of The Year 2016-17; Transport Of The North’s award for Customer Service; various safety awards and also the Mail Business Award for Customer Service Team Of The Year. Will Dunnett, managing director of Hull Trains, says: “Our colleagues have delivered an amazing journey over the past 17 years and this evening was our way of recognising that. “Our business is in a very strong and exciting place. “With the support of a sustainable long-term business plan and an eye on the introduction of new, bi-mode high-tech trains, there has never been a more appropriate time to recognise the efforts of our colleagues in delivering that.”

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BUSINESS ‘FAST-PACED INDUSTRY’: EYG Commercial has appointed Stephie White as its modular sales and estimating manager.

Glazing firm looking at move into new market EYG believes modular sector will open doors

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A HULL commercial glazing specialists are making a move into the modular buildings markets in a bid to become established suppliers to the rapidly growing industry. EYG Commercial has made the move after appointing Stephie White as its modular sales and estimating manager, looking to use her experience of having both sold to, and bought for, modular companies in her previous roles. With the modular buildings market expanding rapidly – and East Yorkshire being home to many successful businesses in the sector – EYG is looking to establish relationships with firms wanting high-quality products that can be manufactured to meet demand. Leading the development of that area of the business will be Miss White, who is confident EYG can provide an attractive supply package to modular companies from its 65,000sq ft Wiltshire Road facility. “The modular market is growing rapidly at present, and it is certainly very strong across East Yorkshire, so there is great potential for exploring the supply chain and how EYG can help modular companies improve their products and their bottom lines,” she said. “We are seeing increasing numbers of modular buildings being used in the education, health and hotel and accommodation sectors because of the speed of build and convenience. “I know from having worked for modular companies that it is a very fast-paced

“

The modular market is growing rapidly and it’s very strong across East Yorkshire, so there is great potential for exploring the supply chain Stephie White

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

industry where suppliers need to be flexible and able to provide products on demand. That is something EYG is exceptionally well placed to do. “As a business we are able to manufacture to the highest of standards to meet demand, so I am looking to develop strong relationships and supply agreements with modular companies which really strengthen their position going forward.” Steve Swallow, commercial director at EYG, is confident Miss White will make a positive impact on the growing commercial operation. He said: “Modular work has been something we have done as part and parcel of our overall work in the past few years, as we have supported a number of projects using modular buildings in education and hotel developments in particular. “Given the growth in this area it is something we have identified as an opportunity for our business and an area we need to tap into. “We know we have the products and capability to provide a guaranteed supply and install for customers, with the highest quality of service and reliability. “Stephie has already made a great impact since joining us and we are confident she can develop this area of the business over the coming 12 months.” EYG Commercial, which has its headquarters in Hull alongside the successful domestic home improvements division, enjoyed its most successful trading year in 2016 with its order book up more than 30 per cent on the previous calendar year. Its recent work has included a £5.13m deal to glaze one of the UK’s biggest care homes and a string of major contracts in London, including glazing the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express Hotel at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4.

BUILDING BOSS: FROM HOLES TO HOMES

HOW EMPLOYEE OWNED FIRMS ARE TAKING OFF

CONSTRUCTION

MANAGEMENT

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Wednesday October 18 2017

RUGBY SHIRT SPONSORS TEAM UP FOR BUILD DEAL

Hull FC and Hull KR fans join forces to work on £6m regeneration project By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

TWO city firms have united to complete building work as part of the £6m regeneration of Kingston House in the city centre. Hull FC shirt sponsors Bambu scaffolding and Hull KR sponsors MLS have joined forces as they work together on the major redevelopment project. Beverley based firm TradePark last month announced that it would be transforming the neglected Bond Street building into a development branded as K2. The project will see the creation of a 100-bed hotel, 14 luxury apartments with plans to also have a gym, restaurant, bar and a café with a rooftop terrace. Alex Hall, of Bambu, said the firm is proud to be involved in such an iconic building project in the city centre alongside Michael Lingard Smith’s building firm. “The Kingston House project has been one which has had quite a bit of positive news recently and has allowed us to work with MLS,” he said. “It’s great to be involved in a flagship project that is effectively changing the city centre for the better. We’ve been involved with some other important projects recently, such as Essex House and the new Hilton on Ferensway. “Working with MLS has been really good. We’re like-minded people, so for us both to be involved in a big local project is fantastic.” The Hull-based scaffolding firm is coming to the end of its one-year deal with the Challenge Cup holders, but will be celebrating the Black and Whites successes by draping a huge rugby shirt over the scaffolding. It also placed an enormous shirt across the front of Hilton Doubletree hotel, another major project the company has been involved with in the city this year. The first phase of the project is the development of the offices in the building, with the first offices set to be ready by November. Michael Lingard Smith, managing director of MLS Group, says the firm has heavily invested in the project by signing to move into one of the refurbished office units in Kingston House. JOINING FORCES: Workers from Bambu Scaffolding and MLS group have teamed up for a city project.

A GOOLE-based construction project firm has been tasked with major building work for global brewing company Heineken. MNA Group has been appointed to re-roof Heineken’s main kegging plant at Tadcaster within four weeks. Around half of the building work is taking place in the plant while beer production continues to take place. Dave Rose, director of MNA Group Limited, said: “Heineken’s onsite facilities company asked us to completely replace the roof of the plant. The complex layout of the site meant using a specialist mobile tower crane to access the roof and remove the existing covering. “Because one half of the kegging plant was still operational while we carried out the work, we had to carefully synchronise our activities to provide Heineken staff with access when they needed it and ensure that we kept everyone – our workers and theirs – safe. “We worked closely with Heineken’s site team to agree the profile and specification of the new roof.” MNA Group Limited launched its construction project management arm last year in response to growing demand for existing customers. It has already completed a number of high-profile construction projects, including a new music block at The Read School, Drax and an industrial unit development on a brownfield site at Fusion Business Park in Goole. The company, which was established 12 years ago by Dave Rose and his fellow director Mark Newman, also offers a comprehensive range of health and safety training and support services.

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Continued on PAGE 2

Building firm organises roof job in brewery

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BUSINESS

Lack of tax specialists causes recruitment woe

Centralisation of agencies means there is a ‘dearth’ of local talent By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

MLS and Bambu building future Continued from PAGE 1 He said: “We are the principal contractors on the site, working on 12 storeys of office space, 14 apartments and the hotel, which will be the final phase of the development. “We will be relocating here ourselves, to a new office in the building, taking 3,000sqft. “We are fully invested in this and are in a position of real sustainable growth that makes it ideal for us to be coming into the city centre. “We have a few other ongoing projects at the minute as well, including the refurbishment of the world-famous Magpie restaurant in Whitby, so it’s a really good time for us as a business. “I’m a Kingston Rovers fan, so it’s fantastic to give something back to club and we hope to continue growing alongside the club. “Working with Alex has been great and they have delivered exactly what we have wanted and it’s great, as well, because there is a lot of banter with both the FC fans and KR fans we have here.” The first apartments at the 90,000 sq ft site, which was purchased by Tradepark from Hull City Council in August, are due for completion in January 2018.

A TAX specialist based near Howden says that the gradual loss of regional tax offices and centralisation of agencies means there is a “dearth” of talent locally. Independent Tax, the Brackenholme business park based HMRC-handling and tax dispute specialists, is looking to further expand its team, but is being forced to look outside the area in its recruitment efforts. The East Yorkshire business has made a string of new appointments in the past year alone, but is now struggling to find candidates with the necessary skill set. Independent Tax was launched four years ago and has grown rapidly to become one of the country’s leading specialist tax dispute businesses, and the largest of its kind in the North of England. Managing partner Gary Brothers says that there has been the development of a “skills gap” in the region within the tax industry as offices “gradually disappear”. “Like me, most of our existing employees have many years of experience with HMRC, which puts us in the best possible

“

We’d much rather provide employment to local people Gary Brothers

RECRUITING: Gary Brothers of Independent Tax. position to help our clients,” he said. “With local tax offices gradually disappearing and

services being centralised, we’re struggling to identify and recruit people with the necessary skills and

experience.” In addition to the Brackenholme headquarters, it also has offices in London and Spain. Mr Brothers says there is a “dearth of suitable candidates” on the company’s doorstep as it looks to expand recruitment in order to deal with the firm’s continuing growth. He said: “Ideally, we’re looking for people who have worked at tax inspector level to take up senior management and management posts here at Independent Tax. “With a dearth of suitable candidates on our doorstep in East and North Yorkshire, we’re finding we’re having to cast the net wider in our search to find the right people, which seems a real shame as we’d much rather be providing employment to local people.” The firm, which has with a broad range of clients across the UK, from sole traders to public sector organisations, specialises in giving advice to customers facing difficulties or are keen to avoid difficulties with HMRC. Its services include tax dispute resolution, risk reduction reviews, acting as expert witnesses for clients and forensic accounting. The majority of Independent Tax’s team has previously worked for HMRC as tax inspectors, as well as advising businesses and individuals on their tax affairs. Independent Tax was named Service Sector Business of the Year at this year’s Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards.

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BUSINESS

IN BRIEF

BUSINESS DAY: Baroness Karen Brady was a hit at this year’s event and Joanna Lumley, below, has been confirmed as a speaker at the 2018 event.

Women most likely to sup hot drinks in the office! UK: According to new research by Kit Out My Office, women in workplaces across the UK drink more hot drinks than men, with coffee being the preferred choice. 59 per cent of women stated that they drink four or more cups every day versus only 42 per cent of men drinking the same amount. When quizzed on the reason for drinking coffee, 64 per cent of women said they choose the beverage due to the associated health benefits.

University economy boost

Business conference will be Absolutely Fabulous! Joanna Lumley added to seminar speaker line-up By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

ACTRESS, former model and activist Joanna Lumley has been announced as the headline speaker for The Business Day at Bridlington Spa as it returns for 2018. The event next year follows the successful inaugural sell-out event in June, with 650 business leaders from across the region hearing from speakers such as Baroness Karen Brady and renowned BBC journalist John Simpson. The Business Day will take place on Friday June 8, and include a number of sessions aimed towards pushing business networking and insight. Ms Lumley, one of the country’s most recognisable voices, is known as an actress, former model, author and activist, though is probably best recognised for her depiction as the parasitic Patsy Stone in the BBC’s Absolutely Fabulous. She’s well-known for her early work on The New Avengers and Sapphire and Steel and has, more latterly, forged a successful role guiding audiences on intensely personal journeys through her documentary films. As an activist, in 2008 she became the public face of the Nepalese Gurkha’s fight for the right to settle in Britain, which in 2009 resulted in Jacqui Smith, the then Home Secretary, announcing that Gurkha who had served four years or more before 1997 would be allowed to settle. Andrew Aldis, general manager of Bridlington Spa, said: “After producing the last successful event, the pressure was on to

“

This will be an event that business people will not want to miss Andrew Aldis

HULL: The success of universities in Hull should not be taken for granted warns university leader. Universities UK says in its latest study that Hull York Medical School and the University of Hull play an important role in the growth of the regional economy. Professor Janet Beer, president of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “This study highlights the huge and increasingly significant impact that universities have on the UK economy and jobs. Universities are often the largest employers in their area and, through links with businesses and in attracting students from overseas, they bring in significant investment from around the world to the Yorkshire and Humberside economy.”

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create something better. The Business Day is possibly the most prestigious business event on the calendar and the inclusion of Joanna Lumley in the speaker line-up certainly fills me with enormous confidence. “This will be an event that business people will not want to miss.” Cllr Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Building on the success of a sell-out inaugural event in June 2017, The Business Day has firmly established itself in the calendar coinciding with the end of Humber Business Week. “Working jointly with The Business Day’s main sponsors, I’m looking forward to the event in 2018, which will allow for business networking and insights from a top-tier line-up of speakers.” The Business Day will take place at Bridlington Spa on Friday June 8, 2018. Tickets cost £125 per person, or £1,000 for 10. For more information, or to book tickets, go to bridspa.com or call 01262 678258.

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4 Wednesday October 18 2017

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IN BRIEF

NEWS

Own the firm and you may love your job more

Arco bags top industry awards for supply wins HULL: Hull-based health and safety supplier Arco has been presented with two prizes at an industry awards. Arco has been announced as the winners for Responsible Procurement Approach and Overall Supplier Of The Year at the Northumbrian Water Supplier Recognition Programme. The awards, hosted by the Northumbrian Water Group, aims to recognise and reward suppliers that are continuously driven to provide both an outstanding service and supply ethically procured goods. Sean Churchill, regional sales manager at Arco, said: “We pride ourselves on dedication to customers so it’s an honour to have been awarded with these two accolades.”

Employee Ownership Association reports increase in business model

Work concern for T-levels HULL: New research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that only six per cent of small businesses in England would be willing to offer work placements under current plans for technical qualifications known as T-levels, raising concerns that the scheme will fail without the right support for employers. It comes after the Government last week launched an action plan for delivering T-levels, which are due to begin being rolled out from 2020. CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Deb Oxley.

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• Well Established Town Centre Restaurant • Two Large Self-Contained Apartments • Excellent Business with Great Potential RETIREMENT SALE • Adjusted Net Proﬁt £40,419 • Weekly Turnover £3,500 to £4,000 • REF 556847. EPC Band E. Business and Property £475,000

• 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 £44,156 • REF 557577. EPC Band D. Business and Property, Offers Over £379,950

• Stunning Detached Property • Much Sought after East Riding Village • Operates in Six Openings per Week • Self-Contained Four Bedroom Accommodation Let Out for £750 PCM • Weekly Turnover £2,000 • REF 558033. EPC Band C. Business & Property £369,950

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

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

North Humberside

• Bustling Shopping Centre Position • Offering Tremendous Potential For So Much More • Three Bedroom Accommodation • PRICED TO SELL VIEW THIS, IT WILL GO • Weekly Turnover £2,000 • REF 559305. EPC Band B. Business £19,950

Hull

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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

• Stunning Marine Views • 10 Apartments and 2 Letting Rooms • Great Location • VIEWING ESSENTIAL • Taking £70,000 PA • Net Proﬁts 26,112 • REF 554733. EPC Band D. Business & Property £365,000

FREEHOLD PUBLIC HOUSE AND COACH HOUSE • Adjusted Net Proﬁts in Excess of £33,000 • Worked In Relatively Easy Hours • 38 Cover Restaurant • Substantial Freehold Property • Fabulous Redevelopment Potential • TURNOVER ON APPLICATION • REF 556288. EPC Band D. Business and Property, Offers Over £320,000

East Yorkshire BUTCHERS

• Tremendous Potential • Prime Trading Site • Very Easy Hours • Priced to Sell • Taking £250 weekly Post Ofﬁce Remuneration £48,000/£50,000 p.a. • REF 559295. EPC Band C. Business £79,500 Sensibly Priced

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

East Riding Of Yorkshire

Hull

MORE businesses are choosing to increase their employees’ stakes in their firm by changing to an employee ownership model, say an East Yorkshire-based organisation. The Employee Ownership Association, based in Melton, is a group representing employee-owned firms including industry giants such as John Lewis. The national organisation helps firms transition from traditional ownership models to employee-ownership and says it has seen a sharp increase, locally and nationally. Deb Oxley, chief executive of the organisation, says it has seen a recent upturn in membership as companies look to take advantage of Government incentives, which were announced in 2012. “Employee ownership is a different way of structuring a business,” she said. “Normally, they are private businesses that have a positive ethos and can also be businesses with small numbers of staff and individuals. “They are often family owned businesses that have decided they want their employees to have a stake as shareholders. “Currently, we estimate about four per cent of GDP, £40bn of the UK economy is through employee-owned companies, and that has been growing. “The growth dates back to 2010. In the wake of the financial crash it became a much more attractive proposition for some people. It increased in popularity as a business model and the Nuttall review made more aware of it. “So, we have been growing significantly from 100 in the association in 2012, to around 350 now. Back in 2012 there was a tax incentive and those incentives make it an

“

It’s like having a hire car, people won’t treat it and wash it the same way you would your own Deb Oxley

By Henry Saker-Clark h enry.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

attractive form of ownership. We work with businesses to help them make that transition and help them take advantage of the opportunities available.” Debate over employee-ownership resurfaced again last month, after the Government scrapped plans to force companies to have employees on their boards. Ms Oxley says that the relationship between majority shareholders and their staff is completely different at an employee-owned firm, claiming that they regularly see more positive results because each staff member has a stake in business success. She said: “It’s a model that has worked incredibly well for a number of wellestablished companies, some of the biggest around, like John Lewis Partnership. “Often the change to employee-ownership would occur when one person, one business owner is considering the future for when they retire, and this is a positive option. “It ensures that at an employee at your company has a voice in the business and not just one person. “Most are family businesses and SMEs. But, the fact is, less than 15 per cent of family businesses do not have a succession plan in place. Having an employee-owned firm enforces a future plan, because they will continue to have their stake and will continue to have the business’s interests at heart. “The ownership effect of giving staff that stake in the business really reinforces a positive relationship between a business and their employees. When people have a meaningful, tangible stake in the business they will treat it well. “It’s like having a hire car, people won’t treat it and wash it the same way you would your own. “They have a greater degree of investment in the company and I think that’s why a lot of companies with this model see such positive results.”

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

EMPLOYEE OWNED: John Lewis is one of the best-known examples of the business structure.

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Wednesday October 18 2017 5

hulldailymail.co.uk

BIGINTERVIEW

From holes to homes, Beal is the real deal

Henry Saker-Clark meets the construction company chief who has risen to the top “WHERE did I start? At the bottom of a hole with a pair of rigger boots and a shovel.” Richard Beal has always been moving in an upward trajectory. It seems an impressive journey from an east Hull building site to the boardroom of one of the most recognisable housebuilders in the region. Positive growth has become habitual for Beal, which last year had its seventh successive year of record completions, revenues and profits. The firm has now built more than 1,000 homes across the city and is completing more pioneering work, building homes at the heart of the city’s Fruit Market regeneration project, which it has worked on in partnership with developer Wykeland. But the firm itself has seen something of regeneration itself, progressing significantly since Richard first picked up his shovel. He said: “I left school and was given a pair of rigger boots and, from then, I worked on a little bit of everything. From groundwork and then, over time, was given the opportunity of site management. I slowly came into the office from there. “There were only 30 or 40 of us including the guys on site back then. It’s quite a turnaround from what it was then.” Mr Beal developed up to site management positions before making the move into the office, where he was named as the new managing director and chairman in 1996. Since the Nineties the firm has spearheaded a house-building programme in the north of the city, transforming Kingswood into one of the “main areas of substantial growth in Hull”. He said: “We are very much a Hull business, through-and-through. We are entirely based here, apart from our one base in Lincolnshire. It was a really good site and the opportunity came up to buy it from Burton Waters. “It’s important to have that representation on the north and south banks, but there are lots of opportunities for development around here. “Our first development in Kingswood was in 1994. It was really short of homes and this was before all the retail areas came, before any talk of any tunnel or bridge. “The first project was a success and we worked with what customers wanted and have stayed working around there since. “We are the only private home builder that is local to be building around there, so it is important to us to keep those ties. “We see ourselves there for years, as it was one of the only areas of real significant growth for many years and has been a huge success.” The success of projects in Kingswood and others have helped them to grow to employ around 200 staff in the region and win Housebuilder Of The Year in the prestigious Insider Yorkshire Property Industry

BUILDER: Richard Beal of Beal Homes. Above, a Beal Homes development. Awards. While the Beal Homes name has often been synonymous with the eastern half of the city, residential projects have covered the breadth of the area, including the firm’s development of 130 homes in Willerby. The firm’s expansion has been matched by its innovation as it leads the way with design studios, which allow customers to curate each aspect of the new build property. “Willerby has been an area of development for us as well,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a very different market, but has been successful in its own right. “The Beal company was synonymous with the east side of Hull and now we have a lot more presence in the west. “There has been significant growth and greater public awareness. We have expanded the selection studio as well, which has been a big thing for us. The way in which you are able to choose a new build has changed. “Sometimes, with competitors, there is an element of seeing a corner of what it might be like, but this is a new home, a huge investment, so we want people to curate every aspect of it.” The detail and care that goes into each property is exemplified by the MD. Looking at some of the new properties recently, his colleague tells me, he couldn’t help but sweep leaves off the front garden while people were looking around the property. He may be in a suit and tie instead of a pair of rigger boots, but his passion for building homes remains unchanged.

6 Wednesday October 18 2017

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BUSINESS

Building society in pledge to support mental health HULL: Yorkshire Building Society marked World Mental Health Day last week by signing an employer pledge with Time To Change to support its colleagues to be open about mental health problems. In signing the pledge, Yorkshire Building Society, which has branches in Beverley, Paragon Street Hull and Chanterlands Avenue Hull, committed to change the way its colleagues think about mental health in the workplace. Time To Change is run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, which support people to open up to mental health problems. Mike Regnier, chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Our colleagues obviously have a key role to play in looking after our members day-to-day and helping us to achieve our longer-term plans. To support them, we have established a comprehensive wellbeing programme.”

Apprentice numbers down ENGLAND: New figures from the Department for Education show the number of people starting apprenticeships in England has fallen by 61 per cent, following the introduction of the apprenticeship levy and changes to apprenticeship funding for small businesses. The number of young people, under the age of 19, starting apprenticeships has fallen by 41 per cent compared to this time last year. Mike Cherry, national chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Changes to apprenticeship funding may be partly responsible for driving down the number of apprenticeships, which is bad news. “It is early days in the Gover nment’s apprenticeship programme, but these figures do coincide with an increase in the compulsory employer contribution and a greater focus on levy-paying businesses over smaller employers. “This is a significant programme of reform which will take time to bed in, but there must be a concerted effort to enable employers to take apprentices.”

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Firm’s flash new clothing is boosting growth and saving lives

TOP GEAR: Clothing made by ProGARM is used worldwide.

Protected clothing specialist experiencing ‘unprecedented growth’ AN EAST Yorkshire protective clothing specialist says it is experiencing “unprecedented” growth as it launches a variety of new products. ProGARM, based in Gilberdyke, specialises in its arc flash range of protective clothing and has recently secured contract wins with global industry leaders, Siemens, Kier and Murphy. The family owned firm, which exports its protective garments internationally, is upgrading its protective helmet, as well as preparing for the launch of two new “innovative and exciting” new products. The unprecedented growth has also led to a team expansion, with three new team members being recruited to its East Yorkshire office in as many months. Most recently, the company welcomed Reece Büchner as internal sales executive, following the appointments of Ben Pocock as marketing coordinator and Ava Scott as supply chain manager. Ms Scott brings more than 15 years of experience to the role, assisting the company’s expansion and growth into new markets, while Mr Pocock is a recent Uni-

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

versity of Hull graduate, with experience at C4DI, based in Hull. In addition to contract wins with Siemens, Kier and Murphy, ProGARM will also be working with Amey and Morrisons on six-figure sum deals. Tony Arnett, managing director at

ProGARM, says the firm a looking for ways to improve existing products, following a strong year of investment. He said: “This is a really exciting time for ProGARM. Arc flash is a very real health and safety issue impacting industry professionals globally, so we’re delighted to be helping to protect more and more employees with our specialist clothing. “We’re continuously looking for ways to update and improve our existing products, while also exploring innovative new products to ensure we’re one-step ahead when it comes to arc flash protection. “On top of all of this recent activity, we’ve also become a BSIF member and signed up to its registered safety supplier scheme to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality protection. “It’s been a strong year to date and we’re confident that our innovation, investment in talent and commitment to quality will continue to help support our business growth.” The new arc flash, flame resistant and anti-static garments set to launch will protect contractors in the petrochemical, utilities and power generation, rail and industrial electrical industries from fatal or life changing injuries, caused by extreme electrical explosions.

Rollits recruits to expand employment law team HULL: Law firm Rollits has appointed leading employment law specialist Caroline Neadley to its existing team of employment law experts. The solicitor joins Rollits from Humberside Police and brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in both the public and private sector. She will use her expertise to advise business clients on

employment legislation, tribunal claims and advocacy, and provide training to help them manage a multitude of legal issues in the workplace. As a result of Caroline’s appointment, Rollits, which has offices in Hull and York, now has the largest team of qualified employment lawyers in East Yorkshire, with 40 years’ experience between them.

Last week, the team was ranked in the top tier for employment law in Hull and East Yorkshire in the Legal 500 2017, a survey of the UK’s top 500 law firms. Ed Jenneson, Head of Rollits’ employment team, said: “To recruit someone of Caroline’s calibre is a real coup for Rollits and will certainly strengthen our credentials in the field of employment law.

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YOUR M ONEY

YOURMONEY POUND NOTES

YOUNGER GENERATION ‘FEELING GUILT OVER BANK OF MUM AND DAD’ Two thirds of young people expecting support from the “bank of mum and dad” to get on the property ladder feel guilty about relying on their family, a report has found. Some 66% of 18-to-40-year-olds expecting financial help from family members to buy their first home feel this sense of guilt, according to the findings from Yorkshire Building Society. More than half (59%) of would-be home owners expect to receive financial help from parents or other family members in order to buy a property, the research found.

How healthy is your bank balance?

It could be time for a financial health check

icky Shaw finds out V how to cure some common financial ‘ailments’ It can cost thousands to transform your home £15,000 ‘IS THE AVERAGE COST OF TRANSFORMING A HOUSE INTO HOME’ Britons spend an average of just over £15,000 transforming a new house into a home, research suggests. Home owners typically spend £15,419 putting their own stamp on a property after they first move into it, a survey from Sarah Beeny’s estate agent Tepilo.com found. The living room is most likely to be tackled first after moving in, followed by the kitchen and main bedroom, the research found. could you make savings by paying insurance annually? People who pay their insurance in monthly instalments, rather than annually, are a third less likely to switch provider. Research from Gocompare has found they are paying an average £144 more for car insurance and £113 more for home insurance as a result. While paying monthly helps to spread the cost, it comes at a premium because fees and interest are added – often hidden in the total monthly cost. This leaves monthly payers trapped in a vicious circle, sticking with a bad deal and then paying more in interest and charges for the privilege.

MONEY F ACT There are now 14,417 streets across Britain where the average property value is £1 million, according to analysis from property website Zoopla.

ctober marks ‘Stoptober’ month – when smokers up and down the country are encouraged to quit the habit for good. But, whether or not you’re a smoker, why not also consider quitting any nasty financial habits you’ve picked up? “This Stoptober is a great opportunity to stub out your worst financial habits,” says Sarah Coles, a personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. Not sure you even have any? Well, some of those habits might have become so ingrained that you don’t even realise you have them, notes Sarah. So what are the warning signs, and how can you quit bad financial habits for good? Here, Sarah shares her expert insights and advice...

The symptom: C asually dipping into debt You don’t have to go terribly overdrawn for particularly long for this to start making a big dent in your finances. the cure: If you regularly dip into your overdraft, the answer lies in drawing up a household budget, and identifying the regular costs

the cure: Even in this era of low interest rates, it pays to make a date to regularly check what you are earning on your savings, and if the rate is no longer competitive, make a switch.

you can cut. This may mean shopping around on essential bills and groceries, or cutting out those things you don’t get much value from, such as gym membership or expensive media packages. If you’re a repeat offender, consider setting up text alerts in online banking, which will text you if you’re running the risk of going overdrawn. the symptom: Only paying the minimum amount back on your borrowing The minimum payment required on your credit card can easily lull you into a false sense of security. But by paying the debt down at a snail’s pace, you could be racking up shocking interest charges. the cure: If you have expensive debts like credit cards, it’s essential to pay them off as quickly as possible. If you have a significant balance, it may be worth switching in order to cut interest payments in the interim. However, if you switch, it’s vital to see this purely as a mechanism for debt repayment. If you’re tempted to rack up more borrow-

Pay more off to cut interest on your credit cards ing, you’ll end up in an even more expensive position. the symptom: Forgetting about your savings According to a 2015 study, some 80% of easy access savings accounts hadn’t been switched in the previous three years. Neglecting savings is an expensive habit to fall into because, over time, the rates on these accounts are likely to have become less competitive - especially if a bonus was applied at the outset.

the symptom: Not making the most of tax shelters Are you making the most of the tax advantages offered by pensions and Isas, for example? the cure: At the start of each tax year, it’s worth taking stock of your savings and investments, and asking yourself whether you really need to be paying tax on them. the symptom: Putting plans off Long-term goals like retirement may seem a long way off, but every day you save makes a big difference. It’s not just the years of contributions you will miss by putting things off, but the effect of compounding returns – which is jaw-dropping. the cure: There are always too many demands on your money, but as a general rule, it pays to invest as much as you can afford for retirement, as early as you can afford to do so.

Busting myths surrounding black box insurance Black box – or telematics – insurance policies can help drivers access cheaper premiums as they monitor how people actually drive. In order to allay worries about this type of insurance, Admiral has come up with some myth-busters: ■■Myth: This type of policy is just a way of ‘Big Brother watching you’

allowing insurance providers to hike premiums. Reality: Admiral says the emphasis isn’t on where you drive but how you drive. Devices look at factors including your driving style and measure braking, cornering and speed. They offer a chance to show you are a safe driver, and your renewal price is based on

how safely you drive. ■■Myth: I won’t be able to drive at night. Reality: There are certain times of day when accidents are more likely to occur, such as at night. You may not get as big a discount if you always drive at night but you could still potentially get discounts. Make sure you check with your insurance provider’s policy as

these can vary. ■■Myth: If a bad driver borrows my car I will be penalised. Reality: As driving scores are generally worked out as an average during the policy, it could be unlikely to have a big effect if the car is used by another person once in a while. But, if they aren’t up to your standards – tell them!

Will driving at night affect your policy?

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BUSINESS

Holiday firm buzzing after enterprise award HULL: A business that went from making beehives for neighbours to being the market leader in luxury holiday homes has been honoured at the Yorkshire Awards. Luxury holiday home firm Willerby Ltd has been recognised for its contribution to the region receiving the Yorkshire Business Enterprise Award at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Leeds City Hotel on Friday October 13. Chief executive, Peter Munk, said: “We are delighted to have received the Yorkshire Business Enterprise award, and see this as recognition of the hard work and determination shown by all of our staff throughout 2017.” The business, founded in 1946, now employs more than 1,000 staff and makes 7,000 homes and lodges a year. With a turnover of £147m, it currently has more than a third of the share of the UK market and exports across Europe and beyond. Peter Munk said: “Our focus for this year was to increase direct engagement with our consumers, so, in order to do this, we opened our first dedicated showground in Lanarkshire in spring 2016. The showground enabled our customers to immerse themselves in the Willerby brand and experience our models first hand and, following its immense success, we look forward to opening our second showground in Hull this October.

GROWTH: Paul Coombs of Arronbrook Leisure Homes.

Bumper orders to mark 30 years in caravan business

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Manufacturing of bespoke holiday homes in a flexible manner is key to firm success A HULL caravan firm is celebrating thirty years at the heart of the city’s industry with another bumper order book following a year of positive growth. Arronbrook Leisure Homes is preparing to embark on its 30th year in business with a 2018 order book that is already more than half full after another successful annual appearance at the Cottingham Parks Lodge and Caravan Show. Established in 1987 by director Ron Kerr, the family-run business has experienced both good times and bad. Despite suffering alongside the region’s other caravan manufacturers during the industry-wide sales slump at the time of the 2007 economic downturn, the firm weathered the storm, with owners saying they grew stronger due to the experience. Sales for the past few years are now above pre-recession levels and the firm is again looking strong as it recognises its three decades in the industry. Director Paul Coombs said: “The caravan industry has changed massively over the course of the past 30 years, but we’re delighted to still be a big part of it. “The boxy and basic static caravans of the 1980s are a distant memory because customers now demand so much more. When people think of caravans, they think of switching off, relaxing and having a good time. They also want all the mod-cons they

“

The boxy and basic static caravans of the 1980s are a distant memory because customers now demand so much more Paul Coombs

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

are used to at their fingertips. “That’s exactly what our modern holiday homes have. Each one is available with spacious and comfortable beds, central heating, double glazing, a full-sized kitchen and all the modern appliances you could imagine. It’s like a home from home. “It may be our 30th year in business, but we don’t rest on our laurels. By switching our focus to producing bespoke luxury holiday homes, which are made exactly to our customers’ requirements, we believe we have given ourselves the best chance to continue thriving in the industry for many years to come. “The large number of orders we took at the recent Cottingham Parks Show are proof that this strategy is proving successful.” Mr Coombs says the decision to make contracts that focus on demand has allowed trading relationships to form, which have helped Arronbrook flourish locally. He said: “Caravan dealerships like doing business with us, because we do not place a minimum value on the orders we receive. This means they can buy one or two units from us at a time, which obviously helps them with their cash flow. “It also allows them to place orders depending on their current demand, not a projected forecast. “Once we establish a trading relationship with a caravan park or dealership, it tends to flourish and grow. In fact, we are very proud to still be doing business with a lot of the people we did when the company first started back in 1987.” With up to 60 per cent of its products currently sold to customers in Belgium, Holland, Norway and France, the immediate aim is to increase its number of UK sales.

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Wednesday October 25 2017

DRAX POWERED £419M AND 3,600 JOBS INTO REGION

Energy company also contributed £1.7bn into national economy By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

across the North of England last year and generated more than £500m in economic activity. “Drax works with hundreds of businesses across the Northern Powerhouse region to ensure millions of homes across the country have the power they need each day. The North of England has a rich heritage in providing energy to the rest of the UK. “Companies such as Drax have an important role to play in delivering a low-carbon economy as part of the Gover nment’s wider industrial strategy for the country.” Researchers at Oxford Economics used three measures to calculate Drax’s GDP contribution: the economic activity associated with the day-to-day running of the business; the activity created by the purchase

Continued on PAGE 2

‘VITAL ROLE’: Drax Power’s Andy Koss and, left, the Port of Hull.

THE latest economic survey by the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce reveals that domestic sales and orders have remained strong following the third quarter of the year. Research from the Chamber reveals that homes sales rose two points overall, while home orders showed a stronger increase, with the balance figure rising 11 points over that of Quarter 2 and 15 points up on Quarter 1 of the year. Exports also saw a significant rise of four points, with 13 per cent more companies reporting an increase on trade. However, on the export orders front 14 per cent of companies reported a consistent picture, with fewer declaring an increase of orders, but the balance figure dropped by 11 points on the second quarter. The first two quarters of the year have seen a steady drop in the number of firms recruiting staff, but Quarter Three showed a more positive trend in recruitment, with 56 per cent of firms on the lookout for new staff, with 80 per cent of businesses looking for full-time employees with an equal mix of full and part-time positions. In the past three months, 6 per cent of respondents reported an increase, with fewer firms losing staff, with the resulting balance figure showing a healthy increase of 15 points on the second quarter. Chamber chief executive Dr Ian Kelly, pictured, said: “It is pleasing to see our local home markets performing better than nationally. “With employment also at a 45-year high, the forthcoming Budget needs to strike a more confident note and encourage entrepreneurs to boost investment in particular.”

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REGIONAL energy company Drax contributed almost £1.7bn to the national economy last year, according to a new report. The firm, which stores energy directed through biomass chambers in Hull, has contributed to more than £419m to the Yorkshire and Humber economy, and more than 3,600 jobs in the region. The Port of Hull plays a part in this overall economic contribution, showing the economic prosperity resulting from low-carbon energy in the region. The findings were revealed in a new study by Oxford University researchers, looking into economic impact of the firm, which employs 900 people at its Yorkshire plant. The energy company is using the £150m biomass handling facility at the Port of Hull as part of its ambitious programme to make the power station predominantly biomass-driven in the next few years. Drax Power chief executive officer Andy Koss said: “This report demonstrates that, as well as playing a vital role as the country’s biggest power generator, Drax Power Station continues to play a crucial role in supporting the Yorkshire economy. “Thanks to a sophisticated supply chain that spans both the east and west coasts of the country, Drax supported more than 6,000 jobs

Survey shows home is where the heart is

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Power firm Drax pumped £419m into local economy Continued from PAGE 1 of goods and services from its suppliers; and the wages the company’s employees and suppliers’ employees spend in their local area. In the past year, Drax Power Station’s activities have supported employment in a wide range of sectors including high-skilled manufacturing of industrial components, engineering and technical machinery, construction, IT, professional business services and transport. Amjad Bashir, Yorkshire and Humber MEP and Conservative spokesman on small business in the European Parliament, said: “It is not just the people working directly at Drax Power Station we should think of, but the thousands of others who supply goods, materials and services, often working in smaller enterprises. “We are talking about people in highly skilled engineering and technical jobs, in construction, in professional services and IT and even the local shops that serve the workforce. “The report shows how Drax generates power for the nation while energising our regional economy.” Osman Ismail, senior economist at Oxford Economics, said: “Drax Group makes an important economic contribution to Yorkshire and the Humber, and the UK more widely. Its activities generated almost £1.7bn in GDP last year, and sustained thousands of jobs across the nation.” Alan Waddington, managing director of TEi Ltd, a leading engineering company based in Wakefield, said: “Our specialist team of engineers have been working at Drax Power Station for a number of years, using their technical knowledge to support its transition to become the largest source of renewable power in the country. “As a British business we are proud to support this nationally significant asset that generates enough clean electricity to power Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool.”

President says funeral industry needs regulating Call for England to follow Scotland’s example with code of practice By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

A CALL for the regulation of England’s multi-million-pound funeral industry has been made by the Humber-based president of a leading association. Former Humberside Police officer Philip Spicksley leads one of the fastest-growing organisations of its kind in the country. A professional celebrant based in Barton-upon-Humber, he is the driving force behind growth within the Association Of Independent Celebrants (AOIC). Now with more than 120 members, the AIOC’s popularity has matched the rise in the number of celebrants operating in the UK as more people seek personal life ceremonies – from weddings and baby-naming, to funeral services. Mr Spicksley has joined others in the funeral profession in calling for government regulation – not just to cover celebrants, but for the profession as a whole. The UK’s funeral industry is currently non-regulated, this means that there are no standards in the quality of care received, no official training to ensure a decent standard of work, no outside regulator to check and weed out bad practices or individuals, nor is there any redress in the event of over-charging, sloppy work and other distressful events which can occur. Keen to follow Scotland’s lead, Mr Spicksley has already had

‘CONDUCT’: Philip Spicksley, below, has joined others in the funeral profession in calling for regulation. top-level talks with the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), and the Independent Funeral Directors Association to lobby Government on English regulation. Speaking ahead of the AOIC’s first two-day conference in Liverpool later this month, he said: “Those who lead organisations within the profession have a mutual desire to see regulation in the industry and especially more regulation and professionalism in how celebrants work.” Scotland is already seeing change, with the passing into law of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016, introducing a new dedicated regulatory framework. Until official regulation is put

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in place, he also stressed the importance of those within the industry taking their own steps to check the credentials of all those in the industry, including celebrants. He said: “Professionalism is in the hands of individual funeral directors. It is up to arrangers and directors to ensure that they only engage the services of a celebrant who is properly insured and works to a code of conduct that is regulated by a recognised trade body, such as the Association of Independent Celebrants or the Institute of Civil Funerals.” ■ The AOIC’s tenth anniversary conference and AGM takes place at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday and Sunday.

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IN BRIEF

BRIDGE DESIGN: Chris Hornby and Mark Atkinson with Humber Door.

Knock, knock, knocking on Humber’s door ...

‘HERE TO STAY’: New owner Chris Sykes, left, has taken over Leonard Silver and retained tailor Peter Fletcher.

Pictures: Katie Pugh

Hull store tailor-made for smart future after finding suitable buyer Menswear shop facing closure after 70 years saved by businessman By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

A HISTORIC Hull menswear shop was saved from closure after being bought by a businessman with his own line of high-quality menswear. Leonard Silver in Savile Street, Hull city centre, was due for closure after 70 years until it was purchased by Chris Sykes. Eric Silver decided to retire and cease trading this summer at the store where he took over from his father, but the store is now looking ahead to a bright future. Mr Sykes is aiming to bring a more modern approach to the store, introducing his own John Victor tailoring brand, while retaining tailor Peter Fletcher to provide the made-to-measure and alterations service that has been his domain for 35 years. He says his next challenge is to raise the profile of the store, saying that the plans for closure resulted in a drop in custom. He said: “Eric started a closing down sale in April, but I got in touch and kept in contact about the possibility of taking on the business. “We stayed in touch and I then took over. “The amount of footfall suffered because people thought the shop had closed, so it is really

important now to remain visible and make it clear we are here to stay. “I have been in the clothing business virtually all my life. I used to work for clothes stores,

“

dealing directly between them and manufacturers. “I went off and worked in Manchester, in the Northern Quarter, working with brands as a commercial agent, before I

Footfall suffered because people thought the shop had closed, so it is important to remain visible and make it clear we are here to stay New owner Chris Sykes

then went to set up my own brand.” Mr Sykes said his new John Victor brand will be a large feature of the business’s development, while continuing to give personal tailoring. “We have focused on giving luxurious tailoring and made-tomeasure suits, as well as a good range of high-quality readymade products,” he said. “So we have suits and ties manufactured and they are using fabrics that have been sourced locally in Yorkshire. “We’ve now made a Peter a partner of the business as he is such a valuable asset to what we do. We provide new services, but will continue to do the tailoring that has made the business a success through the years. “I think it might take a little bit of time to get the business where I want it to be, but footfall has definitely improved since we’ve taken over, and I think people are still keen to buy luxury products with the Leonard Silver name.” ■ Meanwhile, it has been announced that regional company Greenwoods has been saved from administration following investment. The Bridlington store, which had been due for closure, has been saved, but its Jameson Street shop in Hull will still close.

HULL: A door manufacturer has marked this year’s City of Culture celebrations in unique style by unveiling a door emblazoned with an image of the Humber Bridge. Manufactured at Hurst Plastics’ factory in Hull, the door features a spectacular night-time image of the bridge from local photographer Wendy Rowe, who lives in Hessle. The door was presented to Hull-based installer Yorkshire Windows And Doors, which has been a customer of Hurst Plastics for 20 years. The company will display the door in its showroom in Sutton Fields before handing it over to local charity Dove House Hospice. The hospice will auction the door at its annual Winter Ball, which takes place next month at the Country Park Inn in Hessle. The fundraising gala event hopes to raise £12,000 for the hospice. Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Plastics, presented the door to Chris Hornby, of Yorkshire Windows And Doors. Mr Atkinson said: “This is a really special year for Hull and we just had to produce something that marked the occasion and honoured our famous bridge.” Chris Hornby, managing director of Yorkshire Windows And Doors, added: “It is a real privilege to be custodians of this magnificent door, which is a true celebration of Hull.”

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NEWS

Legal trainee Rachel lands Willis Mills Prize HULL: A trainee with Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has been awarded the Willis Mills Prize from The Hull Law Society, which recognises the individual who received the highest mark from entries received on the financial and business skills course of the Professional Skills Course (PSC). The award had been created after a fund was left by Hull solicitor Willis Mills when he died in 1919, but after remaining dormant for a number of years, this year the Hull Law Society has brought it back to life. President of the society, Mina Andreakos, of Andrew Kingston & Co Solicitors, presented the award to Rachel Joyce at Incorporated Law Society Annual Ball, inset. Ms Joyce, who began her two-year training contract with Andrew Jackson in April last year, said: “I’m delighted to receive this award for my studies. I originally joined Andrew Jackson on work experience in 2007 and had set my sights on working at the firm ever since. My development has been supported throughout my time with Andrew Jackson and I’m looking forward to qualifying into litigation in April next year.”

‘FANTASTIC’: John Elliott, of Towne Lifting & Testing, with Neil Armstrong, of Spencer Group.

Contract with Spencer Group is a huge lift Firm hopes deal could open more doors

Here at Ernest Wilson we have a business to suit every budget! RESIDENTIAL HOME

• Registered For 20 Beds • £121,986 EBITDAR to 31st October 2016 • Substantial Detached Property • 16 Single Rooms and Two Double Rooms • Two Residents Lounges and a Large Commercial Kitchen • Annual Turnover £406,639 • REF 558066. EPC Band C. Business and Property £699,950

GARAGE WORKSHOP, MOT SERVICE, REPAIRS, PETROL STATION & CAR SALES • Fantastic Reputation in the Area • Retirement Sale • Very Well Fitted Throughout • Annual Turnover £2,063,715 • REF 557232. EPC Band D. Business and Property £385,000

NEWS, GREETING CARDS AND STATIONERY • Adjusted Net Proﬁts £29,364 PA • Retirement Sale • 3 Bedroom Accommodation • VIEWING IS A MUST • Taking £3,500 Weekly • REF 555618. EPC Band E. Business & Property £239,000

FISH & CHIPS SHOP with 4 BED ACCOMM

BAR & DINER, FREE OF TIE

• Retirement Sale After 20 Years • Substantial Freehold Premises • Four Bedroom Family Accommodation • Worked in Easy Hours Oozing Potential for Enthusiastic New Owners • Weekly Turnover £1,400 to £1,500 • REF 557652. EPC Band D. Business and Property, Offers Over £169,950

• A Prime Trading Position • Surrounded By Student Accommodation • Run by Staff - HUGE SCOPE FOR A WORKING OWNER • VIEWING HERE IS ESSENTIAL • Weekly Turnover £12,000 • REF 559144. EPC Band C. Business, OIRO £120,000

Hull

East Yorkshire

North Lincolnshire

Hull

FREEHOUSE, BAR & EATERY

MOTORHOME HIRE BUSINESS • Currently Operates a Fleet of 9 Motorhomes • Easily Relocated to Anywhere in North of England • Showing Annual Proﬁts of Over £100,000 • Very Easy and Pleasurable Business to Run • Annual Turnover £168,563 • REF 559254. EPC Exempt. • Business £100,000 plus Vehicles Run from Our Clients Home in the

• First Class Trading Position • Densely Populated Area with Large Student Population • Superb 55 Cover Dining Area • GENUINE SCOPE FOR A FULL TIME WORKING OWNER • Weekly Turnover £12,000 • REF 559312. Awaiting EPC Business, Offers Around £99,950

FISH & CHIPS, BAR & RESTAURANT

FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT & BAR

• Completely Free of Tie • Working on Excellent Proﬁt Margins • Run Predominantly by Staff • REALLY MUST BE SEEN TO BE APPRECIATED • Weekly Turnover £14,500 • REF 559313. Awaiting EPC. Business, Offers Around £119,950

BAR & EATERY, FREE OF TIE

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

Hull

North of England

Hull

FISH & CHIPS SHOP

RESTAURANT AND BAR

• Bustling Trading Position • Run Totally By Staff • Working Owners Could Do So Much More Here • Operated Over Six Days with No Late Nights • Weekly Turnover £3,000 to £3,200 • REF 559152. Awaiting EPC. Business £65,000

• 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

Hull

Barton Upon Humber

• Very Well Populated Area • Sensibly Priced To Sell • Highly Proﬁtable Concern • 115 Covers • Taking £6,000 to £7,000 Weekly • REF 556338. EPC Band E. Business, Offers Over £84,950

East Yorkshire

THINKING OF BUYING A BUSINESS?

THINKING OF SELLING?

Contact our ofﬁce and speak to one of our valuers who can arrange an appointment for a FREE VALUATION email sales@ernest-wilson.co.uk or call 0113 238 2900

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

TOWNE Lifting & Testing has completed work on a significant contract for specialist engineering firm Spencer Group. Spencer has designed and constructed a facility for the handling, storage and rail-loading of wood pellets at one of the UK’s major ports. The new facilities will handle up to 1.8m tonnes annually of wood pellets. Following a rigorous tender process, Towne Lifting & Testing, which specialises in lifting and securing equipment, landed a contract with Spencer to supply and install hoists at the site during construction. Director Tom Towne believes the company is in a stronger position to win competitive tenders thanks to business support and advice through the Green Port Growth Programme, supported by the Regional Growth Fund, which has been designed to help businesses in Hull and the East Riding capitalise on renewable energy opportunities. He said: “It’s been fantastic to win work with Spencer Group on such a prestigious project. We’ve worked on offshore wind contracts previously, but this is our first biomass one, so we hope this will open doors to future opportunities. “Securing work through tenders is an area where we were often unsuccessful due to lack of understanding of the process. However, in October 2016, the Green Port Growth Programme reviewed our business and identified our need to sharpen up our sales methods, which included improving our handling of tenders. “Through the programme’s advice and guidance, we gained the confidence to submit tenders and manage them better,

“

This is our first biomass one, so we hope this will open doors to future opportunities Director Tom Towne

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

which has paid off. We have a few tenders in the pipeline at the moment, so we are hoping this will become a solid source of work for us in the future.” Neil Armstrong, head of procurement at Spencer Group, said: “We have found Towne Lifting & Testing to be very professional, helpful, open and easy to work with all the way through the procurement process to the delivery work on site. “Our approach depends on excellent stakeholder relationships, and Towne has fitted in perfectly as part of the team, getting about their work efficiently and engaging with Spencer and our partners. We believe in working closely with our supply chain partners, and helping them grow their business along with ours. Towne Lifting & Testing is a proven fit with our way of working, and we look forward to more involvement with the firm in the future.” Towne Lifting & Testing enrolled with the Green Port Growth Programme in 2014. The firm then registered on the programme’s business directory, which led to work with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Ltd. Dawn Hall, project manager for Green Port Growth Programme’s business support strand, said: “We find that business reviews are so valuable to companies that want to win work in the renewables supply chain, but are perhaps finding it challenging. “We are here to help firms understand the national picture, make them aware of opportunities available and how they can access them.” Hull City Council leader, Councillor Stephen Brady, speaking on behalf of Green Port Hull, said: “It is excellent to see Hull businesses benefiting from renewables supply chain opportunities, not only here in our region, but across the UK. It is also another great example of a local business benefiting from Green Port Hull support.”

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BIGINTERVIEW

The family firm gaining a worldwide reputation Accolades are flooding in for a business where people’s needs come first WHILE rivals at the National Family Business Awards splashed out on treating themselves in a charity auction, Hessle-based Agencia Consulting Ltd put community need first. Unmoved by offers of a spa day, a gin distillery or a day’s work experience at Fortnum & Mason, Agencia invested to help secure water supplies for up to 2,000 people and their descendants by sponsoring a new well at a village in Uganda. It’s likely that some of the Agencia team will visit to see the work for themselves, because their day job is all about making a real difference to communities in need following crisis or conflict. Helen Gibson, managing director of the company, which was formed by her father, Andrew, 20 years ago, is proud of the accolades from clients and service-users. Even more so than winning the small business category at the awards. She said: “We help with improving stability, security and prosperity in postconflict zones. “It’s about reconstruction, working with organisations and their teams to come up with a plan for things like reducing corruption, improving healthcare, giving local people training and coaching to do things differently, working alongside leaders and experts whether in anti-corruption or intelligence. “Making sure protocols and procedures meet international security standards.” In the UK, the most valuable feedback comes from users of services like Active Recovery, which has achieved above average recovery rates for drug users in North Lincolnshire at reduced cost by combining clinical and psychosocial interventions. Helen said: “With Active Recovery there are people who say if it were not for our services they would be in jail or dead. People are just so grateful and thankful, welcoming you with a hug. We have made an impact on families and communities, improving efficiency and reducing delays, saving money and saving lives.” Healthcare is where it started for Agencia with Andrew, a clinical psychologist, drawing on his NHS experience to launch his own consultancy. Client demand drew the company into the judicial sector and, increasingly, to overseas assignments. The business expanded into a team of 14, with an extensive network of expert asso-

STABILITY: Helen Gibson is managing director of Agencia Consulting Ltd, which was formed by her father 20 years ago. Below, with her dad, Andrew. ciate consultants specialising in such matters as serious as organised crime and offshore financial investigations. Helen joined eight years ago as consultant and is now managing director, with Andrew as chairman. Helen’s sister, Joy Allen, is the head of HR and corporate services. The award-winning, small, family business has its succession plan in place. Faced with selecting winners from a strong field of businesses at the National Family Business Awards, judges found something different with Agencia – a company which encompasses all that makes family businesses special and unique and which puts back into society across the world. Important contributions to international security are funded by clients including various UK government departments, the EU, USAID and the American Bar Association. A programme to reform and restructure the courts in Croatia brought the system up to EU standards and helped to significantly reduce a backlog of 1.6 million cases. A three-year anti-corruption training strategy in Kosovo guided judges, prosecutors, police and customs officers in the management of intelligence, corruption investigation and the development of cross-border responses to financial crimes. Helen said: “Some of the countries where we work were never going to be part of the international community 20 years ago, but our expertise is helping them to develop. Our security work is beneficial to those countries and to us.”

6 Wednesday October 25 2017

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IN BRIEF

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BUSINESS

Employers have their say on the impact of Brexit E YORKS: Half of employers say Brexit will have a negative impact on young people, according to a YouGov survey for the charity Young Women’s Trust. 49 per cent of the 800 HR decision-makers polled said that the economic implications of Brexit would negatively affect people aged 18 to 30 in the short-term, compared to 25 per cent who thought it would have a positive impact.

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Business Services

BIRTHDAY PRESENT: Jupiter IT directors, from left, Dan Gladstone, Craig Paul and Iain Powell are offering firms a free health check.

Perfect ten for IT firm celebrating anniversary Company will mark milestone with special offer to businesses

your daily port of call for the latest and breaking business news around the Humber region

visit humberbusiness.com

A HIGH-tech trio, who left the NHS to set up their own company, are marking its tenth anniversary with a campaign to improve the IT health of local businesses. The directors at Jupiter IT are offering ten free cyber security audits to help local businesses strengthen their defences against attacks that could shut down their systems, cost thousands of pounds to fix and jeopardise relations with key clients. The audits will be offered on a first come, first served basis, with no obligations or strings attached. Dan Gladstone, infrastructure director of the Hull-based firm, said the idea came from recognising how IT has changed in the ten years since Jupiter was founded, and how threats have become more serious and more expensive. Mr Gladstone said: “People are investing a lot more time and money in IT and much of that is because of cyber-crime. When we started ten years ago it was about viruses that would slow down your machine. “Now, it is spam filters, proper firewalls, cyber security, encrypted emails, cloud technology. “The job has changed in a crazy way. “IT is a powerful tool and it’s also much

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

more dangerous with the need to comply with data protection, the risk of losing access to vital data and the financial hit which results from that.” Current major issues include ransomware attacks carried out at random, and the safeguarding of data in readiness for the General Data Protection Regulation, which will take effect in May 2018. Dan and colleagues, technical director Iain Powell and operations director Craig Paul, lead a team of seven who have turned Jupiter from a fledgling business with no contacts or track record into a leader in IT services and a proud holder of the Government’s Cyber Essentials certification. Achieving Cyber Essentials accreditation for a regional recruitment company convinced Jupiter of the need to make the standard part of its own routine. The company has since guided a local accountancy practice and a Hull-based law firm through the process. Mr Gladstone said: “What those clients all have in common is the need to protect the

highly sensitive data that is at the heart of what they do. From our background in the NHS we are well aware of the importance of data privacy. “There is an IT sector and a separate Cyber Essentials sector, and we have made sure we operate to the highest standards in both. “Security is more of an issue for the bigger organisations but firms of all sizes tender for contracts with government bodies and the NHS, and increasingly they have to have Cyber Essentials. “People might wonder why cyber criminals would be interested in their little organisation and its data, but there’s nothing personal about it. “They just penetrate where they can, so we’ve decided that the best way to celebrate our tenth anniversary would be to help ten businesses improve the health of their IT. “We’ll examine the IT system and produce a report on the risks and potential implications of a security breach. “We have prevented serious damage to a client’s business in the past by identifying holes in their system.” To register for the cyber health check call Jupiter IT on 01482 974444 or email cyber safe@JupiterIT.cloud

Challenge Cup was in safe hands during visit to Hull FC partners HULL: It’s a precious piece of silverware that’s insured for tens of thousands of pounds. But the Challenge Cup was in safe hands on a visit to Hull FC partners WJ Group, right, thanks to an innovative new product designed by the timber and metal components firm. The business’s DeckWright product, which prevents decking becoming slippery, ensured there were no trips with the trophy at their head office in

Stoneferry. Managing Director Mark Eggleston, who set-up WJ Group in 2007, said the company had started working with the club a year ago to promote DeckWright. “It’s been good for us,” he said. “We have been advertising DeckWright at the stadium and we are always trying to find ways of promoting it. It’s a product that is designed in Hull but it’s sold nationwide. All the components are manufactured in Hull. Even the packaging is from Hull.”

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YOUR M ONEY

YOURMONEY POUND NOTES

MANY BRITONS ‘HIDING CASH STASH FROM LOVED ONES’ Nearly half of Britons are keeping a secret cash stash their close family or friends know nothing about, a survey suggests. Some 48% of people admitted to having money squirrelled away in bank accounts, bonds, stocks and shares or even in hiding places around the home. While nearly a third (29%) claimed they had simply not got round to telling loved ones, one-in-10 hid savings in case their nearest and dearest tried to spend it, according to the survey of 2,000 people from wills specialists at law firm Slater and Gordon. TURNING OFF HEATING WHEN NOT NEEDED will ‘SAVE HOUSEHOLDS money’ Householders confess to leaving the central heating on unnecessarily for six and-a-half hours per week typically, with nearly a fifth (18%) admitting to warming their home when it’s not needed for 10 hours or more every week, a survey has found. More than half (51%) admit to heating their Wasting homes when energy they are out is costly of the property and not returning, or when it isn’t necessary to have the heating on, Direct Line Home Insurance found. It calculates that turning off the heating when not needed could save a household £82.52 annually on average, and also have a positive impact on the environment. INSURANCE CUSTOMERS WHO PAY MONTHLY ‘LESS LIKELY TO SWITCH’ People who pay for their insurance monthly rather than annually are up to 33% less likely to switch provider, according to research from GoCompare Insurance. As a result of not switching, they could potentially be paying on average £144 more for car insurance and £113 more for home insurance – with some monthly payers paying even more than they need to. The research involved 5,000 people digging out their bills to help understand why some people switch and others don’t.

MONEY F ACT ■■Fixed bond rates have shown improvement over the past six months, according to Moneyfacts.co.uk. Back in April, the average one-year fixed-rate bond on offer paid less than 1% interest – at 0.98%. But by October, the average one-year fixed-rate bond was paying 1.14%.

Financial values

Place your money with organisations that share your principles

From who you bank with to your weekly shop, v icky shaw finds out how money habits can have a big impact on the wider world

hat does being “good” neling their investments into with money mean to things that benefit not only you? Maximising your themselves but also the world returns, borrowing around them.” cheaply, or the impact your financial habits could be What does being good with having on the wider world? money involve? Though they might not always Who our money is banked or be obvious, there are ethical saved with can have a big impact. options out there which enable Different people have different people, through their money beliefs about ethics, so it’s very habits, to help make a positive much down to personal choice impact on the environment when it comes to how to be and society. “good” with your money. Research from There may be Triodos Bank has particular organisafound a big appetite tions, for example, among UK investors whose aims mirror for creating positive your own beliefs and change – with two principles. thirds (67%) saying Simon Howard, that for the economy chief executive of the to succeed in the long Buy locally sourced food UK Sustainable term, investors need Investment and to support progressive and Finance Association (UKSIF) says: pioneering businesses. “We’re flagging that it’s up to the Bevis Watts, managing director public to make sure they are taking of Triodos Bank UK, says investors advantage of the products increasingly recognise the power available in banking and investof money to be a “powerful tool for ment to make ‘good’ money change”. choices.” He says: “They know they can exert a positive influence on our How does where I put my wider society by simply chanmoney make a difference?

The firms where you put your money may also do business with companies whose activities you support, or they may carry out activities you’re not too keen on. John David, head of Rathbone Greenbank Investments, says rather than just boycotting companies whose actions you don’t agree with, people could also consider actively investing in those whose values they support. He says investing ethically can also bring about change within companies. John says: “Shareholder activism, for example voting on executive pay or environmental reporting, can be very effective in provoking change in an organisation.” What sort of financial products could I consider when it comes to being ‘ethical’ with money? This could be anything from current accounts and savings accounts to loans and pensions. You could ask your own bank or building society about their ethics and policies. For example, the Co-operative Bank’s ethical policy has been shaped by feedback from its members, and Triodos Bank publishes details of the organisa-

tions it lends to on its website. If you’re using a financial adviser, you could also ask them what ethical or sustainable options they could suggest. Is there anything else I could consider? Triodos Bank, which asked website good-with-money.com for some top tips, also suggests thinking about your weekly food shop. For example, some people may want to consider buying more locally sourced food or products. Utility bills and weighing up different energy providers’ credentials may also be another option to consider. Where can I go for more information? Information about ethical and sustainable options can be found at goodmoneyweek.com The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also set up a warning list to help protect people against financial scams. If you are offered a pension or investment opportunity, you can check it agains the list to make sure it is legitimate. See fca.org.uk/ scamsmart for details.

How to start a money chat with your teenager Preparing teenagers for adult life can involve tackling many tricky topics – and money should be one of them. Here are some tips on what to include from free credit checking service ClearScore: ■■An important part of financial independence is learning to make and manage a personal budget. Make the most of free online budgeting

tools to help them get started. ■■Suggest getting into a savings habit early, which helps make saving seem more routine. Try talking about the need for an emergency fund using examples that are relevant to their life. ■■talk about how to handle credit responsibly and stress the need to have a plan

for repaying it. ■■Explain what a credit score and report is, and why it’s important. Negative information, such as late or missed payments can stay on your credit report for around six years. It’s important to explain that, if this happens, it can make it harder to get credit in the future or mean someone is offered a

higher interest rate. ■■Talk about staying safe online. Identity fraud happens when a fraudster finds out enough information about you that they can pretend to be you. This means they can open accounts, get hold of official documents, buy goods or even take out credit in someone’s name without their permission.

Explaining finances to your teen will help them cope as an adult

8 Wednesday October 25 2017

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IN BRIEF

MAI-E01- S4

BUSINESS

Low carbon economy meeting taking place E YORKS: Representatives of businesses, local authorities and trade unions in Yorkshire and the Humber will meet in Leeds today to agree on developing a strategy for a low carbon industrial economy in the region. The meeting has been arranged jointly by TUC Yorkshire and the Humber and the Carbon Capture and Storage Association. Bill Adams, of the TUC, said “There are many opportunities for reducing emissions, including new technologies, such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), switching from gas to hydrogen for heating and energy and resource efficiency measures. “These industries offer a great opportunity for Yorkshire and the Humber to deliver low-carbon products and develop a competitive advantage whilE also securing good quality, skilled jobs for the region.”

Golf day for charity HULL: A Volkswagen commercial vehicle dealership in Hull is raising money for the Princes Trust by holding a charity golf day on Friday, October 27. The board of directors at JCT600, based in Hessle, have donated £1,500 towards funding the day, with the intention that the JCT600 Millionaire Makers Team will generate more than £10,000 for the Prince’s Trust.

‘FORWARD-LOOKING’: The team behind Elite Services Group at its Newlands Science Park base.

Picture: Katie Pugh

Heating firm is warming to idea of green energy Company says homeowners can benefit

Looking for new premises? Search over 700 properties in the Humber region Visit humberbusiness.com/commercialproperty

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PARTNERS:

HOMEOWNERS should be made more aware of cost-saving green initiatives by the Government, allowing families to make money through the use of heat pumps. Hull domestic services company Elite Services Group, which also specialise in plumbing, kitchen and bathroom fitting, has grown into the green energy sector, but says many home-owners are still unaware of the benefits available. The company started by brother Ben and James Clark say it has grown as a result of its good customer service, which has now led to its movement into the green sector. The company started life five years ago, and saw positive growth after the business owners decided to expand with the recruitment of Andreas Lambrou, Tom Foster and James Proctor, who have headed up the renewables arm of the business over the past couple of years. They have now expanded by increasing recruitment, including around six staff for a new call centre at the Newlands Science Park base. Ben Clark said: “We started it as me and my brother, and we were doing well, so we took another friend that allowed us to go into bathroom and kitchen fitting. “It’s important to be forward-looking and I think that is what led us to renewable energy and working to provide sustainable energy as well. “We introduced Andreas, who headed up the office side of things, and we have been

“

Offering the heat pump service benefits the customer and we really believe we put our customers first when we make decisions Ben Clark

By Henry Saker-Clark henr y.saker-clark@hulldailymail.co.uk

able to go from strength to strength, and the recruitment has continued to grow on the back of that. “Offering the heat pump service really benefits the customer and we really believe we put our customers first when we make decisions. I think that is why we have had 95 five-star reviews online.” Through using heat pumps instead of traditional gas power, the firm says residents are able to benefit from government tariffs for the rate of energy which they produce, while they help the environment. With few energy companies offering the green alternatives, the firm recently launched itself into the market to install renewable technologies. The changes to Renewable Heat Incentive have shown a push from government for energy users to become more aware, and more interested in the installation of ground-source and air-source heat pumps. Renewables specialist at the firm James Proctor said: “We’ve really been investing in the renewables side of the business and that’s where my background is. “We are really trying to make it part of the ethos, so that when we are delivering a full home energy package we are providing that option, so they generate some of their own energy. “It is becoming a much more attractive option to homeowners and businesses with lots more having electric vehicle charging points and using battery storage. “Last month, Ofgem announced they were increasing the rate of pay for people using heat pumps to generate energy. “The Government has announced the incentive and we think it presents a really good option for customers, helping the environment while saving people money. “Hopefully, we will see growth for the service.”