Cory Group to play its part in CO2 transport
Focus
LSIP event addresses the accessibility issues that are a barrier to work
A positive step forward in driving decarbonisation throughout the region
PLUS: Patron’s Plaque for Chis Girdham of Cory Group
How upskilling your staff can help future-proof your business
5 Kirk Akdemir on why the Humber is the perfect place to attract investment
6 Chris Girdham, Development Director at Cory Group
8 Angus Young on the problem with bridges
10 Decarbonisation plan goes to Westminster
14 The end of an era as council boss retires
15 College launches training restaurant
16 TV star hosts ‘fabulous’ awards
17 Festive fun and sparkles with Chamber patron
18 There’s still time to enter business awards
19 Firm adds first UK franchise to network
20 ABP welcomes new Regional Director
21 Exciting year ahead for HullBID
22 Firm celebrates major milestone
24 Immersive room is ‘ahead of the game’
26 Apprenticeships, Skills & Training Executive education: The key to success 28 The upskilling advantage 30 Green Business & Renewable Energy The path to net zero starts here
32 LSIP: Partners improving skills access for all
34 International Trade: Translating firm gives back to the community
36 Legal & Finance: Law firm makes improvements to office
38 Community & Business: Royal guest honours charity’s supporters
39 Manufacturing: Work continues on bridge
40 Motoring: Nissan Qashqai refreshes old favourite
42 Kia Sorento: For families on the go New Members
46 Justine MacArthur, Consult Justine 6 14
44 The Chamber welcomes new members
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Avery happy and prosperous New Year to you all. It’s hard to believe it is now a quarter of a century since we all thought our computers were going to die.
We’ve since faced all sorts of other challenges – notably the pandemic – but hopefully we are able to approach 2025 with greater confidence and positivity than for some time.
The most important thing business needs is certainty and stability, and if we can establish a level playing field after the recent years of turbulence we can move forward with optimism as we pursue the opportunities promised by the mayoral combined authorities on both sides of the Humber.
The Humber is in the perfect location to attract investment and capitalise on the opportunities and the Chamber is well connected with the key players.
Among other sectors the Chamber will be playing to our strengths in international trade, where my own company is very active supporting businesses as the Humber Freeport provides new incentives to connect with Europe and beyond. We will also be helping to meet the demand for new and better skills as hosts of the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
And we’re in pole position to support the major players in green energy including the Humber Energy Board and other industry leaders. We have the opportunity to unlock billions of pounds in private sector investment and create thousands of jobs by further developing our expertise in renewables, by delivering carbon capture and storage technologies and by exploring the low carbon hydrogen sector. All industries which were very much in their infancy when the millennium bug was threatening to bite!
Here’s to the next quarter of a century!
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Chamber is very grateful to our Patrons, who support us in our aim to help our members develop their businesses.
• AA Global Language Services Ltd – Gold
• Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
• ARUP
• ASM Global
• Clugston Distribution Services Ltd
• Cory Group Ltd – Gold
• Drax
• East Riding of Yorkshire Council
• ELLGIA Ltd
• Equinor New Energy Ltd – Gold
• Hatfields Jaguar Land Rover
• KCOM
• Kevin Greene Photography
• My… Group
• OLG
• Orsted
• Pattesons Glass
• SPS Group of Companies
• Streets Chartered Accountants
• University of Hull
• Wilkin Chapman LLP Solicitors
Phil Ascough of Ascough Associates speaks to Chris Girdham, Development Director at Cory Group
It’s a carbon capture and storage project which is a UK first – and much more! Viking CCS brings together the expertise of major players in the Humber including VPI, Phillips 66, RWE and Drax with the potential to create thousands of jobs and lead the drive towards net zero.
One of the less familiar participants is Cory Group, the energy-from-waste business which is acutely aware of the benefits within reach for the Humber and the UK, and of the threats which come from a failure to act.
“Due to its industrial heritage, the Humber produces more CO2 than anywhere else in the UK,” said Chris Girdham, Cory’s Development Director.
“However, it also benefits from exceptional access, great ports and tens of thousands of highly qualified people. Given the favourable geology, it’s probably the best place in the UK to build a new CO2 transport and storage ecosystem.”
Which is where Viking CCS comes in. Cory intends to be the first consortium member to use liquified gas tankers to ship CO2 from the River Thames to the Port of Immingham, where it will continue its journey using the existing Lincolnshire offshore gas gathering system to depleted gas fields in the North Sea.
Potential benefits include driving decarbonisation, and providing the catalyst for a new international CO2 shipping service.
Chris said: “There’s a lot of strategically important industry in the Humber region and if we don’t start to decarbonise then some of the more vulnerable industries will be offshored and we’ll be in a downward spiral.
“But Viking CCS can help us preserve and create jobs and get people into newer technologies. In the future, we can start looking further afield and bringing in bigger volumes of carbon from Europe because we’ll have proved that the model works.”
Grimsby born, and brought up in Barton, Chris has a good grasp of the nature of the challenge from the early years of his own career. He managed to secure summer work at Lindsey Oil Refinery, now Prax, and Conoco, now Phillips 66, and has a family heritage of big industry.
“My grandad on one side was works manager at the then Rugby Cement plant at South Ferriby and the other was works manager at British Steel in Scunthorpe. Other relatives and friends worked on the refineries so I have an industrial heritage and wanted to be in that space but I never studied engineering.”
‘Ours could be the first shipping project in the UK transporting CO2 in massive volumes’
Chris went into property and real estate, working on power projects and infrastructure projects and getting them built. At the heart of Cory’s involvement in Viking CCS is the company’s plant on the Thames at Belvedere, south London. It’s the second-biggest energyfrom-waste facility in the UK and is about to be
joined by another one on the same site, making its campus the largest in the country.
Chris said: “By 2026 we will process between 20 and 30 per cent of all of London’s waste at this one site. About 1.5 to 1.6 million tonnes per annum. In doing so, we’ll be producing a
lot of CO2 and have decided to tackle that head-on. The only way for Cory to decarbonise is via CCS, and shipping specifically. Ours could be the first shipping project in the UK transporting CO2 in massive volumes, about 24,000 tonnes a week, between the Thames and the Humber. We are in planning, have technology partners on board, and rapidly advancing the design.”
By implementing its carbon capture project, Cory will decarbonise the waste activities of several million people and be able to export electricity and heat in significant volumes. With three terawatt hours of potential heat available for export to domestic and commercial customers, Cory can make a significant difference. But without access to a planned CO2 pipeline, the company had to look elsewhere for
options to transport and store the carbon from its energy operations. Immingham is the answer.
Chris said: “We have great locational and technical advantages including access to deep water and considerable experience working in the marine environment. We also have very strong partners across our value chain, and the Viking CCS system is extremely close and very mature, with the capability to accept shipped volumes of CO2 in the future.”
The Viking CCS socio-economic rationale is compelling, with the new transport and storage facility capable of receiving carbon from elsewhere in the UK and from a European low carbon trade corridor around the ports of Wilmshaven, Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Work commissioned by Viking CCS, indicates the potential for £13.9bn of private
INSET: Chris Girdham - the Humber is probably the best place in the UK to build a new CO2 transport and storage ecosystem
BOTTOM LEFT: CGI of the riverside development in London. The new facility, which is under construction, is on the left
BOTTOM RIGHT: Another CGI, this time from the river, depicts the infrastructure that will deliver the CO2 to the ships for transport to Immingham
sector capital expenditure between 2025 and 2035 across the full CCS value chain. A partnership with CATCH at Stallingborough is behind a drive to develop a new £60m training facility which will create places for 1,000 new engineering apprentices by 2030.
Chris said: “The ambition shown by Viking CCS and CATCH is really impressive. That’s high value apprenticeships for local people pursuing careers in welding, mechanical, pipefitting and instrumentation and controls. Cory is already sending marine apprentices to Hull and we are keen to learn more about CATCH’s growth plans.
“Once the new CO2 shipping service is established at the Port of Immingham, further training and employment opportunities will follow, particularly in operations, fleet servicing and the associated professional services.”
The challenge is to make the case for meaningful government investment. Cory can point to its success in securing private funding to spend almost £1bn on its capital projects in the period 2023-2026.
Chris said: “Not only are we building new energy-from-waste assets, but new river vessels and a new marine terminal in Barking, capable of processing 500,000 tonnes of cargo per year. We are half way through that development programme. When our carbon capture project goes ahead we will need to spend a similar amount again.”
2024 was a bad year for bridges in a city divided in two by a river.
First Drypool Bridge was subject to an emergency closure when a number of corroded concrete support columns were spotted during an inspection.
Fortunately, the bridge was able to re-open after safety checks but a full repair has yet to be carried out.
More recently, a number of broken bearings were discovered on the Scale Lane pedestrian bridge.
Without any scheduled marine traffic on the River Hull, a decision was taken to temporarily keep the bridge open for pedestrians and cyclists until further checks could be made.
Now those checks have been completed and with a number of vessel movements expected in the immediate future the bridge has been closed as a crossing with repairs expected to be carried out early in 2025.
Meanwhile, there’s no immediate sign of anything happening soon at Chapman Street bridge.
The historic bridge has been closed to road traffic since 2020 and councillors were recently told it could take another three years before it reopens mainly because of delays in the planning consent process owing to its status as a Grade II listed structure.
Opened in 1874, it’s the oldest surviving working bridge on the river and, when it was
These are the author’s views and not necessarily those of the Chamber.
open, provided handy access to and from the city’s industrial heartland along Bankside in much the same way that Scott Street bridge did before its closure and eventual removal.
All three underline the mechanical challenges of maintaining heavily-used moving bridges but they also highlight how increasingly financially difficult it has become for cashstrapped local councils to do anything about such assets when things inevitably go wrong.
The estimated cost of the Chapman Street scheme is currently around £7m.
‘Whoever ends up as the first elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire with devolved spending powers on transport will have just over £13m a year to spend on local projects’
To put that into context, whoever ends up as the first elected mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire with devolved spending powers on transport will have just over £13m a year to spend on local projects.
The cost of the required repairs to Drypool Bridge are also estimated to be at least £7m.
It had been hoped some government money previously allocated to HS2 could be secured towards the work at Drypool Bridge but there was no mention of it in Rachel Reeves’ recent budget.
Without any HS2 cash, it’s likely the council will have to consider borrowing the money to get the job done.
As for building a completely new modern bridge over the river to create better and much-needed inner-city transport connectivity, I’m told it would cost between £60m and £80m depending on the value of the land required for such a project.
Which brings me to a wider point about cities like Hull (as well as smaller towns) being no longer in charge of their own destiny when it comes to the stewardship of much of the public infrastructure created by their predecessors.
Through a combination of factors - austerity cutbacks, Brexit, Covid, inflation and a stuttering global supply chain - the results can be seen every day in pot-holed roads, creaking bridges and endless burst water mains.
Being agile enough to take advantage of oneoff government beauty contests like Levelling Up will only get councils so far and, in reality, only serve to paper over the cracks.
Reeves has already hinted the new Labour Government is looking at rebooting the Blair era’s PFI programme which locally transformed Hull’s secondary school estate.
A similar public-private sector initiative to take a radical long-term look at the city’s bridges wouldn’t go amiss in this neck of the woods.
Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is the collective ‘Voice of Business’ across the Humber region representing the views and interests of our Members at local, regional and national levels.
The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce helped the Humber take a big positive step forward in Westminster in November to help to drive decarbonisation in our region.
Stakeholders took a collective approach to Delivering the Vision of The Humber’s Roadmap for Industrial Decarbonisation with other key leading business organisations in our progressive journey towards Net Zero.
‘This event showcased a collaborative business approach and presented the Humber in a very positive light’
Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly attended the event led by Richard Gwilliam, Chair of Humber Energy Board, and a Chamber board member. Richard delivered a compelling speech outlining the potential for the Humber to deliver cleaner growth and jobs for the region and spoke about how partnership was the key to progression.
Powerful speeches were also delivered by The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP and Natascha Engel, the Chief Executive Officer of Palace Yard, each sharing their passion for supporting the Humber in its journey towards net zero and being a catalyst for decarbonisation.
Dr Ian Kelly remarked: “This event showcased a collaborative business approach and presented the Humber in a very positive light. It was great to be part of the wider conversations that show our commitments to partnerships, sustainability and to help put the Humber at the forefront of the net zero agenda.”
More than 100 businesses attended this event with other key organisations including ABP, Arco, Air Products, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), Drax Group Plc, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Equinor, Future Humber, Hull City Council, Humber Freeport, Ideal Heating (Groupe Atlantic), Meld Energy Limited, North East Lincolnshire Council, North Lincolnshire Council, Orsted UK, Palace Yard, Phillips 66 Limited, Prax Limited, Siemens Gamesa, Uniper and the, University of Hull.
Margot Walker and Gill Osgerby from Hull Culture and Leisure were the speakers at the Chamber’s November Shipping, Transport and Renewables Committee meeting, giving a presentation on the city’s new Maritime Trail which is being developed, with some exhibits due to open early in 2025.
Programme Director Gill explained that she was responsible for the delivery of the project and communications engagement.
Gill told the meeting that Hull Maritime will deliver an investment of £65m on the city’s maritime treasures and assets, which together will document more than 800 years of seafaring history.
The funding has come from Hull City Council, which has put £13.7m into the project while the Heritage Lottery Fund had put a further £65m into cultural investment opportunities.
The programme involves three maritime sites and two historic ships, the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, which will play host to guided tours when they are completed, with the tours being Blue Badge accredited. Visitors will be able to chart a course through Hull’s history, exploring the city’s connections and contributions to the UK and the world.
Cwas presented with a Chamber Patrons’ Plaque by Vice President Irene Keal after the energy from waste business became the latest major company to pledge its support to the Chamber with a Gold Patronage package.
The presentation took place during the annual Chamber Patron’s Lunch which is held every year in Hull’s magnificent Guildhall, in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour.
Cory’s Development Director Chris was born in Grimsby and grew up in Barton, and although now London-based, knows the area well and returns regularly to catch up with family and friends in the area.
Patrons Plaque – it will be given pride of place in our headquarters in London.
“This has been a fabulous event here in the Guildhall, it’s a spectacular setting and there’s so much history everywhere you look.
“I’m really pleased to be working with the Chamber of Commerce, we’ve got a lot happening next year and I’m already looking forward to coming back here next year.”
• Don’t miss our Big Interview with Chris. It’s a great read – turn to pages six and seven
‘I’m thrilled to receive the Patron’s Plaque – It will be given pride of place in our headquarters in London’
The Maritime Museum is the jewel in the crown, along with a £21m upgrade to Queens Gardens and the North End Shipyard, which will become the home of the Arctic Corsair once its restoration is complete. There will also be £4.6m to invest through National Highways funding and the team hope to work with Hull Trains to create a weekend destination for visitors.
They are expecting to attract another 250,000 visitors a year to the city once all the work is complete.
Margot said she believed the project represented really good value for money when you look at what they are achieving and it will make the city a better place to live, visit and be proud of. She urged people to get involved and support one of the schemes. “Our doors are open, please help us to make the most of it.”
Any firms who can help can contact Margot by email at margot.walker @hcandl.co.uk
The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member, Marc Wilson, from Global Shipping Services Ltd to his first Shipping, Transport and Renewables Committee meeting in November. Chair and former Chamber President, Albert Weatherill, formally welcomed Marc to the meeting which he said he enjoyed greatly and found very informative. Marc added that he was looking forward to being a regular attendee at more meetings in 2025.
The Chair of the Chamber’s Shipping, Transport and Renewables Committee, Albert Weatherill, told the latest meeting that the ongoing issues with the conflict in the Middle East and the Houthi rebels attacking shipping had led to ships avoiding the Red Sea routes and the Suez Canal, leading to sustained supply chain issues and increased costs.
He also highlighted that due to logistics and supply issues, container rate prices had rocketed when the attacks started, but had now settled back somewhat, but were still significantly higher than before the conflict erupted.
His comments came as the British Chamber of Commerce’s Insights Unit reported a rise in impact since February 2024, when firms were asked specifically about Red Sea disruption, and two-fifths (37 per cent) were affected.
Shipping container rates have fluctuated significantly since the current Middle East conflict began in October 2023. The cost of shipping a 40ft container from Shanghai to Rotterdam has risen from just over $1,000 then, to just under $4,000 now, having peaked at over $8,000 in July.
The view from business
“The conflict in the Middle East (especially the effective closure of the Suez Canal) has massively increased shipping costs to and from Asia.”
Medium sized manufacturer in Surrey
“As a reseller of low value items, the huge increases in shipping costs have had substantial impact on prices.”
Small retailer in Dorset
“Ships now route via South Africa, and this has an impact on port calls and transit times.”
Small logistics firm in Suffolk
“Transit times extended by at least 14 days.”
Small retailer in Kent
“Increased shipping times to Middle East have a knock-on effect on our production programmes. It is reducing our time available to complete projects.”
Commenting on the findings, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:
“Alongside the grim human impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the situation continues to have economic reverberations around the world.
“The effect on businesses here in the UK has continued to ratchet up the longer the fighting has continued.
If the current situation persists, then it becomes more likely that the cost pressures will build further.
“Certain sectors of the economy are obviously more exposed to this than others. But with the on-going war in Ukraine, wider geopolitical uncertainty, and the prospect of tariffs looming, the UK needs to think carefully about its trade strategy.
“We need to seek out new deals with like-minded nations on critical raw materials, components and minerals to ensure their supply. And we must lean more heavily into the digital trade revolution to reduce costs and make exporting and importing simpler.”
“Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to experience the career that followed those early days in Cleethorpes. On 1 January 2014, I became the Chief Executive of this great organisation, in this amazing place,” says Rob Walsh (pictured).
The Chief Executive of North East Lincolnshire Council, Rob Walsh, has announced that he will step down from the role in May 2025, after 11 years at the helm of the unitary authority.
Following a public service career that has spanned more than three decades and started when he joined the then Cleethorpes Borough Council as a trainee solicitor, Rob will take early retirement next Spring.
Reflecting on his career journey with pride, he says: “Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to experience the career that followed those early days in Cleethorpes. On 1 January 2014, I became the Chief Executive of this great organisation, in this amazing place.
“The privilege and the responsibility has never been lost on me. There is no greater
In public life it is very rare to come across someone universally respected and liked. However, Rob Walsh, Chief Executive of NELC, is that person. It therefore came as somewhat of a shock recently to learn of Rob’s impending retirement at the end of May next year. “Big boots to fill”, as someone commented.
I first met Rob at a Town Hall Dinner shortly before he took over as Chief Executive. He impressed from the start. Not a waster of words, he listened acutely to others and when he did contribute it was insightful, incisive and well delivered. He charmed with a friendly approach and a warm smile. His lovely wife Tracy was a perfect foil. It was a good evening and I remember being impressed thinking that he would go far and what a nice couple they were.
honour than being Chief Executive in the place you are proud to call home and where your family has grown.”
During his tenure as Chief Executive, he has steered the borough through investment, change, challenge and opportunity.
‘It really has been a pleasure to know and work with so many professional, dedicated and wonderful people over the years’
Working with colleagues, partners and politicians, Rob oversaw the borough becoming the first area of the country to
secure a ‘Town Deal’ from central Government in 2018. That deal shone the national spotlight on the borough – paving the way for a series of successful and significant funding bids, the benefits of which will be seen in the years ahead as major regeneration schemes are completed.
Rob took over as Chief Executive at a very difficult time financially for the council. We live in a hugely deprived area with big demands being made on the authority, particularly for child and pensioner care, all expensive to deliver. Town regeneration and development had been subject to neglect as
cities became the flavour of the month with huge public investment sunk into their seemingly bottomless regeneration pit. We felt left out and disenfranchised. However, under Rob’s leadership we also started to realise our huge economic ‘green’ potential which needed careful and proactive management and direction and set about improving our town’s offer and infrastructure. Rob carefully steered us through, led delegations to government in London and it was his personal magnetism and intellect, aided with the efforts of others, that saw us being picked out as a good place for government to develop and invest and Rob as a safe pair of hands.
Here at the Chamber we salute you Rob. We wish you, Tracy and family every happiness for the future. We also thank you for giving so much of your time to your community and your people. You may have had a quiet and dignified approach but your work has certainly not gone unnoticed and your legacy will live on.
Anne Tate, Northern Lincolnshire Manager
Rob was also integral in the formation, in 2016, of a unique partnership with the then CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) in North East Lincolnshire, which saw health care teams integrated with their colleagues at the council. This established a joint working arrangement aimed at improving health care for residents in the borough.
As he prepares for early retirement, Rob also pays tribute to the tremendous amount of people who he has come to know and respect both professionally and personally.
“It really has been a pleasure to know and work with so many professional, dedicated and wonderful people over the years. Together we have strived to take our borough forward, fronting up to the challenges and being ambitious about the opportunities. I would like to thank every single person who has joined me on this journey over the last decade and I know that journey will continue.”
The Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, paid his own personal tribute to Rob.
He said:“Rob will leave next year with our heartfelt thanks and sincere best wishes for the future. For the last decade he has proved to be a Chief Executive with determination, integrity and a work ethic that has put North East Lincolnshire front and centre on the regional and national stage.”
Hull College celebrated the grand opening of its beautifully refurbished training restaurant, Bilocca, with two successful launch events.
The college’s Chair of Governors, Rob Lawson OBE (pictured inset top right), officially cut the ribbon at the city centre venue, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd to enjoy evenings of delicious food, drinks, and entertainment, all in the company of community supporters, industry leaders and business partners, along with current and former staff.
The evenings showcased the college’s talented catering and hospitality students, who rose to the occasion by preparing and serving a five-course tasting menu. Attendees were treated to an array of delectable dishes, each expertly crafted and presented by the students, who demonstrated both skill and dedication in delivering exceptional service.
Jo Tills, General Manager at Bilocca and Catering and Hospitality Lecturer, said: “The launch nights were a fantastic success! Our students poured their passion and skills into every dish, creating what was an unforgettable experience for our guests. I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, dedication, and
commitment and the way in which they represented the college across both events.
“The restaurant looked absolutely fantastic and feedback on the facilities, the standard of food and the performance of all of students was excellent. We can’t wait to open our doors to the public now!”
‘This is a proud moment for Hull College, seeing our talented students rise to the challenge and deliver a truly memorable dining experience’
Bilocca serves as a training ground for talented students from the college’s catering and hospitality courses, offering them a unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience under the expert guidance of knowledgeable tutors.
The restaurant is named in honour of Lillian Bilocca and the Headscarf Revolutionaries, who fought to improve the safety of Hull’s fishermen in the 1960s.
Rob Lawson OBE, Chair of Governors at Hull College, said: “This is a proud moment for Hull College, seeing our talented students
rise to the challenge and deliver a truly memorable dining experience. Bilocca is much more than a restaurant; it’s a space for our students to develop their craft, innovate, and build their confidence and industry skills - in a setting that honours Hull’s values of hard work, courage, and resilience.”
K‘We didn’t get here today by wearing red lipstick and the right shoes!’
ay Bailey and Anne Tate enjoyed a fabulous afternoon at The Women Of Achievement Awards 2024, listening to the fantastic and inspirational Janet Street-Porter, “We didn’t get here today by wearing red lipstick and the right shoes!” with over 400 other incredible business women at The Mercure Hotel in Willerby.
During her talk Janet reminisced about how she had invited Rishi Sunak onto Loose Women and caught him completely off guard when she asked him, “Why do you hate pensioners?” after she was angered by the Spring Budget - this interview made national news.
Kay said: “Congratulations to Women in Business Hull for organising such a wonderful event and we applaud all this year’s nominations and award winners.It was great to catch up with our friends and members at the event and our thanks go out to Spark Live for their kind hospitality. It was fantastic to celebrate successful business women and what a talented city and region we truly are.
“We were also delighted to share the afternoon with some fabulous ladies who joined us at our table to celebrate women across Hull and the East Riding: Kay
Telecoms company KCOM welcomed 40 youngsters to its Hull HQ to help it celebrate its 120th birthday.
The broadband company marked exactly 120 years to the day of the opening of its first ever exchange in Trippett Street, Hull city centre, by inviting pupils from eight local primary schools, with help from Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, to join in the fun.
As well as fun, food, games and a visit from Hull City mascot Roary The Tiger, the children also took part in cutting a giant cake shaped like one of KCOM’s iconic cream phone boxes.
Arnold Nasara, eight from Francis Askew Primary School, and Ella Bade, nine, from Adelaide Primary School, joined KCOM long server Brian Purchon, retired exchange operator Sheila Cook and KCOM CEO Tim Shaw to cut the kiosk cake before joining in some party games and a disco.
Tim Shaw said: “It’s been brilliant seeing the kids have so much fun here today. It’s made our 120th birthday extra special. It’s been great to celebrate our 120 years of history and heritage by welcoming in children who are the future of our city.
“A lot has changed since we started out as Hull Telephone Department in 1904, but one thing always remains the same - we are
always at the heart of the communities we serve.”
Sheila Cook, who started work at the Telephone Department in the ‘Trunk Calls’ department in 1951, aged 16, said: “It’s been lovely to be invited back and to see everyone. I’ve spotted a few familiar faces.”
Rose James, CEO of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, said: “It’s great to be part of this day and to give the children the chance to be part of something historic like a 120th anniversary. This is something they will remember for many years to come.”
Councillor Mike Ross, Hull City Council Leader, said: “KCOM is an institution that is part of this city and has been a constant presence in Hull for all these years – first connecting it through the telephone and more latterly with broadband.
“I’d like to congratulate it on reaching its 120th birthday. I hope that, as it reaches this major milestone, it continues to give back to the city in the years to come as it does through its charity and community work.”
Councillor Mark Collinson, the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, said:
“It’s great to see a company with its own unique local heritage reaching this landmark birthday. It’s been part of Hull’s distinct culture for so long and people recognise how It’s one of Hull’s unique signifiers that sets it apart from anywhere
Matt Jukes, Hull City Council Chief
“A 120-year anniversary is a huge milestone for any organisation, and I think it’s brilliant that KCOM is celebrating this major anniversary and is still based here in its home city of Hull. For long time, KCOM was actually part of the council, so it’s great to be able to celebrate this major achievement with them and be confident that they will continue to move forward playing a big part in the life of our city and the wider region.”
We had a wonderful afternoon in December courtesy of Chamber Patron Hatfields Land Rover. Thanks to Vicki Welsh and her team for being such fantastic hosts and to Free Spirit Flowers for teaching us how to create and for providing sustainably sourced moss, foliage, flowers and accessories for us to decorate our personalised Christmas wreaths.
A host of Hatfields’ customers enjoyed the festive activity (some test drove the latest models) and got into the Christmas spirit at the prestigious showroom in Hull.
A business owner who is living with the same cancer that killed his father is now backing a campaign to help others by improving medical scanning services for a range of life-limiting conditions.
George Baker, managing director of KRL Group Limited, has adopted the Daisy Appeal as his company’s charity of the year. He will also sponsor a giant rat in the latest animal sculpture trail which will be unveiled across East Yorkshire during 2025, and he hopes other businesses will join in.
“Mischief of Rats” has been devised by the team which has previously delivered Larkin with Toads, A Moth for Amy and Puffins Galore! The inspiration for the latest project was Hull musician Mick Ronson, who died from cancer in 1993. The guitarist first made an impact with the Hull-based band The Rats
‘I see the charity of the year commitment and the sponsorship of a rat as sound investments on behalf of the people living in our region’
before earning international acclaim as a musician and producer, notably as a member of David Bowie’s band.
The mischief of vibrantly decorated rats, each standing six feet tall, will be appearing in locations across Hull and East Yorkshire in summer 2025. Sponsored by local business, the rats will be auctioned to raise much needed funds towards the cost of a new stateof-the-art scanner to add to the life-saving facilities that have been provided by the Daisy Appeal at Castle Hill Hospital since 2008.
George said: “I see the charity of the year commitment and the sponsorship of a rat as sound investments on behalf of the people living in our region. My dad died from
myeloma in 1979. I’ve been ill with it since 2010 and that fact I’m still here is evidence of the medical advances that have been made.
“Castle Hill has done a lot for me. The consultants there have been brilliant and I felt I should give something back.”
KRL Group, which is based in Hull and also has an office in Leeds, employs nearly 30 people supplying office printer and copier solutions.
The Daisy Appeal has raised around £23m since it was set up in 2000 to fund treatment for cancer, heart disease and dementia. Milestones include the opening of the £8m Daisy Appeal Medical Research Centre in 2008, the £4.5m Jack Brignall PETCT Scanning Centre in 2014, and a £9m molecular imaging research centre in September this year.
There is still time to enter your business for the 14th annual Chamber Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards, which have two brand new categories for 2025.
The organising committee, which is made up of volunteers from the local business community, is encouraging businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to shout about their successes by completing the quick and easy entry form before entries close at midnight on 31 January, 2025. Businesses can enter the awards, or obtain more information, by visiting www.goolebusinessawards.co.uk
For 2025, there are 12 different categories for businesses to enter and new additions include categories that aim to recognise the achievements of both long-standing and family-run businesses. As in previous years, the independent judging panel will also be asked to select an Overall Business of the Year Award from the entrants, and the organising committee will nominate someone to receive the Tim Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ideal Heating has received significant government funding to accelerate production of heat pumps in the UK.
The funding will enable increased production capacity of monobloc heat pump units and controls at the UK heating industry market leader’s site in Hull as well as hot water cylinders at the Gledhill manufacturing facility in Blackpool.
It is the first funding award from the government’s Heat Pump Investment Accelerator competition, which aims to unlock significant private sector investment in the UK heat pump market.
Ideal Heating and Gledhill, the country’s leading cylinder manufacturer, are both part of the UK operations of Groupe Atlantic, which has a long-standing history of manufacturing heat pumps and is a market leader in many countries across the world in this field.
‘Across the heating industry we’re now seeing a significant transition from gas boilers to sustainable solutions’
The two businesses have been awarded almost £5.2m and have pledged a further investment of over £6.8m in heat pump production, taking the total to just over £12m. It represents a major boost for British manufacturing, as the government works with leading companies in the UK heating sector to
Chair of the organising committee, local businessman Garrey Haase, said: “We always try to keep things fresh by reviewing the awards categories each year and committee members felt that it would be particularly nice to recognise some of the longest-standing businesses in the area for their continued success and resilience, as well as a familyrun businesses that involve several members of the same family or even successive generations of the same family.
“We know that there are some really inspiring, successful businesses in Goole, Howden and the surrounding villages and we want them to come forward and share their stories so that we can celebrate their success. The entry form is really quick and easy to complete, so it’s well worth sparing a little time to fill it in - we’d love to hear from you!”
kickstart a homegrown heat pump industry, boost the UK’s energy security and support hundreds of low carbon jobs.
To mark the funding, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Energy Consumers, visited Ideal Heating’s headquarters in Hull and industryleading National Training and Technology Centre near the Humber Bridge.
The government funding and the investment by Ideal Heating and Gledhill will enable the production of 115,000 air source heat pumps and indoor controls at Ideal Heating’s site in Hull annually by 2030. It will also enable production of 120,000 preplumbed hot water cylinders every year at the
Gledhill site in Blackpool, within the same timescale.
Jason Speedy, Ideal’s Heating’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “We’ve been manufacturing market-leading heating products in the UK for well over a century.
“Across the heating industry we’re now seeing a significant transition from gas boilers to sustainable solutions, such as heat pumps. That aligns closely with the UK’s net zero targets.
“This funding is a vote of confidence in our business and our position at the forefront of the industry’s move to low carbon heating solutions.”
Afamily firm which is expanding internationally through its ambitious distribution and franchise programme has now sealed its first UK auto detailing partnership with a branch in the south of England.
The Leather Repair Company, which was set up in East Yorkshire in 2007 by Richard and Carolynne Hutchins, is supporting former IT professional Jon Timson as he rolls out the company’s products and services across Kent and Sussex. The venture has its roots in a detailing summit which took place at the Leather Repair Company’s workshop in Hull earlier this year and attracted industry experts from the firm’s distribution network embracing the USA, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada and India.
Delegates were attracted by the Leather Repair Company’s success including restoring a spectacular white sofa which featured on the cover of George Michael’s Patience album. The company is currently applying the same treatment to seats from G-BOAC Concorde, which attracts thousands of visitors every year to the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport. Jon shone after setting up his mobile car detailing business from his home in Penshurst in 2020, building a customer base local to him
Kent and Sussex. After partnering with the Leather Repair Company and tapping into its links with the International Detailing Association (IDA) he has how added interior detailing to his expertise with exteriors.
‘Working with Richard and Carolynne has sparked me into thinking about what else I can do’
In addition to offering upholstery restoration services in the motors sector, Jon is also ready to meet demand from clients who want to breathe new life into other old, treasured leather items.
He said: “Working with Richard and Carolynne has sparked me into thinking about what else I can do. It’s craftsmanship and I want to become a master at it.”
Richard said: “We have various international partners. At the moment Jon is the only franchise owner in the UK but there will be more as a result of the summit which he attended. It’s not just about being able to repair and restore leather. We support franchisees with guidance on how to run a business in this sector and with health and wellbeing.”
Streets Chartered Accountants, with its Yorkshire offices based in Hull, Wakefield and Halifax hosted their 11th annual Charity Golf Day, raising a record amount of more than £7,500.
The total amount fundraised will be divided between three regional charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The event received fantastic support with 25 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One
The winning team on the day was Bickford Ltd with Martin Sheardown coming in second and Fisher Motor Factors in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Scott Park (Mens) and Alice Gray (Ladies) and Rory Colhoun respectively.
Streets would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.
Commenting on the day, Streets Partner Andrew Manderfield said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £7,545 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”
Streets’ 12th Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday 4 July 2025 at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three Air Ambulances for which the firm has raised more than £70,000 for over the last 11 years.
Associated British Ports’ (ABP) is delighted to welcome Andrew Dawes to the position of Regional Director, Humber.
A highly respected maritime executive, Andrew joins one of the UK’s major ports operators at an exciting period as the four Humber ports evolve to sustain green energy needs.
Andrew said: “This is an incredible time to be joining ABP as the next five-year business strategy is launched. There are some great projects and growth opportunities in the pipeline as the ports play a key role in delivering our twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition here in the UK.
“Stepping into this role I‘ve been genuinely impressed by the talent of the Humber team and achievements so far. I am very much looking forward to working with them, our customers and wider stakeholders as we embark on this momentous journey.”
Henrik L Pedersen, CEO welcomed the appointment, adding: “Andrew has an impressive career history and brings a wealth of experience from across the maritime industry which will be hugely valuable.
“He has a stellar record of operational command and of leading organisations through change. I am delighted he has joined us as we embark on a new five-year strategy.”
Associated British Ports (ABP) is delighted to welcome Vuba Resin, one of the UK’s most fastest growing companies in terms of both sales and prominence, to the Port of Goole.
Listed in the Financial Times top 1,000 fastest growing businesses in Europe and with celebrity customers such as singer Olly Murs, Vuba is going from strength to strength after 15 years. Their operation at the Humber’s most significant inland port will see them develop a port terminal facility for their production line, including storage, drying, blending and bagging.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sean and his team to Goole. They are an industry leader in their sector and we’re always looking forward to helping customers expand their operations.
“We have an extensive portfolio of warehousing and storage facilities within our ports, making them ideal for those businesses looking to locate themselves in the Humber gateway.”
Sean Scott, Founder of Vuba Chemical Innovations, said: “ABP have been very helpful and accommodating throughout this process. I feel they share our vision for us to create a world leading suite of aggregate and derivative production facilities at the dock.
“We’ve invested £3m in the ABP site on a state-of-the-art drying, screening and cooling
forward to deepening our partnership to support their strategic growth. Goole plays an important role the Humber port ecosystem, the UK’s number one gateway for trade by volume, and the Vuba investment demonstrates Goole’s strong combination of shipping facilities, development space and access to the motorway network. It’s been a great job by both the ABP and Vuba teams to get the deal done.”
process, with four bagging lines and three robotic palletisers. We have a further £2m planned investment next year.”
“We have a great management team in place for this newly formed division of Vuba. Ashton Nottingham and Ewan Netherwood, both local to Goole, have worked their way up through the ranks at Vuba and are very excited to head up this new division, as well as support their local community.”
Laura Wood, Head of Commercial (Humber), added: “It’s a pleasure to work with a company with the ambition of Vuba. We look
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) whose team have been working with commercial to secure this deal said: “This investment in Goole by Vuba is an indicator of Goole’s potential to attract new manufacturing uses.
“We commend Sean for how quickly his business has grown having originally started it in 2009, and I’m delighted that we are now in talks for the next phase of expansion at the Port of Goole.”
Vuba are the latest exciting major business to commit to Goole. Metsa announced its plans in April for a 2.6 million square foot tissue factory in Goole, following this plans were submitted by HBD on behalf of St John’s College Cambridge for a 5.5 million square foot manufacturing, logistics and industrial scheme. Both major developments sit within the wider Humber Freeport Goole tax sites. ABP anticipates this will bring further demand for import and export of goods at the Port of Goole.
HullBID is looking ahead to a year of big business investment and another cultural extravaganza as it sets out its plans for 2025.
Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, said the new £1bn commitment by Siemens Gamesa to its blade manufacturing facility will increase the spending power of local people.
In addition, Kathryn welcomed the progress being made on two iconic city centre buildings which are being transformed by local developers.
She added that the delivery of the Hull Maritime project will bring an added incentive to visit the city centre, with a programme of exciting events running throughout the year and set to pull the crowds to benefit businesses.
Kathryn said: “We are experiencing challenging times with the cost of living crisis and many businesses are trying to absorb the increases in costs while still competitively pricing their goods and services. Pleasingly the empty unit rate has been stable year on year which is indicative of the efforts businesses are making.
“We also have much more to be positive about. The investment into Siemens Gamesa will inevitably impact on spend in the city centre and, in the longer term, the introduction of a mayoral combined authority brings with it extra funding.
“We see Whitefriargate re-emerging with heavy investment by Wykeland into the Burtons building and in Ferensway Allenby Commercial are bringing the former Europa House back to life as Monocle, which promises to bring a new experience and environment to the city.”
‘The delivery of the Hull Maritime project will bring an added incentive to visit the city centre’
Hull Maritime’s timetable for 2025 includes a series of outdoor spectaculars. Colliderfest, which takes place over the weekend following Thursday 13 March, will present an array of activities around science, technology, engineering, art, and maths. Highlights will include an outdoor physical theatre performance, featuring a 13foot-tall sea giant puppet and a magical evening of light, art, and movement.
Kathryn said: “There will be special celebrations later in the year for the opening of the Spurn Lightship, the homecoming of the Arctic Corsair and the opening of North End Shipyard – all fantastic additions to the
existing events programme and all geared to bringing crowds into the city centre.
“Our job at HullBID is to continue to focus on our four core pillars of improving safety and security, cleanliness, communication and business. We will let our members know what is happening and when, so they can plan ahead and maximise the opportunities.”
Kathryn added that HullBID will strive to build on its success in securing grants and sponsorship to continue delivering its own programme of free events.
Kathryn said: “Our activities and partnerships are part of a strategy which HullBID has developed over the last 10 years based on the realisation that Hull has a rich heritage and strong arts and culture foundations which can all be harnessed, not just to attract people into the city for a day out, but also to view it as a candidate for game-changing investment.”
Design Workshop, an integrated design and marketing agency based in Hull, proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. Established in 1984, the agency has built a reputation for delivering consistent and reliable marketing solutions for clients across various sectors, both locally and nationally.
Spearheaded by Managing Director Ian Croney and Director James McWilliam, Design Workshop has delivered exceptional design services and marketing campaigns for clients such as Reckitt, Heron Foods, Ideal Standard and ABI. From website design and digital communications to product packaging, e-commerce solutions and brand launches, Design Workshop offers a comprehensive suite of services. These include web
development, graphic design, social media management, PR, content creation and copywriting, email marketing, SEO, Shopify ecommerce and paid advertising across Google and Meta platforms.
Reflecting on the agency’s 40-year milestone, Ian Croney, Managing Director of Design Workshop, said: “It’s a proud moment for us. To have stood the test of time for four decades is a testament to our ability to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing world. The one thing that has remained consistent throughout is our commitment to serving our clients and reacting quickly to their evolving business needs. The team here is second to none, with a great balance of experience and new ideas, all pulling together in the same direction.”
The 2025 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards is now live and entries can be submitted. There are numerous categories which can be entered and one which is chosen from all entries by the judges to be ‘The Business of Excellence’. The competition is open to all businesses in Northern Lincolnshire, regardless of whether you are Chamber members or not.
The gala presentation and dinner will be held on Thursday 15 May at The Baths Hall Scunthorpe.
Kick off the evening with a sparkling wine drinks reception. After a top class dinner from Healing Manor Hotel, enjoy an after dinner
show based on the musical Abba, with West End professional performers and students from Grimsby Institute, before finding out who the 2025 winners will be!
Headline sponsors of the 2025 awards are Phillips 66.
To check out last year’s event and its winners visit www.nlincsba.co.uk where you can watch the video of the special evening enjoyed by all.
So check out the awards and be ready to enter and book to be part of the celebrations!
For further information or to sponsor please contact a.tate@hull-humberchamber.co.uk
James McWilliam, Director of Design Workshop, added: “Since 1984, we have embraced and mastered all the major revolutions in our industry. We started with old-school drawing boards, art pens, enlargement cameras and Letraset for reproduction and print. Over time, we transitioned to digital design software on Macs and adapted to the rise of the internet. We became experts in photo and video editing, website development, smartphones, social media and now AI technology. Our goal has always been to help clients achieve their marketing objectives, no matter what the discipline requires.
“As we celebrate our anniversary, we raise a toast to our clients past and present and look forward to what the next 40 years will bring!”
The Chamber was recently invited to take part in an Employer Tour and Networking Lunch at Grimsby Institute. Following a warm ‘welcome’ from Chloe Tate, Executive DirectorBusiness Engagement, TEC Partnership, delegates were given a guided tour of Site facilities including an impressive engineering workshop, before being shown the new Immersive Room. A truly
21st century experience and one which students are loving! Immersive learning is at the start of its journey but Grimsby Institute is proving ahead of the game in providing this facility, which will help students learn in an engaging way and by doing so aid employers. The tour was followed by a lunch in the re-modelled Samphire Restaurant and an opportunity to network with fellow guests.
Bishop Burton College is celebrating seven decades of providing specialist land-based education in East Yorkshire.
The college, near Beverley, is marking its 70th anniversary this academic year.
Bishop Burton, which specialises in agriculture, engineering, equine and sport, will be hosting a huge event open to the public in the spring to celebrate the milestone.
Principal and CEO Danny Metters (pictured inset) said the platinum anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the college’s proud history, acknowledge its evolution, and look forward to a bright future.
He said: “It’s a massive and hugely significant milestone for us, and one we’re very excited to celebrate with all our students, staff, partners and stakeholders.
“It gives us a chance to look back on what we’ve achieved for our students and our community, focus on who we are as an organisation at this point in time, and look ahead to move Bishop Burton onto the next chapter.
“Over the years, the college has evolved in a variety of ways but it has always been a values-driven organisation, putting students at the heart of everything we do, as well as our staff.
“That’s why we’ve now created a pledge of ‘students first, staff always’. Without students we wouldn’t have anyone to serve, and without the best staff the students wouldn’t receive the learning experience they deserve.”
Originally a purely agricultural college, Bishop Burton has diversified over the years, introducing different subject areas to its curriculum. It now offers courses at levels ranging from pre-GCSE all the way through to master’s degrees.
The college also runs commercial agriculture, equine and sports facilities, which provide students with real working environments in which to develop and hone the skills they need for successful careers in their chosen subject.
Danny said: “The anniversary highlights the college’s evolution but what’s remained constant is that we meet the needs of the community and industry. We’re steeped in agriculture, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. In order to survive and prosper in this sector, we’ve had to diversify, but we’ve always remained true to our roots, and to who we are. We need to ensure we’re meeting the needs of future workforces, as well as current ones. Technology is going to be key to how we progress, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example, will provide new ways of learning. However, as a land-based college we pride ourselves on providing real working environments to produce a skilled workforce, and we’ll never lose sight of that.”
In this issue we take a look at the Apprenticeships, Skills & Training and Green Business & Renewable Energy sectors.
By Dr Margaret Nicholson, Academic Director Executive Education, Hull University Business School
The executive education market in the UK is experiencing remarkable growth, reflecting an increasing demand for upskilling among senior professionals. With UK organisations investing in leadership development to adapt to a rapidly changing business environment, Executive Education has become a cornerstone for achieving strategic objectives and building resilience in uncertain times.
According to a recent report, the global executive education market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 per cent through 2027, with the UK playing a pivotal role in this expansion. A survey by the Financial Times indicates that more than 80 per cent of UK organisations plan to increase their investment in Executive Education over the next five years, citing the need for enhanced digital skills, strategic agility, and leadership resilience as top priorities.
What is executive education?
The UK leads in executive education, with organisations acknowledging the importance of leadership development in navigating today’s complex business environment.
With a focus on practical application, UKbased programmes blend cutting-edge research with real-world case studies, making them a vital resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead of market trends.
The expanding market for executive education in the UK
The growing demand for Executive Education is driven by several factors:
Upskilling in digital transformation: As industries embrace AI, automation, and datadriven decision-making, there is pressure on leaders to harness these technologies effectively.
Executive education programmes typically fall into two categories: open programmes; pre-designed courses open to professionals from various industries and closed programmes; tailored programmes designed in collaboration with specific organisations to address their unique challenges and goals.
The adaptability and diversity of executive education offerings from business schools make them essential for organisations seeking impactful leadership development.
Executive education refers to tailored, shortterm learning programmes designed for business leaders, senior managers, and professionals in leadership roles. These programmes, often delivered by leading universities and business schools, or specialised training providers are tailored to meet the needs of mid-career or senior-level professionals focusing on providing practical, real-world skills that help executives tackle modern organisational challenges. Key topics include leadership development, digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability.
Post-pandemic workforce adaptation: Organisations are prioritising leadership resilience and adaptability in response to hybrid work models and global disruptions. Sustainability and ESG priorities: With Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations becoming critical, executive education programmes focusing on sustainable leadership are increasingly in popularity.
UK business schools are leading the way in executive education, playing a crucial role in shaping future leaders and organisational development. These institutions are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application, offering a wide array of programmes tailored to meet diverse organisational needs.
From open programmes that foster crossindustry collaboration to bespoke solutions that address specific challenges, business schools are driving the evolution of leadership education.
Setting universities apart in a competitive market
To remain competitive, universities need to focus on customisation, technology integration, and addressing emerging challenges such as sustainability and diversity in leadership. At Hull University Business School, we are leveraging AI-driven simulations and offering bespoke programmes designed in partnership with corporate clients to ensure real-world relevance and impact.
Institutions are also investing in lifelong learning opportunities, such as microcredentials and modular programmes, which allow executives to build skills incrementally.
The world of work is rapidly changing. Many workplaces have switched to home or hybrid working, and technological advancements such as AI mean that the old ways of doing business are becoming redundant. With this in mind, you might be identifying skills gaps in your workforce and are looking for a way to future-proof your business. This is where upskilling can help. Business Intelligence explores how to get started.
Identify your business’ skills gaps
A strategic place to start is by doing a thorough analysis of your skills gap. What skills do your employees have, and what skills does your business need to grow?
Consider the following:
• Review your company objectives and business mission to determine the skills that are critical to your business.
• Review previous targets. Did your team hit their targets, and if not, what prevented them from doing so?
• Conduct staff assessments to test for specific skills and to identify gaps.
This data will not only identify the areas you need to focus on, but it can also help you determine what kind of budget you will need to have in place for upskilling.
Create a learning and development policy
Once upon a time, learning and development (L&D) used to be a one-size-fits-all. General training days wouldn’t take into consideration each member of staff’s development needs – and they’d often be mandatory too, meaning at best, your staff might learn something new, but at worst, the training session would be a waste of time and money. But this approach isn’t the right way to tackle upskilling.
Instead, you should consider tailored L&D programmes and empower your staff members to shape their own development with individual or team learning budgets. This will save money in the long run; you can help your staff choose the training that’s right for them and they’ll be much more engaged with the material, meaning it’s more likely to stick!
Start an employee mentorship or knowledge sharing programme
Mentorship and skills share programmes can take your upskilling efforts to the next level.
Knowledge sharing is the process of team members openly sharing their expertise, insights, information and experiences with their colleagues. This includes:
• Explicit knowledge: information that is easily transferable. Examples include manuals, reports and procedures.
• Implicit knowledge: practical know-how and skills that individuals possess but may find challenging to express explicitly. Shared through hands-on training, mentorship and direct experience.
• Tacit knowledge: rooted in an individual’s insight, perspectives and personal experiences, encompassing cultural context, intuition and personalised beliefs. This is best shared through direct interaction and collaboration.
A knowledge sharing culture requires the right tools and technology. Invest in user-friendly knowledge sharing platforms that facilitate information exchange, collaboration and document sharing.
Mentorship will offer on-the-job training and is perfect for staff members who prefer to learn from firsthand experience rather than from books or exams.
Senior staff members can be paired with mentees to share their knowledge and skills in a safe environment and provide expert feedback.
Retain and reward upskilling
Your staff have put in a lot of hard work to learn new skills, so make sure you give them the opportunities to put their new knowledge into action – otherwise, they might take their new skills to a competitor.
Building upskilling into your career development framework is a great way to retain the skills your business needs for the future. It can also serve as a great employee benefit – if you support and reward employee development, you can be sure of better employee engagement, higher job satisfaction and reduced absenteeism.
‘Your staff have put in a lot of hard work to learn new skills, so make sure you give them the opportunities to put their new knowledge into action’
The UK has the goal of achieving net zero by 2050. That might seem like a long way off, but if you haven’t got a net zero plan in place yet, now is the time to start thinking about how to reduce your carbon footprint. Business Intelligence offers its advice on how to set out your net zero goals.
What is net zero?
Net zero is the point at which an organisation is producing less emissions than it removes from the atmosphere, or is releasing no additional emissions into the atmosphere overall.
A business’ net-zero target is based on a baseline emissions year and is considered to have reached netzero when it has reduced emissions from that baseline by 90-95 per cent. Net zero is not something that you can achieve overnight, but rather will require robust, long-term planning. But where to start?
Step 1: Measure your baseline
Before you can set targets or put strategies in place, you need to know where you’re starting from. You will need to measure your emissions from the previous year (or, for a more accurate reading, several years) by gathering data about all business operations that produce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources that your organisation owns or controls directly, e.g. burning fuel in your fleet of vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions that come from the energy you purchase/use, e.g. the electricity used to light and heat your buildings.
Scope 3: Emission that are not produced by you or are the result of your activities, but those that you are indirectly responsible for up and down your value chain. Scope 3 emissions include all sources not within the scope 1 and 2 boundaries.
Step 2: Set targets
Once you have your baseline, you can set targets for how quickly you can reduce your emissions. You should define at least two key targets: when you aim to at least halve your emissions and when you aim to reach net zero.
Once you’ve set your targets, it’s time to share them.
It’s important to get the message out to your team, your board and your investors. Sharing with your team is vital because, as well as promoting employee engagement, it can also boost retention and serve as a recruitment tool.
‘Reviewing and reporting on your progress is an essential part of your net zero journey’
Whether you decide to share your net zero targets publicly is up to you and your leadership team – however, your customers will appreciate your transparency. Additionally, sharing your targets publicly will hold your business accountable to a broader audience, which in turn will limit the potential for unintentional greenwashing (the act of making false or misleading statements about a company’s environmental efforts).
Step 3: Plan your decarbonisation strategy
You have your targets, you’ve rallied your team, and you’ve released a transparent statement about your intentions. Now it’s time to work out how you will meet your goals and decarbonise your business.
The best place to start is to work out which of your emissions contribute the most to your carbon footprint, and decide how much you can invest on emissions reducing activities. There may be some activities that result in almost immediate reductions, while others may require a significant investment of time, money and expertise. Some easy places to start are:
• Reducing travel for business purposes, and switching to more eco-friendly options (rail, bike, carpooling etc.)
• Switching to renewable energy to heat/light your buildings and choosing carbon neutral suppliers
• Reducing waste in your facilities by implementing recycling schemes and moving away from single use products, such as paper cups and coffee pods.
Reviewing and reporting on your progress is an essential part of your net zero journey. You should conduct an annual carbon emissions assessment so you can track your progress and see where improvements can be made – and, more importantly, if your targets need to be adjusted. There are a number reasons why your targets may need to be refined or re-written entirely, including:
• The nature of your business changes, rendering your original targets irrelevant or unachievable (e.g. you no longer offer the same products or services)
• The intensity targets used (e.g. your level of production/output) no longer accurately reflect the way your business is operating
• You are significantly outperforming your original targets and they are not ambitious enough.
While changing your targets might seem like a lot of extra work, it’s important to remember that incorrect targets are not useful to your end goal, which is reducing your carbon footprint and reducing your business’ impact on the planet.
Apartnership which places businesses at the heart of Hull and East Yorkshire’s local skills system focused at its latest event on addressing the accessibility issues that present barriers for young people trying to get into training and work.
The HEY Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) brought together employers and training and education providers who are working to tackle exclusion arising from physical disability, special educational needs (SEND) and geographical isolation.
Beth Dennett, Community Investment Strategist at Sewell Group, said lack of employer engagement has been identified as a factor behind the lack of work experience places for SEND students.
Viki Foster, Careers Lead at Withernsea High School, said the clear message from the top of her organisation is that students should not miss out on opportunities because of their location.
Adam Rhodes, Head of Partnerships at Connexin Academy, underlined the importance of larger employers helping smaller firms to offer apprenticeship opportunities by transferring funds from the apprenticeship levy.
Phil Ascough, Chair of HEY LSIP, said: “Our job is to promote engagement and collaboration between employers and the training and education providers, and once again we saw that in abundance at our latest forum.
‘It’s all about accessibility and confidence and giving people the best experience possible’
“Everything we are hearing indicates that employers, educators and trainers are making the most of our events on the day and by following up afterwards to generate new ideas and solutions.”
The HEY LSIP team is led by the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce and is one of 38 around the country. It has identified its five priority sectors as construction, engineering construction, manufacturing, agri-skills and health and social care and set up working groups for each one. HEY LSIP is also looking at the cross-cutting themes of digital and net zero.
The LSIP has also identified its key themes of technical skills, educational professionals,
employability and behaviours, careers guidance and accessibility and organises quarterly forums to discuss the various issues around them.
The latest event at Connexin Live in Hull was hosted by Connexin Academy, which supports its own business and others in the digital sector by offering industry-specific training courses, government-funded skills bootcamps and job-specific apprenticeships.
Adam said the academy has supported more than 5,000 learners through apprenticeships, skills boot camps, advanced learner loans, adult education budgets and commercial training courses.
He said: “It’s a really positive initiative and something we want to push. We need those smaller businesses to understand that it’s there for them because not enough of them are aware.”
Adam added that of 56 learners enrolled on their advanced fibre engineering skills boot camp, 48 gained full-time employment and 15 of those gained promotions.
He said: “It didn’t just get them a job – it got them a career. We identified a skills shortage problem and came up with a solution.”
Beth outlined a “scary” scenario in which some careers teachers have to resort to coldcalling businesses to even get the slightest chance of a work experience placement for their SEND students.
She added that her company’s SEND work experience programme is structured to be inclusive, supportive and individually tailored and designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Beth said: “Many teachers take on careers work as an addition to their main role, and they only have a limited time to dedicate to finding placements. Although they wouldn’t put SEND students forward for work experience if they’re not ready, teachers often don’t have a full appreciation for the full range of careers out there, especially if they’re not in a full-time
careers role, which can lead to limited options for students.
“All our businesses have supported SEND placements and they have all worked. It’s not as difficult as you think. It’s all about accessibility and confidence and giving people the best experience possible.”
‘Our job is to promote engagement and collaboration between employers and the training and education providers’
Delegates also heard from the Department of Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus. Helen Syson and Debbie Law spoke about the importance of the Disability Confident Scheme in helping employers make the most of the talents of people with disabilities. They also introduced their SWAP (Sector-based Work Academy Programme) which supports preemployment training, work experience and the recruitment process.
Viki said students at Withernsea High School are demonstrating their willingness to work by travelling as far as North East Lincolnshire for placements. She added that the school recognises that a commitment to careers guidance is vital.
She said: “I am a full-time careers lead and careers adviser. My role is 100 per cent dedicated to that which means we can be part of things like the LSIP programme. It gives us the opportunity to have a say for our young people.
“Our school motto is ‘Working together, achieving more’, and we believe this is a really important message for not only the students of Withernsea High School, but all key stakeholders in the region to continue to develop and build on the excellent work that is being done by all.”
Details of the next quarterly forum will be announced on www.heylsip.com
The latest news from the International Trade, Legal & Finance, Community & Business, Manufacturing and Motoring industries.
Atranslation and interpreting business that expanded to Hull as part of its commitment to support the NHS says the partnership has brought significant benefits to the local community and to businesses.
Kirk Akdemir, CEO of AaGlobal Language Services, said the obvious impact is around helping to ensure quicker and better treatment for local people and value for money for the NHS.
At the same time there has been increased socioeconomic impact through the creation of more jobs and the contribution towards keeping workers healthy.
After starting with just two people in a small office at Hull marina, AaGlobal relocated to King Edward Street where it has continued to expand to
meet the growing needs of the NHS and other clients.
Kirk said: “Our enhanced commitment to provide the best, most dedicated support to the NHS and local authorities in general is at the heart of that expansion because the workload covers a wider area than ever. Having invested in more innovative technologies and a loyal, local workforce than ever before, we aim to continue serving our clients quickly and easily. In building our business we have created jobs for local people,
“We also put back into the community by supporting local good causes including the WISHH Charity and Fitmums and Friends.”
Trade agreements are made between two or more countries and set out the preferential rules for buying or selling goods or services between them.
Trade agreements reduce restrictions on trade and make it easier and cheaper to do business overseas in a number of ways.
These may include: lower or removed tariffs, better investment opportunities, improved market access and enhanced protections for businesses in areas such as data protection and intellectual property.
These benefits will differ depending on what was agreed with the partner country during the negotiating process.
Since the UK left the European Union, it has had autonomy over the trade deals it negotiates, agrees and signs.
In many cases, most of the trade deals in place are rollover agreements from when the UK was an EU member state. However, the UK has since signed some new trade deals that are either slightly different from previous EU agreements, or stand-alone agreements entirely.
The Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a webinar on 11 February in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade to help demystify free trade agreements and enable businesses to understand how to access and utilise the benefits of the CPTPP agreement.
To attend this webinar, email itc@hull-humberchamber.co.uk or visit www.hull-humberchamber.co.uk
Williamsons Solicitors has invested in its Hull head office and wider business as it looks to future growth.
The firm, which is one of the largest in East Yorkshire, believes that its city centre location in Hull’s Old Town has been a considerable factor in retaining and growing its private client base and attracting talent.
Capital investment in energy efficiency, along with financing significant IT and marketing projects, has secured the future of the Lowgate premises, while ensuring that the business maintains its competitive edge and
clients receive an efficient and secure service.
With grant support from Hull City Council’s Hull Business Energy Efficiency Scheme, a government scheme which assists SMEs to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, two new entrance doors and 66 energy efficient windows have been installed to replace former single glazed aluminium framed windows. In addition, lighting in the building has been upgraded to time-sensor LEDs and extensive work on the roof has been completed.
A rolling programme of IT upgrades and hardware
replacements has been implemented with part funding from a government Business Growth Grant, to create a resilient, future-poof infrastructure and optimise its service to the people of East Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, investment in marketing includes new signage at the Lowgate premises and a new website.
Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors Owner-Director, said:
“We remain firmly committed to our Old Town home, believing it helps create a vibrant city and future prosperity. Proximity to the courts, access to public transport and the numerous benefits a city centre has to offer makes it hugely popular with staff and clients. The substantial capital investment
A bright future is in store for three newly qualified solicitors at a leading regional law firm.
Neeve Pearce, Eleanor Young and Cathy Fairweather have successfully completed training contracts with Williamsons Solicitors during 2024.
Neeve, who is from Hull and Eleanor, from Hessle, are both practising in the family department. Cathy, who originates from Gateshead, is practising in the firm’s clinical negligence department. All three have now been formally admitted to the national roll of solicitors.
The 18-month supervised training contracts, in which they gained experience in a variety of disciplines, followed a period working as paralegals at the firm, which operates from Hull, Bridlington and Driffield.
Williamsons has a consistent record for training and retaining new solicitors with the majority being offered permanent positions. With a recruitment strategy focused on developing
homegrown talent, many young people from the area have developed long careers at the firm.
Neeve said she enjoyed being able to make a difference to people’s lives. “In the family department I can help clients
through difficult times and also like the fast-paced nature of the work and the courtroom environment,” she said.
Eleanor said that the family department enabled her to work on solving real day-to-day issues
occurring in family life. “I have always known I wanted to practise family law but was concerned about the distressing nature and emotional impact of dealing with sensitive cases. My training has helped to address this.”
Cathy, who initially wanted to be a nurse before deciding that the legal side of medicine suited her better, said: “Clinical negligence cases very often follow traumatic incidents for clients, and I find it highly satisfying to be able to bring a little positivity to what can be bleak circumstances.”
Sarah Clubley, a Williamsons Solicitors Owner-Director, said: “We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals and are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us. We are sure they have a bright future with us and wish them every success.”
Eleanor went to Hessle High School and studied law at the University of Leeds. Neeve attended Winifred Holtby
means our 1970s Lowgate building is fit for future decades, lowers our carbon emissions and makes a more comfortable working environment.”
Williamsons Solicitors has operated from Lowgate since 1998. The 134-year-old firm has additional branches in Driffield and Bridlington ensuring representation for clients around the wider region.
Leading law firm Rollits LLP is taking to the airwaves to support the voluntary and community sectors by sharing insight into hot topics and key challenges affecting charitable organisations.
The firm is working in partnership with the HEY Smile Foundation to present the HEY Charity Podcast, with each episode offering important advice from specialist lawyers and experienced charity executives.
The first episode featured Trish Dalby, former Deputy Chief Executive at Hull City Council and a highly experienced charity trustee. Other episodes, which have been recorded with the help of volunteers at Beverley FM radio station, feature Age UK and CatZero, with more to be added.
The first podcast went live during Trustees’ Week in November and focused on the role of trustees and the key challenges faced when recruiting them.
Gerry Morrison, Partner and Head of Charities at Rollits, said the project is designed to take a balanced and in-depth approach to helping charities and not-for-profits keep up to date with the latest changes and apply best practice.
not the case. In fact, anyone can be a trustee and charities benefit from having a diverse range of people on their boards.”
Harriet Wheeldon, Senior Solicitor at Rollits, said: “In the podcast, we chat with people who live and breathe the sector either through their current role or their experiences over the years. It provides some interesting observations for people to listen to, as well as key tips for them to take away.”
Trish Dalby is currently the Chair of HEY Smile Foundation and a trustee of the James Reckitt Library Trust.
Gerry said: “Trish has so much experience to share, so Episode 1 of the podcast is extremely insightful. It has a relaxed and conversational format, so it’s very easy to listen to.
‘We are always looking to foster the next generation of legal professionals and are very pleased that Cathy, Eleanor and Neeve have started their careers with us’
Academy before studying at the University of Hull.
Both completed their legal practice course at the University of Law, Leeds. Cathy studied at Teesside University, before completing her legal practice course at Northumbria University.
Williamsons is well known throughout the East Riding of Yorkshire and has a reputation for the quality of its services which are provided by a 125strong team working from the head office in Hull, and branches in Bridlington and Driffield. It provides comprehensive private client law services along with commercial property.
Gerry added: “There’s a common misconception that trustees are retired people, but this certainly is
“If trustees can hear from experienced trustees and charity leaders who have lived through something that they might be facing themselves, they can receive valuable inspiration and reassurance.”
Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire’s largest law firm, Wilkin Chapman, celebrates six newlyqualified solicitors following the completion of their training contract.
After a rigorous two-year training period, Caitlin Bellamy, Rebecca Jex, Reece Townsend, Jacob Houltby, Harry Fox, and Sophie Emms will bolster Wilkin Chapman’s highly regarded team with a variety of specialisms. Based across the firm’s Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley and Louth offices, they will practise family law, personal
injury claims, dispute resolution and insolvency. Partner and head of the private client division of Wilkin Chapman, Lisa Boileau said: “We’re thrilled to welcome through our newest cohort of solicitors. They have been a pleasure to nurture and train. Watching their progression from when they joined the firm to seeing them now, supporting individuals, families and businesses across Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire as fully qualified solicitors, makes me very proud. The future is very exciting for them and for us.”
Acharity which has been supporting the families of seafarers for more than 200 years invited some of its most dedicated partners to a Royal presentation as a thank you for efforts ranging from the historic to almost superhuman.
The Sailors’ Children’s Society also announced the launch of a new corporate partnership which will drive the growth and development of the charity as it continues its nationwide endeavours to help disadvantaged children from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has served as Patron of the society since 2003, was the guest of honour at Trinity House in Hull, where she presented certificates, trophies and plaques to recognise the commitment and achievements of individuals and organisations. Among the recipients were long-standing supporters who
were each presented with lifetime contribution award. Also honoured were members of the society’s 200 club, which has now been closed, with the charity setting up a new partnership programme.
Three of the society’s key supporters received commemorative plaques from Her Royal Highness to recognise their backing under the new programme. Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director at the Ashcourt Group, received a plaque as an Admirals of the Seas partner. Simon Bird, Regional Director of ABP’s Humber ports, was presented with a plaque to acknowledge the company’s Captains of Industry status.
Rebecca Dobson, People and Property Director at MS3 Networks, also received a plaque to mark the company adopting the Society as its charity of the year.
Awards were also presented to the corporate cyclists who in September raised £20,000 for the charity with a bridge-to-bridge ride, pedalling 212 miles from the Severn Bridge to
the Humber Bridge in just two days. The achievement came a year after team leader Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, provided the inspiration by completing the challenge as a solo rider in just one day.
Natasha Barley, CEO of the society, said: “The lifetime contribution awards recognise individuals who are long standing supporters –phenomenal people who have consistently gone above and beyond to support the charity giving their time, knowledge, and advice to further our work and ensure the charities future viability.”
An organisation which has generated millions of pounds for the regional economy by offering a fairer banking alternative to savers and borrowers celebrated its 25th anniversary by looking forward to the next quarter-century.
HEY Credit Union took over Hull Guildhall for the occasion and welcomed members, volunteers and staff from a branch network stretching from Bridlington to Grimsby and Goole to Withernsea.
Guests were welcomed by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Mark Collinson, and they heard from speakers who represented the past, present and future of an organisation which is credited with helping the community develop a better understanding of financial issues and resisting the scourge of loan sharks.
Alan Johnson, the former MP for Hull West and Hessle who was a key figure in launching the Credit Union and is still a member, was unable to attend but sent congratulations by video.
He said: “From small beginnings this tremendous organisation has grown. The Credit Union was formed to tackle problems for people who only had modest amounts of money but wanted to entrust it safely and get the benefits of a bank account, particularly in terms of direct payments and paying their bills.”
Andy Stankard, outgoing President of HEY Credit Union and an employee of Hull City
Council, told how he was approached in the early 2000s to help with preparing the ground for the expansion of the Credit Union. His involvement led to him becoming Vice President in 2014 and President in 2017.
Joe Hendon, who will succeed Andy in December, said: “I am excited to take on this role and really enthusiastic about what the Credit Union does at the moment and what it has the potential to do in the future.”
Matthew Stevens, who succeeded as CEO in 2023, emphasised the importance of continuing dedication and partnership. He said: “None of this success would have been possible without the dedication of our amazing team. The work they do to look after our members is tremendous and I’d like to thank them all, not only for their loyalty and support but also the way they live up to our values in everything they do.”
HSpencer Bridge Engineering has completed the latest instalment of refurbishment works on the famous Menai Suspension Bridge ahead of the crossing’s bicentenary.
The team replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the iconic bridge, which is a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, to restore the structural integrity of the bridge and remove the critical risk to public safety which forced it to close in October 2022.
First opened in 1826, the Grade I listed structure is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic and teams from Spencer have been carrying
to revitalise the crossing ahead of its 200th anniversary year.
To respect the heritage and historic features of the bridge, the team worked closely with suppliers throughout a rigorous period of development and testing to design the specially fabricated hangers and sockets.
The completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule marks a significant engineering achievement for the team given the complexity of the programme.
Project Manager Tom Inglis said: “The project posed a number of significant challenges, including working in a harsh environment with strong winds and wet weather, but we have a large and diverse
Construction and engineering specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to reconfigure part of a world-class research and development facility in Hull on behalf of global consumer hygiene, health and nutrition company Reckitt.
Spencer’s experienced building and civil engineering team will remodel part of the ground and first floor of Reckitt’s Science and Innovation Centre and fit out vacated areas for laboratories and fragrance evaluation.
Rob Bratherton, Operations Director at Spencer Building and Civil Engineering, said: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit for us, as we’re highly experienced at working in tightlyregulated sectors which have high levels of quality control.”
Darren Kilvington, Managing Director of Spencer Building and Civil Engineering, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to deliver this project by Reckitt. It will be a great showcase of two leading Hull businesses working together.”
skillset which enables us to draw on past experiences to develop solutions.
“We have decades of experience working on a range of complex bridge and infrastructure projects, and with a very collaborative attitude, allowing us to utilise expertise from right across the team to deliver the most efficient and effective results.”
A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 Ltd added: “The Menai Suspension Bridge is an icon of civil engineering and a beloved part of local and national heritage.
“The completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule is a significant achievement and we are proud to have completed these works thanks to the outstanding leadership of Spencer Bridge Engineering.”
Life can’t be all about work! Chamber Motoring reviews some of the latest offerings on the market.
What do you get if you mix a petrol engine, a battery and an electric motor?
DAVID HOOPER explains how Nissan’s clever e-POWER drive train refreshes a UK-built favourite.
Nissan’s Qashqai has been around for many years now, but it’s still a hugely popular model with UK buyers which is built in the UK at Nissan’s sprawling Sunderland plant.
Four million of them have been built since the car was originally launched in 2007, and while this one might look like a slightly refreshed Qashqai, which it is, the changes in this e-POWER model are much more than skin deep and feature an alternative take on embracing electrickery to power vehicles.
But before we get into all that, I have to say I loved the Fuji Sunset Red paintwork of this example, which, combined with a panoramic glass roof and an impressively premium interior, made this latest Qashqai an agreeable place to spend some time. The glass roof allows light to flood into the cabin and the passengers to have a different perspective on the world, especially from the backseat, which was appreciated by my parents as we passed Humberside Airport as a plane was coming in to land!
So what’s e-POWER all about, you may ask. The system uses a combination of a turbo-charged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, an electric battery… and an electric motor, which is where those who were thinking, “oh it’s a hybrid” may take a breath and reconsider. With this technology, the petrol engine never drives the car’s wheels directly, only the electric motor does that, taking its power from either the electric motor, the battery, or both, depending how the car is being driven
in any given situation. The pure electric motor direct drive system to the wheels means no gearbox is needed and you get a rapid, high torque and linear response to the throttle pedal, providing a driving experience like that of an EV, but without the need to ever plug the car in to anything more than a petrol pump.
The petrol engine is programmed to provide the electricity in relation to vehicle speed so that the engine and vehicle speed are aligned – they don’t have to be, but it would feel really weird if they weren’t!
It works well on the road, with the Qashqai having a turn of speed which took me by surprise when I let it loose during an A-road overtake – I saw the old Qashqai we know and love in a different light! It drives very well, is compliantly damped and comfortable with good road manners, and during my test of 463 miles the car averaged 43.2 miles per gallon.
The car’s technology has evolved too, and this Qashqai is the first of Nissan’s European range to feature Google built-in as part of the NissanConnect infotainment system which allows customers to sign in with their personal Google account to access their info while on the move.
I think the latest Qashqai is sharply priced, and comes packed with equipment and an impressively premium feel inside, with a large screen sitting on top of the dash from which you can control your apps including the sound system which features Bose speakers.
Our Qashqai test car was very nicely appointed with a combination of slush moulded plastics and Alcantara
MAIN PICTURE: The refreshed styling updates the Qashqai nicely
OPPOSITE LEFT: Clarity is key with the view from the driver's seat
OPPOSITE RIGHT: The centre console has a modern, uncluttered look about it
BELOW LEFT: The rear light's clear lenses look good and work well
BELOW RIGHT: The boot floor level provides easy loading, with extra space underneath
MODEL: Nissan Qashqai Tekna+ e-POWER 2WD
ENGINE: 1497cc, 190bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, driving front wheels through an automatic gearbox.
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 105 mph. 0-62mph in 7.9 secs.
ECONOMY:
Combined: 53.3mpg
Wheel World test average: 43.2mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS: 119g/km
FUEL TANK: 55 litres.
PRICE: £43,725
WARRANTY: 3 years/60,000 miles
WEBSITE: www.nissan.co.uk
• All data correct at time of publication.
material on the front face of the dashboard, the door cards and armrest, continuing the theme from the nicely sculpted seats which feature quilted upholstery, perforated leather and contrasting white stitching.
The centre console of the car has a carbon fibre look to it, as does some of the dashboard trim.The drive selector is positioned on the centre console and gives you a choice of Eco, Standard or Sport settings. There is also a switch to activate the electric vehicle mode when the battery has enough power to propel the car and an ePedal switch which allows the car to use regenerative breaking and put charge back into the battery as the vehicle is slowing down.
Cruise control radar allows the car to follow the vehicle in front and adjust speed according to the traffic conditions, but on empty motorways with slight bends it can sometimes pick up a truck in the near side lane and react to it when there is no reason to do so, which can be a little disconcerting.
Like most new cars they are becoming overbearingly safety conscious with so many things that beep at you if you dare to reach a speed limit or try to straighten out a bend, or a roundabout, or even stray to the edge of a lane on a motorway, but thankfully Nissan allows the driver to customise the assist functions and turn off some of the more interfering assistance modes which makes the car far more agreeable to drive and instead of searching through several layers of menus as was the case in a recent test car I drove, you can simply select your Driver Assist menu and the car will revert to your preferred settings.
There’s a lot to like with the latest Qashqai, and as we plunge into the darkest, coldest months of the year, its heated front seats will not only keep you warm, they will also massage both the driver and front seat passenger while the driver is also afforded the luxury of a heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen which is a real boon should we get some more frosty mornings.
‘The glass roof allows light to flood into the cabin and the passengers to have a different perspective on the world’
Impressively refined family transport with one of the cleanest engines in the business, DAVID HOOPER says the seven-seat Kia Sorento is a must have for families on the go.
This week’s test car is this large, spacious family transport known to its friends as the Kia Sorento. It is spacious, comfortable, impressively refined and luxurious seven-seat family transport which comes with three rows of seats and still offers enough boot space for lots of family clutter, even when all three rows are occupied.
The Sorento is a big car, but after a couple of days of driving it you soon become accustomed to its size and appreciate the raised seating position which affords a good view of the goings on around you and during a lovely couple of days in beautiful Northumberland, I appreciated being able to see over the walls and hedges where you can spot all types of Roman remains and spectacular scenery for which the county is famous.
This large Kia Sorento is luxury on wheels and has levels of refinement which now arrival the best you can find from any brand in my opinion, which is quite a bold statement when you consider some of the competition from certain German manufacturers, but it serves to demonstrate how far this South Korean carmaker has come in recent years.
The 2.2 CRDI engine allied to its eight-speed automatic gearbox is quiet and smooth, and one of the cleanest engines on the market today, meeting any emissions standard you care to mention, helped by the addition Ad Blue which cleans up the car’s exhaust emissions.
During a busy week with the Sorento, I clocked up nearly 600 miles during which time the car averaged 39.7 miles to the gallon, which for a vehicle that weighs in at nearly two tonnes is quite impressive.
‘Despite its size, the car felt quite agile and responsive on the narrow country lanes’
The light handling characteristics of the Sorento also deserve special mention, as despite its size, the car felt quite agile and responsive on the narrow country lanes I encountered and coped admirably with road indiscretions like potholes and speed bumps, dismissing most as though they weren’t even there.
And I have to say the ride quality was far superior to a couple of well-regarded EVs which I drove during the
OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT: With proper four-wheeldrive abilities, not only is it versatile, but will go almost anywhere!
OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT: The interior is modern, well-equipped and feels premium
MODEL: Kia Sorento Diesel 3 2.2-litre CRDi 8-speed DCT
ENGINE: 2,151cc, 190bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, driving four wheels through 8-speed DCT gearbox
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 124 mph. 0-62mph in 9.7 secs
ECONOMY:
City: 32.8mpg.
Country: 50.4mpg. Combined: 42.8mpg.
Wheel World test average: 39.7mpg
CO2 EMISSIONS: 173g/km
FUEL TANK: 67 litres
INSURANCE: Group 31D
PRICE: £46,195
WARRANTY: 7 years/100,000 miles
WEBSITE: www.kia.co.uk
• All data correct at time of publication.
course of the weekend and driving them “back-to-back” makes for a good comparison. Both full battery electric models, the EV6 GT line and the recently launched EV9. Although both the electric models were quicker, the ride quality in both cars wasn’t up to the standard of the Sorento, due largely to the stiffer suspension required to cope with the weight of the batteries making it far less compliant and comfortable. I could feel just about every stone on the road surface.
The interior is beautifully styled with comfortable heated seats which have buttons on the side of them to slide them backwards and forwards as well as on the inner sides, where you can find USB points for rear passengers to charge phones, game consoles or anything else they might fancy taking in the car. Up front the driver and passenger also have USB connectors and if you have a recent phone, you can just slot it into a tray where it will charge wirelessly while operating your CarPlay through the dashboard.
The dashboard itself features a large screen that runs roughly two-thirds of the way across the car in front of the driver, with your speedometer and rev counter and various trip computers, while in the middle of the car, you
have your satnav, radio controls and telephone access. Beneath that the heater controls which double at the pressure of a button as the controls for the radio and navigation systems.
The centre console offers two good size cupholders as well as a couple of other storage areas and the drive mode selector which lets the driver choose between Normal Eco and Sports settings. There are traction control settings, hill descent control and for when the weather is chilly, a heated steering wheel with two temperature settings, which I have to say is rather nice at this time of year.
The Sorento’s plush interior features plenty of piano black trim with silver garnishes and is also complimented by some subtle ambient lighting which makes the cabin a very pleasant place to be and you are also entertained by a superb Bose hi-fi system which sounds excellent when the volume is cranked up a bit.
In the back, legroom in the second row of seats can be adjusted by sliding the middle bench forwards or backwards, while the third row folds neatly into the floor creating a large flat load area when not in use.
Back seat passengers also have their own heating controls and power supplies.
A warm welcome and introduction to the latest businesses to join Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce.
Accountancy Tuition Academy
Karen Dixon Hull 01482 251990
Finance Education
Bay Learning Academy CIC
Leila Goring Hull 07497 521216
Education
Global Shipping Services Ltd
Marc Wilson Goole 01482 326877
Global Shipping
Immingham Lorry Park
William Weir
Immingham 07703 058444
Lorry Park
LCS Group Ltd
Paul Cave Grimsby 03308 384255
IT Consultancy & Outsourcing
LDF Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services
Stephanie Rising Grimsby 07359 742616
Bookkeeping and Accountancy Services
Libra Europe Consulting
Stephen Prince Manchester 07969 110478
Management Consulting
McKinney Haarcourt Limited
James Oswald Hull 01482 241560
Information Technology and General Business Consulting Services
www.hull-humber-chamber.co.uk/ memberships Or call Kay Bailey on (01482) 324976 or Anne Tate
North Lincolnshire Community Energy (NLCE)
Ruby Berridge Barrow-in-Furness 01229 821028
Community Energy
Rhino Armour
Glen Greenwood Grimsby 03301 134012
Data Centre
Scunthorpe Eats
Ross Wilmot Scunthorpe 07802 499658
Food Ordering App
Tech Educators
James Adams Norwich 01603 652235
Education and Training Bootcamps
office opening on 6 December, providing space for them to continue on their impressive growth trajectory.
The offices were opened by the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull, Cllr Mark Collinson, and marks the first move of the company in 15 years from the Deep Business Center to Priory Park at the west of the City.
Currently employing 10 members of staff, Purity Global are brand owners of the automatic dishwasher brand, Crystale, which can be found on the shelves of all the major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Poundland, Home Bargains and lots of others. Having successfully navigated the challenges of Brexit
not all bad for their sales as so many more people were cooking at home, they have since been posting year on year double digit growth taking them to £12m turnover this year and securing the Crystale brand as the third largest of its kind in the UK.
“We sell well over 1,000 products every minute 24/7 somewhere in the country,” said Brian Matson, founder and owner of the company. “It can sound like an insincere cliché when you hear an MD say ‘it’s not down to me’ but in this case it really isn’t! I have a fantastic group of people who are a team in its truest sense, always looking to get the best out of each other and they’re really winning in every department.”
If you like to appear in our New Member Spotlight, here’s your chance – email David Hooper at d.hooper@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk
Name: Justine MacArthur
Job title: Business Owner
Name of the business: Consult Justine
Describe your business in a nutshell
Do you have managers in your organisation who are technically great however their skills in leading people could be improved?
My professional development services can be accessed either though workshops or coaching, or a mix of the two. As a HR professional I know that skilled managers and leaders can really increase efficiency in any organisation. The workshops are tailored to your business and is interactive group training, where coaching gives professionals individual time to reach their professional goals. Both get great results in improving leadership skills such as confidence, communication or delegating.
Where is it based?
I live in Beverley and can offer face-to-face workshops and coaching around the region –though most of my clients enjoy the convenience of online.
What has been your biggest challenge in the last year?
It was about May when I knew I should use my skills to coach managers and business owners through the world of supporting employees. I know that having (and feeling) confident and effective improves productivity, and I became really committed to the idea. I then chose to focus on development alongside coaching rather than HR which came next.
What are you most looking forward to in the next three months?
I’m excited to launch a new package in February! This addresses the need for affordable manager training curated to individuals outside their workplace. These development workshops are packaged to include individual coaching sessions, which will really help attendees absorb and apply what they learn.
What news story had the biggest impact recently?
This has got to be Labour’s planned reform of employment law. Already in place since October is The Worker Protection Act which means a new legal duty for employers to proactively take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. And there are many more in the pipeline as part
of the Employment Rights Bill and beyond, these coupled with the recent budget, I know this is a concern for many small business and just enforces the need for appropriately trained staff.
If you could choose what job would you do?
So, if this was an alternate universe – I would be a marine ecologist. I’m a scuba diver, and I love knowing I’m helping something bigger than me (hence supporting organisations with their development). I did get a snippet of this when I spent five weeks in Madagascar last year doing marine conservation. Ask me about it when we meet!
What is your biggest ambition?
To work with more charities. I’m already a Trustee for FAVOR UK and my development
services can help maximise value across the third sector as much as any. I help them, help others – amazing!
Where will your next holiday be? Columbia. It’s a late honeymoon and I am super excited (I’ll get to do some diving too hopefully).
What are your hobbies and which is your favourite pastime?
I do aerial hoops and silks. Imagine what you see at the circus, but I’m not as graceful as those professionals. It really keeps me fit and happy. The team at Sunset Studio, Beverley, are just the nicest bunch!
What are your plans for the weekend? It’s my husband’s birthday soon, so food and a few drinks with friends at home.
