Move Commercial 62 by Move Publishing

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LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESHIRE MANCHESTER

JUNE - JULY 2018

FREE

MOVE COMMERCIAL The north-west’s guide to property and business

Issue 62

Liverpool Waters – A Waterfront to the World.

S u p er m a r kets

ASDA & Sainsbury’s Merger’s North West impact?

Firms tackling plastics How to make a difference

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Advertorial

Commercial property owners need to comply with new energy efficient regulations MEES do not apply to: Buildings where an EPC certificate is not required , including certain low energy demand industrial sites, workshops and certain listed buildings Buildings where the EPC is less than 10 years’ old Leases of less than six months where there is no right to renew and the tenant has not be in occupation for more than 12 months Leases longer than a 99-year term If landlords find that MEES do apply to them, then there are three exemptions where landlords can rent out their commercial building where it is below the required efficiency standard: Golden Rule, where an independent assessor determines that all relevant energy efficiency improvements have been made to the property Devaluation, where an independent surveyor determines that the relevant energy efficiency improvements that could be made to the property are likely to reduce the market value of the property by more than 5% Third Party Consent, where consent from persons such as a tenant, a superior landlord or planning authorities has been refused or has been given with conditions with which the landlord cannot reasonably comply

Brad Armstrong

Commercial landlords could face fines of up to £150,000 if they fail to comply with new energy efficient standards on their buildings. In 2015, the Energy Efficient (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations brought into force minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for both commercial and residential properties. Commercial buildings were given an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating which went from A-G and the regulations introduced a minimum standard of E which means that any buildings lower than that standard could not be rented out. From April 1 this year, regulations on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) have become even stricter, preventing landlords of buildings within the scope of MEES from renewing existing leases or granting new leases if the building has an EPC rating less than E, unless there is an exemption.

These exemptions are only valid for 5 years and cannot be transferred from landlord to landlord. Landlords must also ensure that they lodge the exemption in the Government’s Central Register. Failure to comply with the new regulations could see commercial landlords facing fines of up to £150,000. It is a good idea for landlords to take this as an early warning, whether or not their leases are up for renewal, as MEES will also apply for all existing leases and tenancies on April 1, 2023. Brad Armstrong, a partner at MSB Solicitors, said: “Landlords have to bear the cost of upgrading their properties that don’t have the correct efficiency standard and may face losing rent if the property cannot be let, or suffer a reduction in the value of the property. “Landlords will have to consider the best way to approach doing these works as their leases will have requirements and restrictions on works they can do to a property whilst the tenants are in. “Nevertheless, strict energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings have been around for a number of years, now, so any reputable commercial property owner has no excuse for not being up to speed. “They should seek professional advice if they are unsure of exactly what they need to do to be compliant or face the risks and consequences.”

If you would like to know more about anything mentioned in this article, contact Brad directly by email on bradarmstrong@msbsolicitors.co.uk or call our commercial property team on 0151 281 9040.

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Issue sixty two Move Commercial

Welcome to Move Commercial It’s already been a year of changes and challenges so far for the retail sector, and there’s no sign of it settling down just yet. The recent announcement of a proposed merger between supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and ASDA has posed plenty of questions about what lies ahead, and in this issue we’ve called on industry experts to tell us how the major move could affect the North West. And as a pedestrianisation strategy is considered for Liverpool’s popular shopping and dining hotspot Bold Street, we examine the pros and cons of the transformational measure.

Contents

We also shine the spotlight on some environmentally conscious companies working to scale back their use of plastics, and bring you guidance on how your firm can help make a difference too. Plus Chris Smylie, managing director of Wirral food exporter Smylies, tells Move Commercial about the company’s continuing growth and second Queen’s Award for Enterprise; and chairman Max Steinberg gives us the lowdown on why the forthcoming International Business Festival is worth a visit. Natasha Young, editor natasha@movepublishing.co.uk

News 08 Hansteen completes £750k refurb at Olympic Park 09 Bridging finance ‘key’ to many property developments 11 Aintree shopping centres ‘flourishing’ despite concerning national picture

Features 12 Bitesize Thinking

Photo: Derek Harper / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Food for thought 14 Appointments Who’s moving where? 17 My Month Phil Morley, director of LM6, on his past month 18 A Perfect Combination? How could the proposed Sainsbury’s and ASDA merger impact on the North West?

21 A World in One City Chairman Max Steinberg gives us the lowdown on this year’s International Business Festival 22 Walk This Way We examine the pros and cons of pedestrianising Liverpool’s Bold Street

24 LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESHIRE MANCHESTER

Chris Smylie, managing director of Queen’s Award for Enterprise-winning exporter Smylies

JUNE - JULY 2018

26 Turning the Tide

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24 Interview

Issue 60

Advertising Team Catherine McCarthy. Editor Natasha Young. Tel: 0151 709 3871 Editorial Team Lawrence Saunders, Matthew Smith, Christine Toner, Liam Deveney. Photography Liam Deveney – Interview / Silk Rd review Design Mark Iddon.

Cover Image Liverpool Waters / Peel. Credits Certain graphic elements by Freepik.com Published by Move Publishing Ltd Directors David O’Brien, Kim O’Brien, Fiona Barnet. Printed by Precision Colour Printers Ltd. Distribution Liaison Manager Barbara Troughton. Tel: 0151 733 5492 / Mobile: 077148 14662

How businesses can help the environment by cutting back on plastics 28 Business Lifestyle Embrace the World Cup and other summer sports tournaments in the workplace

Liverpool Waters – A Waterfront to the World.

31 Ask the Panel Supermarkets

ASDA & Sainsbury’s Merger’s North West impact?

Firms tackling plastics How to make a difference

Copyright Move Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Move Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.

What impact has the Mersey Gateway Bridge had on the North West so far?

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taking an ECO friendly approach in keeping the carbon foot print to a minimum. Go Green Office Furniture is strategically located at 6 Brookfield Drive, Fazakerly, Liverpool, L9 7AJ, only 10 minutes drive from Liverpool city centre and 5 minutes from the M57 giving us convenient access to the whole of the UK. We are open Monday to Friday from 9 to 5.30 and also accommodate out of hours opening, made by prior appointment. Go Green team can visit our clients office, all over the UK and Ireland. Go Green Office Furniture is known for its excellent communication skills, being a reputable company dealing with many big brands including CBRE, Debenhams, Your Housing Group, Urban Paws UK, British Gas, to name but a few. If your looking for sustainability, professionalism and a full office solutions provider as opposed to another furniture seller, then don't delay and book in your free consultation today.

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Advertorial

Liverpool Waters Comment

Liverpool Waters a waterfront to the world By Ian Pollitt, assistant project director at Liverpool Waters. 2018 has already been a very busy year at Liverpool Waters. So far, we have broken ground on Peel Land and Property and The Regenda Group’s Plaza 1821, the £21 million residential tower which will house 105 one and two-bedroom apartments. Outline planning permission was secured for a new £55 million cruise terminal at Princes Dock. Elsewhere at the £5 billion development, work began on two further residential buildings which will deliver 237 apartments off Waterloo Road as well as the deal being agreed with Everton Football Club for the land at Bramley Moore Dock for their new stadium. Terms are with the Isle of Man Government for a new ferry terminal at Princes Half Tide Dock, which will replace the existing terminal at Princes Dock. With so much activity due to take place at Princes Dock, an application has been made to create a new entrance in the dock boundary wall, which will help ease any traffic congestion whilst we’re building in the area.

Of course, one of the most talked about elements of the project so far is the proposed development at Bramley Moore Dock for the new Everton Football Club stadium. We have seen an increased interest in Liverpool Waters since this announcement and it’s fair to say that it has accelerated our plans for developing out the neighbourhoods beyond Princes Dock. We are talking to a number of developers about how we could look to bring other developments forward off the back of the Everton Football Club announcement. Over the past 18 months, the Liverpool Waters team have been working on a renewed vision for our Central Docks and northern neighbourhoods, closely observing the principals set out within UNESCO’s ‘Historic Urban Landscapes’ (HUL) guidance. This was not in existence during the preparation of the original application and so, alongside what is simply ‘good housekeeping’ to ensure the scheme responds to current and future market conditions, we are looking to bring forward a refreshed masterplan that works more closely with our site’s unique heritage assets – both above and below the ground. In so doing we will

be creating a more ‘human scale’ heart for Liverpool Waters, focussed around the Central Park and the opportunity for a major new public square within Clarence Dock, framing views of the iconic Victoria clock tower – one of only two six-sided clocks anywhere in the world. For the rest of 2018 and beyond it will continue to be just as busy as work is due to start at Princes Dock on Moda Living’s ‘The Lexington’ and Your Housing Group’s ‘Hive City Docks both located on William Jessop Way, Princes Dock. Plans will be revealed shortly for Everton’s stadium and numerous events continuing to be hosted across Liverpool Waters including the visit of the Tall Ships, various Cruise Liners and a Dragon Boat Race in aid of our chosen charity Claire House.

To learn more about the Liverpool Waters Development project led by Peel Land and Property (Ports) Limited, please visit www.liverpoolwaters.co.uk. MOVE COMMERCIAL

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News Latest

Hansteen completes £750k refurb at Olympic Park Industrial specialist Hansteen has completed a £750,000 refurbishment programme at Olympic Park, Ellesmere Port. The conclusion of works coincides with the first deal at the estate, with indoor climbing brand Boulder Hut taking 17,290 sq ft at Unit 1. The remaining three units have been comprehensively refurbished and are available as a whole or in constituent parts to accommodate occupier requirements from 12,512 sq ft to 70,487 sq ft. According to Hansteen, which has a portfolio of more than 300 properties in the UK, the refurbishments represent a “significant investment” for the company and are “testament to the potential of Olympic Park”. Situated just off Junction 7 of the M53, the estate is close to other nearby occupiers including Vauxhall, Regatta, Interserve and Scania. Matthew Reith of Hansteen says: “There is strong demand for Grade A industrial space and coupled with a dearth of new supply, excellent transport links and the newly refurbished facilities we have been encouraged by initial interest. “To have a first letting so soon is great news and we look forward to making more announcements over the coming months.” LM6 Commercial Property and Eddisons are acting as letting agents for the scheme.

The newly refurbished Olympic Park

‘Proud custodian’ Downing says ‘time was right’ to sell Graeme House Graeme House is on the edge of Liverpool’s commercial district

MOVE COMMERCIAL

Downing says the “time was right” to sell its Graeme House office building in Liverpool city centre. The property firm invested heavily to upgrade the Derby Square address which has been acquired by M7 Real Estate for £8.07 million. Located near to the Liverpool ONE shopping and leisure complex, Graeme House has tenants including The Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, Keaney & Co Solicitors, Reed In Partnership and New College Manchester. Following the sale, Downing will now concentrate on the continued transformation of its No.1 Old Hall Street development in the city. The next stage of this renovation includes re-modelling, extending the reception area and creating a Grade A office space above Pret A Manger. John Clegg, head of property management at Downing, says: “Downing has been a proud custodian of Graeme House for many years and has invested heavily to upgrade this landmark building to a high standard. “With the building in great condition and almost fully let, we felt the time was right to see it pass into new hands and look forward to seeing Graeme House continue to thrive under new ownership.”

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Latest News

Aintree shopping centres ‘flourishing’ despite concerning national picture

Churchill Shopping Centre

A trio of Aintree shopping centres is “flourishing” despite a concerning national retail picture. Bleasdale Group’s managing director says its Churchill, Molyneux Way and Bleasdale shopping parades are a “haven” for retailers of all sizes. Marcus Bleasdale believes the three blocks in Sefton are thriving due to the support of local residents and Bleasdale Group’s commitment to investment.

Churchill and Molyneux Way are both fully occupied from a landlords’ perspective whilst the Bleasdale Shopping Centre has just one vacancy. The free unit is a former NatWest bank which has become available for the first time in almost 50 years and is suitable for a range of uses. Bleasdale says: “The Churchill Shopping Centre in particular is absolutely booming at the moment. These are the green shoots of recovery here in the

North West. “We’ve invested money as a family in improving the facilities at our shopping centres over the years, including during the recession. “I think it’s very important with these shopping centres to not only have the facilities and the shops looking good, but the space for local people and passing trade to be able to park outside for free.”

Financial planner relocating across the Mersey to Liverpool Waters Chartered financial planning firm Willson Grange Limited will be relocating its headquarters from Hoylake, Wirral to Liverpool Waters. The wealth management company has signed a 10-year lease for 10,500 sq ft at No. 12 Princes Dock. Willson Grange will be occupying space on both the third and fourth floor of the Grade A office building alongside neighbours including the international manufacturer Cargill, shipping group CMA CGM and global insurance broker Griffiths & Armour. Following some recent high profile moves, the waterfront office is now 93% let. Stuart Willson, chief executive officer at Willson Grange, says: “Relocating our headquarters to Princes Dock will signal a new and exciting phase in Willson Grange’s development. “Occupying a space in the city centre of Liverpool will not only make us much more accessible to many of our clients but will also allow us to reach a much wider recruitment pool of the very best financial talent the city has to offer.” Liza Marco, asset manager at Liverpool Waters, adds: “It is fantastic to see yet another successful and thriving local business choosing to relocate to Princes Dock.”

No. 12 Princes Dock MOVE COMMERCIAL 11

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MOVE COMMERCIAL

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Bitesize thinking

Darren Barwick associate solicitor, MSB Solicitors

If only I’d known… Just before Christmas the government announced a plan to ban ground rents in a proposed crackdown on “feudal” practices. This announcement, whilst well-intended, has caused massive uncertainty in the market, with ground rent buyers insisting that terms in leases now deemed onerous are amended. Developers could have saved themselves a lot of trouble had they seen this coming and, unfortunately for a lot of them, this means the time consuming task of arranging for each individual buyer to enter into a deed of variation. However, well advised developers will be able to make changes without going down the costly deed of variation route.

In my crystal ball... One of the many signs of Liverpool’s renewed confidence, and emerging business growth and diversity, is the rise of the serviced office market. The latest research from Savills reveals serviced office take-up across regional cities has increased by a massive 409% since 2016, and Liverpool has been at the forefront of this transformation. Our city now offers an array of serviced offices in a number of locations. For instance, last year saw the launch of Avenue HQ at Mann Island, addressing the growing demand for more vibrant and dynamic working environments. Such spaces attract agile, growing businesses that want to meet and collaborate with other like-minded entrepreneurs. A relaxed and chilled-out ambience encourages creativity and innovation. Soon, more traditional sectors such as insurance, banking and legal could see such spaces as real cost-effective alternatives to their traditional offices.

Mayfield The Mayfield Partnership – a joint venture between LCR, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and U+I – aims to create a “world-class, transformational, distinctive and imaginative commercially-led neighbourhood” on the derelict site next to Manchester’s Piccadilly Station.

SEP

2015

FEB

A long list of developers is announced. The list includes Argent, Muse Developments, U+I Group, Ask Developments and Urban & Civic.

APR

Argent, Urban & Civic, and Ask (in a consortium with Carillion and Patrizia) make the shortlist for the Mayfield site, only for Argent to quit the race weeks later to focus on pipeline projects. Longlist contender U+I replaces Argent on the shortlist.

DEC

Urban regeneration and property developer U+I is formally awarded the contract for the development. Richard Upton, deputy chief executive, says the firm is “privileged to have been entrusted to deliver this strategically important regeneration project for Manchester.”

FEB

The Mayfield Partnership submits plans to create temporary office and event space on part of the former Mayfield site. The plans are approved and a food market is launched in May. Meanwhile James Heather is appointed as development director at U&I. Heather was previously a partner at Argent and a director at Rotherwood Property Development Limited.

SEP

Original wooden signage on the disused Mayfield Railway Station is restored and reinstated, after being brought to the Mayfield Partnership’s attention during work on the building in summer 2017. The building has remained disused since closing in 1984, and social media followers helped to piece together the sign’s original wording. The historic building, along with its platforms, depot and railway arches, would be retained as part of the Mayfield vision.

FEB

A draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the Mayfield development is unveiled for public consultation. Five new distinctive neighbourhoods are identified in the draft SRF and clustered around a 6.5-acre new city centre park straddling the banks of the River Medlock. Following a public consultation, the document will be updated and presented to Manchester City Council’s executive later in 2018 for final adoption.

2016

2017

TOP 3 COMMERCIAL TWEETS

@LSPChiefExec: For commercial, creative and its own historic reasons, Liverpool will be a perfect fit for Channel 4 #4ForLiverpool.

@McrDig: Our 2018 skills audit has shown an increase in recruitment demand for AI & machine learning skills. We're pleased to see that tech businesses & government are investing in a £1 billion deal to ensure we're at the forefront of the AI industry.

@MIDAS_MCR: This morning @yourHeathrow visited @boltoncouncil as part of its nationwide tour of 65 shortlisted Logistics Hubs sites for building the third runway. A Hub at #LogisticsNorth would mean more jobs, skills and growth for #GreaterManchester and the North West #DeliveringforBritain

12 MOVE COMMERCIAL

The Mayfield Partnership, made up of London & Continental Railway, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester, launches a search to find a development partner to work on the 24-acre derelict Mayfield site in Manchester city centre. Plans for the £850 million Mayfield Quarter include the creation of 1,300 homes, 800,000 sq ft of office space and a 350-bedroom hotel.

2017

2018

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TO LET

OLYMPIC PARK POOLE HALL ROAD, ELLESMERE PORT CH66 1ST

UNITS 2-4

Yard Area 0.65 Acres

From 16,043 - 70,487 sq ft

Unit 2

(units can be combined) Unit 3

Unit 2

• Eaves height up to 8.5m • 500 KVA power supply

Ofﬁces

Unit 4

• Cranage up to 20 tonnes • Ofﬁce accommodation • Units can be combined • 1/4 mile from J7 of the M53

Call Hansteen today! 01925 839 830

Hansteen hansteen.uk.com matthew.reith@hansteen.co.uk matthew.reith@hansteen.co.uk

tony tony.okeefe@lm6.co.uk .okeefe@lm6.co.uk

Robert.Diggle@Eddisons.com

MOVE COMMERCIAL 13

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Appointments

New head for Trowers’ Manchester office Trowers & Hamlins partner Suzanne Suzanne Benson Benson has taken the helm at the law firm’s Manchester office. Benson has been at the company for 18 years and was already leading its North West real estate team. Commenting on her new role at the international firm, Benson says: "The Trowers office in Manchester has undergone considerable change in the last few years under the leadership of Mike Gaskell and I am really excited to be taking over the role at a time when we are well positioned to continue to expand both our public and private sector work. “We are currently working on a number of significant local projects which will have a really positive impact on the areas we live and work in and I am confident that this gives us a really strong platform for further growth in the next few years."

Dozen promotions at Grant Thornton

B: Rebecca Tomson, Jenny Elgar F: Jennifer Woods, Mick Frankish, Vicki Garlick

Business advisory group Grant Thornton has promoted 12 employees to its audit team across its Liverpool and Manchester offices. Jennifer Woods, who joined in 2005, has taken the role of associate director at the firm and will therefore have the regulatory authority to sign off audits. She brings 13 years’ experience in financial reporting to the position. Meanwhile the North West audit management team has expanded with the promotions of Jen Ryan, Rebecca Thompson and Hayley Molly; and associates Vicki Garlick, Eleanor Vickers, Seamus Fricker, Adam Hooson, Rachael Barlow, Jenny Elgar, Rebecca Myers and Lizzie Walker have become executives. Mick Frankish, head of Grant Thornton’s North West audit practice, says: “It’s very satisfying to see professional development in action and the firm’s continued investment in our people as we continue to service our growing North West client base.”

Experienced agent takes new LSH role Andrew Gardener has been appointed as a director in Lambert Smith Andrew Gardener Hampton’s (LSH) Manchester office after more than 20 years as an agent in the city. Gardener, who joins the company from TSG Property Consultants, is also chair of the North West’s Office Agents Society and has previously held senior positions at Jones Lang LaSalle and DTZ. In the newly created LSH role he’ll drive acquisition and disposal activity across the region, with a focus on Manchester city centre. Stephen Proudley, head of North West transactional agency at LSH, says: “Andrew is a seasoned player in the Manchester city centre market and a strong addition to our wellestablished team.” 14 MOVE COMMERCIAL

Cushman & Wakefield partner to lead office

Caroline Baker

Cushman & Wakefield has chosen Caroline Baker to head up its

Manchester office. Baker, who has worked for the firm since 1997 and been a partner since 2001, takes the reins from international partner John Keyes, who has also been promoted to chair of public sector. Baker will lead a team of more than 100 staff at the company’s Marsden Street office. George Roberts, Cushman & Wakefield’s head of UK & Ireland, says: “We see opportunities for growth in both our public sector and Manchester teams under the leadership of John and Caroline, two extremely talented and experienced professionals.”

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TO LET RETAIL UNIT 9b, Altway, Old Roan, Aintree, Liverpool L10 3JA

Change of Use APPROVED for A3 (restaurants & cafes), in addition to A1 (shops) and A2 (financial/professional). PLUS erection of new shop front and installation of roller shutters. AREAS Ground Floor First Floor

980 sq.ft. (91 sq.m.) 1,280sq.ft. (119 sq.m.)

RENT Ground Floor Both Floors

£35,000 + VAT £45,000 + VAT

Available by way of a new full repairing and insuring lease for a term of years to be agreed.

TRANSPORT Old Roan Merseyrail Station within walking distance. Other occupiers within the vicinity include Tesco Express, Domino’s, William Hill and The Post Ofﬁce.

Viewing strictly through the agent Luke Arnold T. 0151 242 3091 M. 07584 673 139 E. luke.arnold@masonowen.com

Lucy Christian T. 0151 207 9339 M. 07971 978 568 E. lucy.christian@skrealestate.co.uk

• Occupying a good location on Altway, Old Roan • Excellent communication links being located just off the A59 and very close to the Switch Island junction where the M57/M58/A59 and A5036 all meet

Joint Agents:

p01-20_Move Commercial 25/05/2018 08:35 Page 16

Commercial property specialists covering the Liverpool and Manchester City Regions. Industrial sales & lettings

Occupier acquisition / relocation

Commercial & residential land sales

Lease renewal / rent reviews

tony.okeefe@lm6.co.uk 0151 541 2447 phil.morley@lm6.co.uk 0151 541 2446

UNIT 16 DEMPSTER BUILDING

Atlantic Way, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool L3 4BE

TO LET FULLY REFURBISHED INDUSTRIAL UNIT WITH OFFICES 13,355 SQ FT (1,240.67 SQ M) LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE

RIVER MERSEY

DELIFONSECA

16 DEMPSTER BUILDING

PURE GYM

BEAN CAFÃ&#x2030;

A5036 SEFTON STREET

ATLANTIC WAY CENTURY BUILDING

SUMMERS ROAD

HOWDENS

16 MOVE COMMERCIAL

BRUNSWICK STATION

p01-20_Move Commercial 25/05/2018 08:35 Page 17

Phil Morley, director, LM6 My Month From landmark deals to International Business Festival preparations, it’s been a busy few weeks in the industry for commercial surveying practice LM6. Phil Morley tells us about his past month. Image Business Park

My goal at the start of the month was... We keep a sharp focus every month on the service delivery of existing mandates and growing the business. We’ve been working with a series of potential new investor clients and are

delighted to have secured a number of new instructions this month from leading asset managers iO Group and M7, who have recently acquired industrial estates in and around Liverpool.

My biggest achievement was... On behalf of one of our clients we’ve just acquired 37 acres at Image Business Park in Knowsley, in what is the Liverpool City Region’s largest industrial deal for 2018. It was formerly one of Kodak’s largest sites in the UK and provides over 400,000 sq ft of office, warehouse and industrial space and has further development potential so it was a great deal to land. The purchase of the ageing estate is a ringing endorsement of the park and the latent potential of the wider city region, and we’re looking forward to transforming the estate in the coming years. These larger development deals provide a catalyst for regeneration, creating new jobs and improving the area which is one of our motivating factors and drivers as a business.

My biggest challenge was... Completing the Image deal! This is huge for Knowsley and was complex to assemble and complete, with multiple parties involved in an ‘off market’ transaction. Aligning differing objectives can be tricky but we got it over the line and we’re now working up the marketing and promotional material to officially launch the new scheme shortly. We could potentially build up to 200,000 sq ft of warehousing on site over the coming years, so there are exciting times ahead.

The key meeting I had...

THE NEWS STORY THAT CAUGHT MY EYE I was pleased to see Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram throwing their weight behind Liverpool’s bid for Channel 4’s relocation. The broadcaster’s ‘4 All in the UK’ objectives are to ‘provide diverse and innovative programming and services using our reputation for risk and non-conformism to engage a younger generation’. It’s quite a mouthful but bang on for Liverpool.

We can’t name names here but we recently met with a company who found themselves in a precarious position with their landlord and facing eviction through no fault of their own. We managed to bring all parties together and legitimise their occupation. It was a difficult positon for the tenant as their business was at risk and that was causing them considerable stress. Whilst these meetings may not make the headlines, solving property issues is our core strength. It is not just about landing the big deals - engaging with and supporting local occupiers is a significant part of our business.

Photo: Flickr.com / Matt Brown

My plan for next month... I’m looking forward to the return of the International Business Festival at Exhibition Centre Liverpool in June. This is a fantastic event right on our doorstep with opportunities to hear about the latest innovation and influences relevant to our industry. We have a series of networking events and breakout sessions planned throughout the month. The North West is a powerhouse of industry so the manufacturing and global logistics and shipping events are of particularly interest to me. I’ll also be pleased to welcome Michael Heseltine back to the city, who has always been one of Liverpool’s greatest advocates. MOVE COMMERCIAL 17

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Lawrence Saunders lawrence@movepublishing.co.uk

The proposed merger between Sainsbury’s and ASDA has raised a myriad of questions – many of which have gone unanswered by the former’s chief executive. As the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) runs the rule over the possible partnership, Move Commercial examines both retailers’ regional presence and considers what impact their high-profile union could have in the North West.

The Perfect Combination? “We're in the money, the sky is sunny” crooned Sainsbury’s chief executive officer Mike Coupe as he waited to start an ITV interview about plans to create the UK’s biggest supermarket chain. Whilst Coupe himself might have had plenty of reasons to be cheerful, 600,000 in fact if reports are to be believed, others were less enthralled by the news of Sainsbury’s proposed ASDA takeover. Labour’s shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said the deal had “significant competition risks,” and urged the CMA to secure “concrete assurances” to protect workers and suppliers. “For many small towns including several in the North West, Sainsbury’s and ASDA represent the only supermarket options at their disposal,” says Adonis Michael, director at Liverpool-based law firm 18 MOVE COMMERCIAL

Michael Rose & Baylis. “This is clearly worrisome due to the potential for a merger to create monopolies in these towns, with inﬂated prices affecting consumers as a result. “Furthermore it raises concerns over whether a merged Sainsbury’s and ASDA would want to continue to operate two or three stores in a small town where they are now the sole player. “Why would they when they can simply close one or two, and drive all custom to the remaining store?” Coupe, who plans to head up the combined business, has insisted there will be no store closures or in-store job losses, claiming the deal is a “transformational opportunity to create a new force in UK retail” which will give customers “more of what they want now and in the future” – including a 10% price cut on popular items.

Despite the CEO’s reassuring rhetoric, many experts expect both ASDA and Sainsbury’s will be forced to give up a number of stores by the CMA. Research conducted in the wake of the merger has found that at least 73 supermarkets may have to be sold in order for the deal to go through. According to the report from Maximise UK, the South East and the North West with 17 and 13 trading overlaps respectively, are the areas of the country most at risk from Sainsbury’s and ASDA closures. In spite of the report’s ﬁndings, not all observers are convinced the potential partnership will see a glut of supermarkets changing hands across the North West. “Here in the North West, data from the Local Data Company shows that 32% of ASDA stores are within a 2km radius of an existing Sainsbury’s,” says John Pal, senior lecturer in retailing at

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Those at the top of Sainsbury’s and ASDA should explain how they plan to merge these two supply chains fairly.

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Sainsbury’s and ASDA merger Focus Photo: geograph.org.uk / Stephen Meara Blount

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It raises concerns over whether a merged Sainsbury’s and ASDA would want to continue to operate two or three stores in a small town where they are the sole player.

“ Photo: www.trinitywalk.com

the Alliance Manchester Business School. “The two retailers have already stated that they would keep the existing fascias and operate separate head ofﬁces. “So it could be difﬁcult to see how the CMA might demand the sell-off of stores, where existing stores are located close to one another, especially as the formats tend to target different customer segments.” In spite of this, Pal cites Morrisons’ 2004 takeover of Safeway as an example of when the CMA has demanded the sell-off of stores despite the two supermarkets in question targeting different sets of customers. However, as Pal points out, the key difference with that deal was that all the Safeway stores were eventually converted to Morrisons. “In Southport, for example, the

Morrisons store was sold to Waitrose, as there was an existing Safeway in the town (that was subsequently rebranded as a Morrisons),” he adds. Aside from the customer-facing operation, the fate of Sainsbury’s and ASDA distribution centres post-merger have also been a topic of debate. Conservative MP Mark Menzies, who worked in ASDA’s head ofﬁce for 11 years, called on the government to protect distribution centres to avoid them getting “absolutely hammered” if the mega-merger goes ahead. Here in the North West, Sainsbury’s has a 600,000+ sq ft distribution depot in Haydock whilst ASDA opened a £100 million state-of-the-art automated centre at Warrington’s Omega business park last summer. More pressing concerns surround how small businesses in the supply chain will be affected if the two companies come together.

Industry observers have questioned the soundness of Sainsbury’s pledge to slash the price of popular items by 10% without cuts being made somewhere across the combined business. In a recent letter to the CMA, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committees outlined their fear that the deal could damage the grocery supply chain. “Our committees have concerns over the impact that this merger would have on the grocery supply chain, particularly as the new business and its next largest competitor, Tesco Plc, would dominate the groceries retail market,” read the correspondence. For its part, Sainsbury’s says the merger will create “signiﬁcant opportunities for suppliers to develop differentiated product ranges, become more streamlined and to grow their

businesses as the combined business (Sainsbury’s and ASDA) grows”. “A merger of this size will concentrate a lot of power in the hands of one giant company, and it’s important that power isn’t misused to coerce small suppliers into accepting unfair contracts and poor payment terms,” says Phil McCabe, development manager at FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan. “Those at the top of Sainsbury’s and ASDA should explain how they plan to merge these two supply chains fairly, and give reassurance that cost savings won’t be achieved simply by milking their small suppliers for all they’re worth. “When investigating this proposed merger, the CMA should be looking for cast-iron commitments that a positive standard will be set for working with smaller suppliers.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 19

p01-20_Move Commercial 25/05/2018 15:11 Page 20

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p21-32_Move Commercial 25/05/2018 08:36 Page 21

International Business Festival 2018 Preview Liverpool is preparing to welcome global delegations and high profile business leaders to its third International Business Festival. Before Exhibition Centre Liverpool is transformed into a hub for networking, knowledge sharing and negotiating from 12-28 June, festival chairman Max Steinberg CBE tells Move Commercial what’s in it for North West firms.

The world in one city

How has the International Business Festival changed and progressed for 2018? MS: The 2014 and 2016 festivals facilitated more than half a billion pounds in additional trade and investment for the UK. It’s been a very strong start but we want to go further. The most important area of change and progress for 2018 is the sectorspecific focus of our programme. Each of the festival’s nine days will feature a different high-growth industry exploring the opportunities and challenges for business. The North West is a recognised global centre of excellence for all the sectors, from health and life sciences to sustainable energy to creative industries. The idea is that, as well as providing companies with the space and support they need, the festival can also act as a platform for the region to show off its assets to a global audience. What are your aims and expectations for this year’s festival when it comes to visitor numbers and its economic boost for the region? MS: The 2016 International Business Festival injected around £3 million into the Liverpool City Region visitor economy but the impact goes much further. Thousands of jobs and tens of

millions of pounds of new business for regional companies all delivered since our launch in 2014. We’re expecting around 27,000 visits over the three weeks across the main festival and the third-party conferences we’re hosting, including the World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment and major global women’s entrepreneurialism expo SheTrades. This magic combination of global industry professionals and UK business leaders coming together at the festival produces the results for which we’re known. The potential really is enormous. Is the fact that this year’s festival coincides with the Liverpool 2018 celebrations expected to have any impact? MS: We’ve been working closely with our colleagues across the city to make sure the festival is an integral part of this year’s celebrations. Being named 2008 European Capital of Culture was a huge catalyst for Liverpool’s resurgence and regeneration, and it’s one of the reasons we’re in the position to host a major international event like the International Business Festival. We might not seem, at first glance, like an obvious fit for a cultural calendar but we’re not your standard business conference. Our creative lead - former Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly - has dubbed us the ‘Glastonbury for business’, and designer Wayne Hemingway has been tasked with giving our festival floor an attractive, engaging look and feel. One of Liverpool 2018’s summer campaigns will focus on the Future World of Work and our keynotes for each day have been programmed on this theme, with industry-leading headline speakers like ARM Holdings CEO Simon Segars presenting their vision of work and business in an age of rapid technological change.

Who do you consider the International Business Festival to be for? MS: The primary audience is business leaders from small and medium sized firms who are looking to make connections and access the expertise they need to grow their business whether that’s about unlocking funding or exploring new global markets. Really though, the festival is for anyone interested in the future of business. There’s practical advice and guidance but also thought-provoking presentations by high-profile speakers like CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn, Cherie Blair or Lord Karan Bilimoria. You’ll also be able to see and interact with the best cutting edge British technology in the UK Innovation Hub. The festival attracts delegates from around the world, but why should North West business people attend? MS: Precisely for this reason. The world will be in Liverpool for three weeks in June, and North West companies need

to take advantage. My team and I have been travelling internationally, signing up delegations to attend this festival for more than a year now. The appetite from overseas firms to connect and trade with companies in the region is huge. Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester businesses will find their next global buyer, supplier or investor at the festival. How would you advise businesses of any size to get the most out of the festival? MS: One chief executive of a Cheshire-based firm recently told me they thought of the festival as a ‘one-stop shop’ for business, and that’s absolutely right. When you register to attend, you create a profile in our ‘Festival Connect’ online system allowing you to connect with other delegates and fill their diary with appointments, meetings and presentations. You’ll be able to make connections and receive expert advice it might otherwise take you months or years to access.

For more information about the festival visit www.Internationalbusinessfestival.com MOVE COMMERCIAL 21

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Lawrence Saunders lawrence@movepublishing.co.uk

In March, new plans to pedestrianise the full length of one of Liverpool’s most popular retail and leisure streets were met with a mixed response. Move Commercial gauges support for the proposals and examines the pros and cons of this radical planning strategy.

Walk This Way July 1967. The Beatles release ‘All You Need Is Love’, French President Charles de Gaulle declares ‘Long live free Quebec’ in Montreal and in Norwich, London Street becomes the first existing shopping street in the UK to be pedestrianised. A trio of landmark moments, but only one inspired a revolution. Within three years of Norwich’s automotive intervention, 20 more UK shopping streets had gone car-free, with even Perth in Australia following this East Anglian example. Scarcely a week after the Lord Mayor tied a white ribbon across the southern end of London Street to signify its closure to traffic, tables and chairs began to spring up as enterprising restaurateurs and café owners looked to take advantage. According to Norwich City Council’s progressive city chief planning officer at the time, Alfred Wood, the street quickly began to take on a “continental atmosphere” as shoppers and tourists “paused for refreshment”. Fast-forward half a century, and creating a similar vibe on its bohemian thoroughfare Bold Street was no doubt on the mind of Liverpool City Council when it brought forwards plans to fully close the street to traffic. 22 MOVE COMMERCIAL

The local authority says it hopes to “boost the emerging café culture and music scene” of the area with its Ropewalks STEP Scheme, which also aims to reduce traffic collisions, improve connections and attract future investment. If the proposals are approved it’s anticipated phase one of the works will begin in January 2019, and could reach completion by November of the same year. Those who welcomed the plans will likely have fond memories of the various Bold Street festivals which have given locals a flavour of what a fully pedestrianised Bold Street could offer (vehicle access to the lower half of the street has been restricted since 1973). “I’ve seen how busy the street can be when the road is closed and businesses are allowed to put tables and chairs outside their shops - there was a fantastic atmosphere,” says Steven Rennie, owner of Rennies Arts & Crafts, which has been trading on the upper part of Bold Street for over 35 years. Whilst Rennie may have been a fan of this free and easy ambiance, he admits to being conflicted over whether he’s behind permanent pedestrianisation.

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I’ve seen how busy the street can be when the road is closed and businesses are allowed to put tables outside their shops - there was a fantastic atmosphere.

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“Having road access to the shop certainly has its benefits,” he adds. “Customers are able to drive down to the shop to collect their artwork and of course it's easier for us to load and unload our own van each day. “My worry is that if the street is pedestrianised it will simply be a wide walkway, which really isn't necessary and of no real benefit to the traders on the street or the public.” Another upper Bold Street stakeholder with reservations over the plans is Jennifer Harland, director of ethically minded gift shop Shared Earth – located a few doors up from Rennies. Although not hostile to the proposals in principle, Harland believes the council’s strategy is firmly geared towards supporting the street’s increasingly dominant bar and restaurant offer. She’s worried that this approach, coupled with the loss of parking provision for customers if pedestrianisation goes ahead, could negatively impact retailers. “There's an awful lot of concerns I have as to whether the shops will thrive under the new plans,” says Harland. “It's something that's upset a lot of the retail businesses on Bold Street.”

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In an attempt to appease any concerned traders, Liverpool BID Company held a drop-in event where businesses were given the opportunity to contribute to the plans. According to Bill Addy, chief executive of the BID, while most traders are supportive of the proposals, some have expressed concerns over “potential disruption to services and accessibility”. Business trepidation over pedestrianisation is, of course, nothing new. Get it wrong and rising commercial rents can force out smaller independents – paving the way for bigger chains. “Academic evidence suggests that resistance to such schemes is relatively common amongst business representatives and owners,” says Dr Les Dolega, lecturer in GIS (Geographic Information Science) and retail geography at the University of Liverpool. “There is some evidence that pedestrianisation may lead to increases in rent, potential loss of business, especially in the initial stage of a scheme, and create some issues related to parking and delivery.” Though Dr Dolega points to proof that the strategy can have a negative

impact, he is personally supportive of the plans for Bold Street. “In my opinion, revitalisation of this part of the city including pedestrianisation of Bold Street would be very welcome. “Various empirical studies report a number of beneﬁts including enhancing the public realm, and improving safety and ambience of pedestrianised streets. Some studies also highlight environmental improvements and increased footfall. “The latter seems to be supported by data showing twice as high footfall on the pedestrianised part of Bold Street.” The Liverpool professor is keen to stress that there are other possible factors responsible for this footfall disparity, including superior integration with the main shopping destination of Church Street, and proximity to the major train station Liverpool Central. High pedestrian foot trafﬁc doesn’t necessarily equate to cash in the tills however and, as one agent regularly involved with commercial lets on the street reveals, there are a number of retailers struggling on the currently pedestrianised lower section of Bold Street. “There are plenty of vacancies and

Photo: Amey Consulting on behalf of Liverpool City Council

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It’s vitally important that the council and the Liverpool BID Company get the design right.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / John Bradley / CC-BY-SA-2.0

Pedestrianisation of Liverpool’s Bold Street Focus

lots of traders not doing well,” says Andreas Anastasiou of Tano Properties. “This is a reflection of previous high rents and rates along with poor quality operators. “With the recent rates assessment and rent reductions it has now allowed for new operators to enter the street with confidence of success." Anastasiou thinks the street as a Photo: © Mr M Evison / CC-BY-SA-2.0 whole will profit from a “long overdue uplift,” but he is urging the council to ensure the project is completed to a high standard. “As always the devil will be in the detail, and it’s important that all street clutter such as lamp posts and sign posts are removed. “Ideally we will see well-designed canopies and umbrellas which will be permanent and situated through the spine of the street, with vacant units given up for the arts and crafts along with specialist local produce. “There are numerous examples of pedestrianised streets which have not worked and certain traders on Bold Street prefer that their customers can park outside their premises. “It’s vitally important that the council and the Liverpool BID Company get the design right, and ensure the changes benefit the street and the city.”

Left: Conceptual visualisation of a pedestrianised upper Bold Street Right: Present day view from upper Bold Street, as a functioning road

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There is some evidence that pedestrianisation may lead to increase in rent and potential loss of business, especially in the initial stage of a scheme.

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MOVE COMMERCIAL 23

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Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk

With continuing growth, new ventures and a second prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise, it’s an exciting time for Wirral-based food exporter Smylie Ltd. The firm’s managing director tells Move Commercial how ongoing investment and an ever-increasing understanding of global markets has helped lead the firm’s success.

Flying the flag The British flag has been very important to Wirral-based food exporting business Smylie Ltd – known as Smylies - over the years, according to managing director Chris Smylie. “When people see [a product is] made in the UK they do trust it,” he tells Move Commercial. “It’s certainly a massive selling point and that’s been one of our successes.” It’s no wonder then that Smylies is determined to make the most of its recently announced stamp of approval from the British monarchy, in the form of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in international trade. When the family-run company heads to a royal reception in June to pick up the prestigious prize, it’ll be the second time the firm has been presented with the accolade. “We won the award back in 2014 and for us it’s definitely the best award to win - it’s one of those awards that is recognised around the world,” explains Smylie. “Virtually everyone has heard of the Queen and then you’ve got a photo of yourself meeting the Queen – last time it was myself and my father. “It’s not just about customers, but also suppliers and the staff here 24 MOVE COMMERCIAL

knowing they’re working for a good business that’s going places and being successful.” With Prince Charles expected to hand out this year’s awards, which also recognise achievers in innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility, Chris Smylie’s brothers Alex and Adam, who he describes as “an integral part of the business”, will this time be on hand for the photo opportunity. “We’re working on some of the marketing now, looking at how it can be best presented to customers and suppliers and how we can push on it,” explains the managing director. For Smylies, the award has provided an early icing on the cake for a 2018 that’s already bringing new ventures, investment and an expectation of continued growth in the ﬁrm’s 15th year. The company was established back in 2003, building on the Smylie family’s already long-running background in the food industry. “The Smylie name in business and food goes back to 1843 in one way or another,” explains Smylie, whose great great great grandfather James Smylie

emigrated from Ireland to Manchester during the potato famine and set up a food company selling provisions such as bacon, lard, butter and cheese. “In about the mid 1990s the Smylie business was in wholesaling and used to supply butchers around the North West with products, and then that business evolved and in around 2000 an old butcher friend of my father’s went to work in Dubai and he started to ask my father to source various British products for him. “At the time my father was going around Cash & Carry outlets picking up prices and products like Heinz Baked Beans and Weetabix, and when he finally got an order together of a few pallets worth of food he sent it over to Dubai. It was all quite small at the time and dad used to work out of an office while outsourcing the warehouse element to a company in Cheshire.” In 2003 when economics graduate Smylie had been travelling and then spent a year working in insurance, his father Nigel invited him on board to further develop the business of selling British produce to expats and overseas markets with a new office and a warehouse.

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It should be a very exciting and interesting few years ahead, backed up with the Queen’s Award which puts us in a good position.

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Chris Smylie, managing director, Smylie Ltd Focus

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The Smylie name in business and food goes back to 1843 in one way or another.

Starting with a four-strong team and a focus on securing the sale of British produce to Middle Eastern destinations including UAE, Bahrain and Qatar; Smylies began with the now managing director building up the warehouse and the markets the business was targeting. Once the business was a few years in he played a key part in expanding their exporting reach into more countries. “I went on a trade mission to Hong Kong in 2007,” he says. “We got some support from the Derbyshire Chamber of all places, but they were the ones organising the mission. “We went to see a few potential clients and one of them was called the Dairy Farm Group. We’ve been supplying them for over 10 years and they’re actually one of our biggest customers now so the trip was well worth doing and we’ve come a long way since then. “When Hong Kong came along we also started supplying to Singapore and Malaysia.” Smylies has now achieved growth during each of its 15 years in business, and currently exports products to the likes of retailers and food service companies in around 50 countries worldwide, across the Middle East, Asia

and the US as well as growing markets in New Zealand, Australia and the Caribbean. Meanwhile here in the UK, Smylies has a workforce of more than 60 people and has also gradually grown from sourcing products from wholesalers to building up a portfolio of direct accounts with food and drink suppliers looking to export their goods. The ﬁrm’s 30,000 sq ft facility, where it has been based for almost four years, has helped to facilitate that growth. “We were looking to relocate in Wirral and at the time we were leasing a property in Bidston but the other units there were quite rundown,” recalls Smylie. “We got talking to Wirral Chamber, who were talking to the council, and one of the developers came to see us about some new warehouses they were looking to build in Bromborough.” Agreeing to buy the new site was a big commitment for Smylies, which would more than double its commercial space in the move as it relocated from a 12,000 sq ft base. “We very much helped design the building with the developer, because at

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the time they were actually going to build two smaller units,” he adds. “We said those wouldn’t be good enough for us and, actually, [the developer] needed someone to sign up for it otherwise it wouldn’t have gone ahead.” Alongside exporting prominent brands such as Cadbury, Bird’s Eye and Muller, a natural progression Smileys was to ﬁnd further growth through launching its own label products. In 2016, equipped with an extensive knowledge of global export markets, their needs and what they look for in produce, Smylies branched out with its King’s Deli range of hand-cooked crisps. “We weren’t really working with any other crisp brands who wanted to work with us, or maybe they’d got their own agenda on exports or there were some brands we liked but perhaps they didn’t tick the box on price, ﬂavours or shelf life so we thought why not try and do it ourselves,” says Smylie, adding: “We’d also reached the stage as a business where we were at the right size, we had the client base and we thought it wasn’t too much of a risk. “Now [the crisps] are in various markets in the Middle East, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, Hong Kong,

Photo: Derek Harper / CC-BY-SA-3.0

and a number of countries in Africa as well; and it’s even opened up a few markets for us in Europe, where there’s always been a market that we haven’t really supplied.” According to Smylie, 2018 will see the company continue its foray into own-label produce with the launch of cheeses and yoghurts, but that’s not all it has in store. “We’ve invested a lot this year in IT so we’ve got a new system which will hopefully go live in June and that’s going to be great for business. “In the warehouse we’ve put a new mezzanine ﬂoor in and a big new conveyor belt project to help us be a lot more effective on what’s coming in and going out of our doors. “We’ve also got a big new online portal where customers will be able to log in and view the product range and the prices, log into their own account and view information and news, so we’ve really laid the foundations this year to enable us to kick out over the next couple of years. “It should be a very exciting and interesting few years ahead, backed up with the Queen’s Award which puts us in a good position.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 25

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Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk

From food and drink establishments to large corporations, businesses across the North West are promising to help save sea life by scaling back on plastics. Move Commercial explores the changes being made, and how businesses can truly make a difference.

Turning the tide An estimated eight million metric tonnes of plastic is put into the ocean each year, according to the BBC’s hit ‘Blue Planet II’ series. The show brought the issue into sharp focus at the turn of the year, as Sir David Attenborough raised awareness with dramatic scenes of waste drifting amongst the water and its marine life. Whilst some environmentally conscious companies had already been pro-active in cutting back on their uses of the material, which is even said to be found in arctic ice, the urgency of plastics’ threat appears to now be rippling through government and corporate policies. “Single-use plastics that have been used for only a few seconds can last centuries in the natural environment,” warned Chancellor Philip Hammond earlier this year in the government’s ‘Tackling the plastic problem: Using the tax system or charges to address singleuse plastic waste’ report. “We are all too familiar with the eyesore of litter across our landscapes and we are starting to learn more about the damage it can do to wildlife and delicate 26 MOVE COMMERCIAL

ecosystems,” he added. The government has launched a pledge to eradicate plastic waste by the end of 2042, and called on industry as well as local authorities and environmental experts to help inform policy changes as part of a recent consultation prior to publishing a Resources and Waste Strategy later this year. The plans for drastic action follow previous gradual progress such as 2015’s introduction of a 5p charge for carrier bags in large shops – a move which the government suggests has reduced their use by 80% in England - and a UK ban on microbeads in cosmetics and toiletries. Meanwhile businesses of all sizes have been setting the wheels of change in motion, with drinks bottles, disposable coffee cups and plastic straws among the ﬁrst products to be targeted in a battle against single-use plastics. Department store Selfridges, which has North West branches in Manchester’s Exchange Square as well as the Trafford Centre, has been leading by example for a number of years through its ‘Project Ocean’ partnership with The Zoological

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We feel a responsibility to lead the way when it comes to meeting the Mayor’s challenge of making Greater Manchester one of the greenest city regions in Europe.

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Society of London (ZSL) and the Marine Reserves Coalition. The retailer, which ﬁrst committed to no longer stocking water in singleuse plastic bottles in 2015, has since turned its attention to removing carbonated drinks in plastic from its shelves in recent months as it reportedly strives to “encourage environmentally conscious behaviour from individuals, to manufacturers and retailers”. The BBC has also followed up its screening of ‘Blue Planet II’ with its own three-step plan to remove single-use plastic from its operations by 2020, with plastic cups and cutlery scrapped by the end of 2018, plastic containers removed from canteens by 2019 and a complete end to the use of single-use plastics across the corporation by 2020. Here in the region the BBC’s MediaCityUK base in Salford is playing a key part in the pledge, as a pilot to stop plastic containers in canteens began there in February and a trial coffee cup recycling scheme was also lined up for the site. On a broader scale Greater Manchester is also striving to be the ﬁrst city region to ditch single-use

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Plastic-free businesses Focus

Plastic: How to cut back Pat Jennings of the CIWM provides top tips on identifying how to cut out plastics in your business: • Eliminate single-use plastics where suitable alternatives exist, e.g. plastic cups, stirrers, straws, cutlery and non-recyclable transit packaging. Where plastic products and packaging can’t be avoided, ask suppliers if they can offer more sustainable alternatives. These will depend on the function and application of the product but options include lightweighting to use less plastic, specifying products with more recycled content, assessing whether a different polymer type might offer a better environmental outcome, and reducing multi-material formats that may be hard to recycle. • For unavoidable plastic waste, work with your contractor on optimising your recycling performance by separating out plastic waste in the most effective way.

plastics, starting with the hospitality sector. Back in March, Mayor Andy Burnham brought high-proﬁle names from the industry, including Hotel Football owner and exManchester United player Gary Neville, together to kick off the ‘Plastic-Free Greater Manchester’ campaign. More than 40 businesses have signed up to the initiative and committed to going plastic-free by 2020, including the Lowry Hotel, hospitality and events at The University of Manchester, and the prominent event space Manchester Central. “As an iconic venue in Manchester we feel a responsibility to lead the way when it comes to meeting the Mayor’s challenge of making Greater Manchester one of the greenest city regions in Europe,” Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, tells Move Commercial. “In addition to having our own recycling centre on site, we’re proud to be ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) accredited for environmental management and will continue to

look for ways to help reduce our impact on the environment. “We’ve recently moved away from plastic straws at the venue and have pledged to signiﬁcantly reduce the amount of single-use plastic by 2020 by introducing compostable and biodegradable alternatives to items such as cutlery, plastic cups and lids. In addition, we’re also working with our supply chain on reducing plastic at source before any goods arrive at the venue.” Café chain Ziferblat, which has Manchester branches in the Northern Quarter and MediaCityUK, has also signed up to the Mayor’s pledge, with marketing manager Ben Davies saying the “movement has really started a conversation about the changes we can make as businesses to be more eco-friendly”. Extending plastic reductions to its other North West branch in Liverpool’s St Paul’s Square, Ziferblat is among a number of food and drink establishments in the area to remove plastic straws as a starting point. “All of our waste gets recycled anyway but we're now looking further into how we could make

ourselves more eco-friendly,” adds Davies. So with businesses across the North West and the UK ambitiously proposing to cut back plastic usage for the sake of the environment, what is the potential for all kinds of companies to achieve their aims and progress beyond this initial focus on food and drink related disposals? “Plastic often gets talked about as if it were one material, but plastics are a complex family of materials and so the choices that can be made to develop a more sustainable approach will depend very much on each product and application,” explains Pat Jennings, head of policy and communications at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). “However, by looking at the different plastics that are part of your business, you can map out where making a different decision could reduce your plastic use or increase the potential for quality recycling that will ensure the material can be placed back into the market rather than sent for disposal.”

• Get up to speed on so called bioplastics because the name covers a multitude of materials, not all of which offer the environmental outcomes you might expect. Some are so called because they’re plant-based rather than fossil fuel-based, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re any more recyclable than conventional plastics. They reduce fossil fuel consumption and come from a renewable source but can still pose the same problems at the point of becoming a waste. • Consider materials labelled degradable, biodegradable and compostable carefully as these characteristics are often based on a particular set of conditions or treatment options, without which they may contaminate existing plastic waste collection and treatment routes. • There are lots of rigid plastics in business environments, particularly in electrical applications. Specifying remanufactured items, choosing more modular products that can be repaired or upgraded more easily, and specifying recycled content - in building products such as ducting or pipes, for example - will contribute to a more sustainable approach to plastics. MOVE COMMERCIAL 27

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Diary Dates - Sporting Special Best for football fanatics

Best for networking

Best for property professionals

24 May

28 June

July

RTPI North West 5-a-side football tournament

Brabners World Cup event England v Belgium

JLL Property Triathlon North

Powerleague, Union Street, Manchester

The Living Room, Deansgate, Manchester

Gear up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with this 5-a-side football tournament organised by RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) North West. The event at Powerleague Manchester Central will see a maximum of 20 teams of up to seven players compete for trophies from 5-9.30pm. Food will available throughout the tournament, which is being sponsored by HOW Planning and Kings Chambers. To sign up your team, visit www.rtpi.org.uk.

Commercial law firm Brabners hosts a special screening of England’s final World Cup Group G matchup against the well-fancied Belgians. Attendees are asked to arrive at The Living Room from 6pm for welcome drinks and a spot of networking before the big game gets underway at 7pm.

MediaCityUK, Salford

It’s time to get into training ahead of the annual JLL Property Triathlon North at Salford’s MediaCityUK. Open to anyone connected with the property industry, the event comprises a 750-metre swim, a 20km bike ride and a 5km run taking in well-known sites including the Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry Theatre. Now into its fourth year, individuals or relay teams can enter the race which regularly attracts competitors ranging from complete novices to more seasoned athletes.

Professional Pointers

In the know

Maintaining workplace productivity during the World Cup

Timetastic £0.50 per user/month, access on desktop and mobile

with Altum HR When warmer weather strikes, stuffy conditions and distractions through the window invariably take their toll on office productivity. Add large-scale sporting events to this and employees may feel distracted if the proper provisions are not put in place. Altum HR, a member of The Business Exchange by Warrington & Co, offers some tips to keep your team in working order when the World Cup kicks off on 14 June:

Plan ahead Managers should make a note of the World Cup fixtures well in advance. By planning ahead, for example, for when an England game takes place during office hours, managers can offer staff flexible working hours, allowing them to start early, leave late or make up the time.

Be inclusive Make sure everybody who wants to be involved is included by rolling out workplace activities across the whole team or company. Rather than employees running their own private 28 MOVE COMMERCIAL

sweepstakes, which could leave some people feeling left out, send out an email in advance to encourage group participation.

Cater for those with other interests Some staff members may not be as engaged in these sporting events, so it’s important to acknowledge those people too. If their colleagues are being offered additional flexibility, ensure they enjoy the same benefits. For example, you could allow them earlier starts to avoid working in overheated conditions. The World Cup only comes around once every four years so it’s important to keep employee morale up at this time – even if England bow out early! Don’t forget to keep the office cool, offer perks such as ice lollies and adhere to health and safety under all circumstances.

Above all, have fun!

The summer months are peak time for holiday requests as staff scramble to get away for fun in the sun and, with the World Cup looming, add demands for key match days off to the mix. For some companies, keeping track of who’s in and who isn’t can be difficult. Manchester-made staff leave planner Timetastic aims to make the whole process a lot simpler. Each employee gets their own personal calendar and summary where they can see and track their time off – accessed via mobile app and desktop. Request time off and your line manager will be informed via email with just one click needed to approve or decline. Each employee can split the working day into two sessions to account for a lunch break as well - handy for anyone wanting to take a half-day for an unmissable sporting event.

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Business lifestyle

How to… embrace the sporting summer According to research from CV-Library, more than six out of 10 UK workers think businesses should show support for big sporting events. That support will be put to the test this summer with the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon, The Open Championship and the Tour de France all taking place across June and July. With that in mind, here’s how your office can embrace the sporting summer and introduce some fun to the workplace:

1. Sweepstake

Tried & Tested Business lunch Silk Rd

Organising a classic office sweepstake or fantasy football league for the World Cup can be great way to help everyone feel involved in the soccer celebration. Don't want to play for money? Try offering special staff perks for prizes instead like an extra day’s holiday or restaurant vouchers.

AND

ENGL

Beetham Plaza, Liverpool, L2 Review by Liam Deveney Enjoying a prime yet discreet location in Liverpool’s Commercial District, Silk Rd is a restaurant which promises to ‘bring to life the food, drinks and soul’ of the ancient Silk Road. Sharing the owners’ passion for food and travel, the menu offers a diverse range of dishes influenced by the network of trade routes which connected East and West. During our visit we were well served by our waiter Mark, who showed us to a comfortable booth and thereafter was a model of courtesy and assistance, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for food and setting the tone for a most congenial lunch. Silk Road’s menu is diverse, with dishes to suit a wide range of palates including numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options. We plumped for two tapas dishes for £8 (Mon-Thurs only) and were glad we did. As an appetiser, we chose Crusty Kalamata Olive Bread (£3) served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar: a deliciously light plate, the perfect precursor to lunch. My vegetarian dining partner noted with pleasure the abundance of dishes marked with a ‘V’ - “a rare sight in Liverpool” - and decided upon a Moroccan salad which was “wonderfully yummy” - and Colombo Tamarind curry served with naan bread. I’m reliably informed that he chose well.

I selected fried seabass on a bed of red curry fragrant rice, which was simply delectable, and Yaour Tlou - savoury beef kebabs topped with Greek yoghurt and spiced tomato sauce and dusted with paprika - which proved to be the perfect complement. Working diners can stay abreast of business in between courses with strong WiFi and a generous supply of power points. The aforementioned booths offer privacy as well as comfort, providing an inconspicuous venue should one be required. Sadly, with an afternoon meeting to attend, both coffee and dessert were skipped although we were both wholly sated from our great value tapas. The warm and attentive staff, the excellently executed menu and the natural light pouring in through the large glass panes ensure that Silk Road provides a convivial and satisfying experience - one which is sure to prove popular with both the city’s residents and the many visitors who enjoy Liverpool hospitality throughout the year. The owners hope that their guests will ‘feel our passion for travel, our love for fresh food and our desire to share it with you’. Your reviewer can confirm that this hope is fully realised in their charming restaurant. My recommendation could not be any higher.

SPAIN 2. Football shirt Friday With this sporty slant on the popular ‘dress down Friday’, invite staff to wear their favourite football or sporting jersey to the office in return for a charity donation.

3. Office viewings When it comes to the biggest sporting events, even the most diligent staff member will be keeping an eye (or ear) on the action when they’re not supposed to be. Instead of cracking down on work shirkers, get the whole team together to enjoy the likes of a big England game together. MOVE COMMERCIAL 29

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Get the north-westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest business and property news wherever you are. www.movecommercial.com

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Expert views Ask the panel

The £600 million Mersey Gateway Bridge finally opened last October with the promise of economic benefit to businesses on both sides of the river. With debate continuing over the palpable merits of the project, we’re asking experts:

Q: What impact has the Mersey Gateway Bridge had on the North West so far? It was promoted that there would be parity between the Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Mersey Tunnel. The business community was somewhat misled on that. We’ve got a coach going through the tunnel on the tag for £2.40, whilst the same vehicle going over the bridge is £7.20. Where we are based in Runcorn, we’re nearer to the old bridge, so we’re doing more mileage if we want to go directly to Widnes. It's affected deliveries as well. Certain companies will not deliver in Runcorn or Widnes unless they’ve got multiple drops to do. As a business, we’ve lost contracts with numerous Widnes schools who won’t book us for certain trips because it’s better to get someone from the other side of the water - even though we’ve worked with them for years. Halton Borough Council is very keen to talk about the economic benefits the bridge has brought but it’s the tangible benefits which we can’t see at the moment.

We know that the imposition of tolls at the new Mersey crossing has created an administration burden on companies that is a cost to the freight industry. That cost, unseen by the bridge operators, together with the toll itself, will have to be absorbed by freight operators and at some point passed on to their customers. We will continue to monitor our members’ costs and difficulties with the toll to ensure that there is a recognition of the real cost to the public of this tolled bridge.

BE Group has been marketing commercial property across Warrington and Halton for over 30 years. In that time we have experienced the highs and lows in occupier demand, and we are currently experiencing high demand in Halton at present. Some of this is undoubtedly due to supply constraints in neighbouring markets, but it is also due to the completion of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in our view. Whilst the construction period did create some challenges on the local road network in both Widnes and Runcorn, since the opening of the new bridge and the new enhanced road links, we have found that the occupier viewing experience is much better due to the quicker road connections in and out of the areas close to the new bridge. In fact, the last five occupier deals we have been involved with on the Manor Park and Astmoor Estates have been with inward investors. These occupiers relocated their businesses from the wider Cheshire and Merseyside territories, which is a characteristic uncommon in recent years.

Malcolm Bingham, head of road network management policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA)

Richard Bamber, managing partner, Anthony’s Travel

The positive impact that the Mersey Gateway Bridge is having on Merseyside and the wider North West cannot be underestimated. The improved connectivity is helping to attract occupiers to the area who can now access a wider labour pool. In October last year, we completed the development of a 90,000 sq ft facility to advanced manufacturing firm LPW Technology, working in partnership with Halton Borough Council. One of the driving factors in the company’s decision to be based there

was its ability to tap into a highly skilled labour pool from both sides of the river. Attracting high profile businesses such as LPW will in turn attract further inward investment to the area. Indeed, we’re looking at further development opportunities in the area, which is largely thanks to the improved connectivity and infrastructure which is continuing to happen within the Liverpool City Region. Freddie Oakey, associate development director at db symmetry

Simon Roddam, director at BE Group

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Outstanding arrears collection.

Ground rent and service charge arrears. jbleitch.co.uk