FEBRUARY 2024 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 39 ISSUE 2 Engineering questionsGetting to the next levelPerpetual growthZZZVWFRQQHFWFRXN 1HZ+RXVLQJ'HYHORSPHQWVWKDWIDFH1XWULHQW1HXWUDOLW\ RUOLWWOHQRFDSDFLW\6HYHUQ7UHQW&RQQHFWFDQKHOSSOHDVHFRQWDFWXV ENABLINGGLOBALTRADE,LEADINGPOSITIVECHANGE CustomsClearance CustomsConsultancy CustomsWarehouseManagement Integratedserviceoffering, poweredbyintelligence Getintouch: +441469574649 enquiries.customs@clarksons.com www.clarksons.com Visit us at Business Showcase Doncaster Racecourse Thursday 29th February Lincoln Property & Business Investment Expo Wednesday 20th March For All Business Development Enquiries Please Contact Business Development Manager Lara Day Email: lara.day @ st-connect.co.uk Mobile: 07384 450 701 Benefits Odourless and quiet Unobtrusive and small footprint Environmental and sustainability matters Non-potable water services (rainwater and greywater systems) Nutrient Neutrality Adoption of sustainable drainage system (SuDS) Lower customer bills Removal of potential delays and expedited development Certainty in time frame Ofwat regulated 67&RQQHFWThe magazine that cares We care because we want to leave our world a better place than we found it Business Link believes that being socially and environmentally responsible is the key to maintaining a flourishing business that our customers will be pleased to use and our staff will be proud to be part of. Community - From a very local point of view, we strive to be a ‘good neighbour’. We also extend that into the much broader local community, through financial support of local causes and charities. Environment - Our actions extend to: conservation of energy and natural resources, minimisation of waste and ensuring our trading partners do likewise. From the Editor It’s an election year and that means mudslinging, accusations, bold statements (not always rooted in reality or fact) and a whole lot of grandstanding with not much meaningful change for those trying to make ends meet. As both parties struggle to claim voters – with the Conservatives struggling more than most at the moment according to polls – business owners may be left wondering who they’re supposed to vote for. The old approach of the Conservatives being the pro-business party is beginning to feel a little hollow given successive years of poor economic governance and rising corporation tax. Naturally, it’s not our job or business to tell anyone how to vote or who for. We’ll leave that to the likes of the Guardian and the Telegraph to duke out. Our business, as ever, is on keeping an eye on the B2B industry in our region and making our readers aware of the latest goings-on, which, in an election year, can get very hectic. The Conservative party are likely to start throwing things at the wall to see what sticks in the coming weeks and months, so expect some downright wacky ideas and proposals. That is, unless they really do commit to the Rwanda plan to the exclusion of all else, which isn’t likely to impress many businesses in our region given recent failings over HS2 and Levelling Up. All this with the worrying news of global tensions and talk of a Citizen’s Army – which one might think would at least galvanise the region’s manufacturing and engineering sector, since surely one can’t talk of a citizen’s army without investment in manufacturing of military supplies (which we are told are in low supply), and yet it seems we are to have talk of a citizen’s army without talk of investment in equipping it. Even with the possibility of war rumbling, our manufacturing sector can’t catch a break. One can only assume Baroness Mone will be granted a contract to provide the army with body armour. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher EditorFEBRUARY 2024 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property Transformational projects are moving forwards throughout Yorkshire. 14 Engineering spotlight Looking to the year ahead, the engineering industry is set to invigorate 2024, both across the East Midlands, and further afield. 20 Business travel and leisure In a world where virtual meetings have become the norm; the enduring value of face-to-face interactions remains undeniable. 24 Printing and packaging To look, feel, and be different from competitors, businesses should make their print and packaging designs vibrant and unique, but simple and clear in their functionality and communication. 28 Apprenticeships and training The saying goes that if we’re not learning, we’re not growing. The same can be said of a business and its decisions on providing training to employees, or apprenticeships to up-and-coming talent. 32 Meet the expert With how challenging a year 2024 is expected to be, it’s more important than ever to find the right person for the job. 34 Corporate hospitality The cost of recruitment is through the roof, and companies are finding it hard to find good staff, which means it’s all the more important to keep hold of the ones you have. We look at ways to accomplish this, and why the idea of “entitled employees” might be less of a curse and more of a blessing. If you play your cards right. 38 AutoLink The first two months of the year can often feel a little slow on the new motors front, but we bring you a few more offerings for personal pleasure, family, or fleet purposes. 42 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 46 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 20 24 28Group Editor Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial contact newsdesk@blmgroup.co.uk Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Sales Director Angela Cooper (a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Kerry Randerson (k.randerson@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: (01472) 310301 Fax: (01472) 310311 Tel: (01472) 310304 Fax: (01472) 310314 Haychart Ltd, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N.E. Lincs., DN31 2QE. reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of COVER PHOTOS: STOCK.ADOBE.COM - JAWED GFX • PUTILOV_DENIS • SEVENTYFOUR • NEMANJA • MIKALAI 14Plans to transform former Tramways WMC site in York approved Oakgate Group has secured planning permission to regenerate the former Tramways Working Men’s Club in York into 35 new homes, with linked improvements to the adjacent park where Dick Turpin’s grave is located. City of York Council granted planning approval for the club site on Mill Street in York which closed in 2018, when it became commercially unviable and was sold by its members to Oakgate Group, part of the Caddick group of companies. A thorough consultation was undertaken and various changes were made to the designs, in collaboration with the Council and other stakeholders. These changes included reducing the height and massing of the proposed building and amending the design. The new development has been named St George’s Terrace. Richard France, Managing Director of Oakgate Group, said: “Our proposals will replace an unattractive building to provide high quality new homes and will also bring major improvements to the vital green space, the Rest Gardens next to it – giving the grave of Dick Turpin the presence and profile it warrants, whilst delivering better amenities for the local residents.” 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Yorkshire renewables firm makes tenth strategic acquisition Cleantech business Green Building Renewables’ tenth acquisition sees it surpass the £40m turnover milestone as it continues its rapid expansion across England at the start of 2024. Crawley-based Doré Woodman has joined Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable experts, allowing the company to expand further into Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. At the same time, staff numbers have risen from 18 in its York office to over 200 across its fourteen regional offices in England. Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney said: “Our tenth acquisition and surpassing the £40million turnover mark is a double milestone for the company and a great start to the year. Everyone within the business can be extremely proud of our achievements in the last two years. “We have grown our reach and expanded our coverage across England. Our ambitions for 2024 are even bigger as we aim to have full coverage of England. We welcome Ben Freeman and the team at Doré Woodman to ours.” Sills & Betteridge gain new ground in top 200 law firms table With a 27 place climb since they first entered The Lawyer publication’s prestigious UK200 rankings in 2019, Sills and Betteridge LLP are now in position 160 – with growth of 15% on the previous year placing the firm in the top 10 best performing firms in the country. The report is seen as the benchmark for anyone with a serious interest in the business of law. It comprises months of detailed, impartial research into the firm’s financial performance, characteristics of its service delivery and analysis of its people - looking forensically at diversity, progression and development. Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “A combination of factors has led to these results, but they are principally due to organic growth, our acquisition of niche matrimonial practice Acclaimed Family Law of Sheffield, the recruitment of several senior fee earners across the firm and continuous efficiency initiatives across our working practices and operations.” But it’s not just about financial performance, the firm is also recognised in the gender analysis section of the report with another top 10 position. Martyn Hallwww.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS MBO completes at industrial doors specialist A management buyout (MBO) has been completed at an industrial door company supported by an investment from Finance Yorkshire. Interdoor, based in Hull, supplies and maintains specialist industrial doors throughout the whole of the UK to a range of sectors including retail, food processing, aviation, automotive and film and television. Established in 2017, the company has grown substantially over the last six years. The MBO was led by the company’s operations director, Gary Toalster, with the support of Managing Director Mark Roberts, who prior to the sale owned 100% of the company. He will remain as a shareholder and director of the new business. Gary, who was originally employed by Mark’s father 15 years ago as an apprentice engineer, said: “The buyout enables us to support our growth plans for Interdoor and together with our unrivalled customer service and technical knowledge will help us in our ambition to become one of the largest national industrial door maintenance providers in the UK.” Yorkshire business confidence rises in January Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose 11 points during January to 44%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 18 points at 54%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up four points to 34%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 44%. Businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as entering new markets, investing in their team and introducing new technology. A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month. Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The prospect of a more stable economic environment in 2024 is likely to be a big part of why Yorkshire businesses are starting the year on such a confident footing. While challenges undoubtedly remain, it’s promising to see firms looking to enter new markets to maximise growth in the year ahead.” L-R: Alex McWhirter, Finance Yorkshire; Gary Toalster, Interdoor; and Ian Brown, Finance Yorkshire Keeping Your Business Moving Commercial Trailer Specialists in Stallingborough, Grimsby Hire, Service & Repairs T: 01469 574239 M: 07711 496138 E: glcommercials@btinternet.com W: www.glcommercials.com Steve Harris Start of work on site heralds new chapter for iconic Harrogate buildings Work is now underway to convert the iconic ‘Herald Buildings’ in Harrogate town centre into a new retail and apartment scheme. Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond has appointed Ashfield Projects to undertake the careful renovation of these significant heritage buildings. Originally built in the 1850s, they were the headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser for much of the last century until the newspaper company moved out in 1990. Most recently, the building operated as a bar for nearly 30 years before closing in 2021. Rushbond acquired the development in 2021 and work is now underway to transform the buildings into four high quality ground floor retail units and five apartments including a penthouse, designed by SPX Architects. Richard Gough from Rushbond said: “We are excited to have begun work on this iconic local landmark. The renovations will create a sustainable, long- term use for these significant buildings, offering future generations of people the opportunity to live and work in this locally designated heritage asset.” TOWER FIELD SERVICES Cat Tech Tower Field Services offers bespoke mechanical services to oil refinery and petrochemical plants all around the world. Our team has vast experience in overseeing and undertaking the installation of all types of Tower internals. Our Tower tray, packing and other internals installation services has deep roots, with several of the senior team at Cat Tech being involved in the founding of the Cana-Tex organisation. Since 1971, Cana-Tex had been the premier global Tower speciality contractor; performing Tower maintenance and plant turnaround projects around the world. These origins, with the addition of new team members, make Cat Tech Tower Field services a global operation which is both cost effective and technically experienced. We strive to create new ways to make your Tower work safer, faster and more productive and that can make very good things happen for your business. We thrive on exceeding our clients expectations and understand the need for upfront communication in relation to timescales and costs. No-one likes surprises in this industry and we ensure that everything is done, from pre-job planning, on site activities to post job reporting in a manner which allows our customers to concentrate on their core business. Let us show you what we can do. We work hard to maintain an industry reputation for safety, speed and dependability. Ours crews have been trained by us, this allows us to staff a project with the proven skills necessary to produce customer satisfaction. It is our intention to demonstrate the benefit of utilising Cat Tech for all of your Tower work. The benefits of engaging Cat Tech are: l Experienced Tower specialists. l Proven track record. l Ability to supply spares and replacements. l Spade to Spade service. l Revamps or modifications to Towers / Internals. l Inspection of Tower internals. l Supervision of external/client labour force. l Detailed inspection reports. l Cleaning of tower internals. l Reactor tray field services. l Turnkey reactor tray field services. At Cat Tech, we continue to create new ways to make Tower work safer, faster and more productive. And that can make very good things happen for your business. Contact us for further information. Our well established sales team have a wealth of experience. We take pride on ensuring all enquires are dealt with quickly and efficiently. China: Cat Tech Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Room 1230 No.1, 58 Nong Huachi Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 20061 CN Phone: +(86) 2152 9175 08 Fax: +(86) 2152 9175 05 Singapore: Cat Tech Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., 17 Fan Yoong Road, Singapore 629794 Phone: +(65) 6264 6261 Fax: +(65) 6264 6401 South America: Please contact the UK office on +44 1724 871 747 Thailand: Cat Tech Services (Thailand) Ltd., 2/1 Soi Banbon Nuenpayom Road, Maptaphut Sub District, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province 21150 TH Phone: +(66) 894 064 100 Fax: +(66) 638 692 382 MAKING YOUR PLANT WORK… SMARTER www.cat-tech.com PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KAWINNINGSGrade II listed Leeds landmark sold Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has sold the iconic, Grade II listed, Oxford Place former Methodist Mission in Leeds city centre’s Civic Quarter. With a history dating back to the early 1800s, the former chapel extends to over 33,000 sq ft and provides an opportunity for expansion and development. It is located on Westgate, immediately adjacent to the Grade I Listed Leeds Town Hall. Planning consent had been granted for two different boutique hotel schemes, but the purchaser is likely to pursue a residential scheme. The property has been acquired by Samara Properties Ltd, a Leeds-based investor and developer with several completed schemes around The Headrow and Westgate/Park Square areas of Leeds city centre. Richard Corby, senior director & head of Leeds office at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We are excited to have disposed of this outstanding opportunity to acquire a striking, large and historic city centre asset with significant redevelopment potential. The regeneration of Oxford Place will provide a scheme of huge benefit to both Leeds city centre and the public realm.” www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS DONCASTER BUSINESS SHOWCASE2024 Thursday 29 February 2024 Doncaster Racecourse 10am - 4pm Visitors attend FREE! Leap into new possibilities Headline SponsorNext >