FEBRUARY 2025 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 40 ISSUE 2 Solving problems with apprenticeships Adapting to new timesThe key to capturing attention27.02.25 Headline Sponsor Over 250 exhibition stands DONCASTER RACECOURSE 10am-4pm VISIT FOR FREE - no need to registerThe 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. Welcome… Even though we’re far away in our own region, there’s talk of Trump’s tariffs having an effect on our economy and businesses, and even more talks of parties in the UK wanting to kowtow and align with him. Tariffs can’t benefit the UK because, no matter how Reform or so- called “patriots” like to say, the UK does not have as much trading power as it used to. We cannot provide hundreds of millions of people as prospective buyers of products, making us a required trading partner. This has been obvious since Brexit and the lack of any trade deals made. Countries need to trade with the US and the EU, but they do not need to trade with the small country that is the United Kingdom. It’s concerning for the future of our regions not only because of the risk of damage to our imports and exports, but because the UK relies heavily on foreign investment for growth – and that is likely to dry up if every country in the world is forced to take on a protectionist mindset. Already the UK’s growth (which was meant to be the fastest of the big countries in Europe) has been slashed to a predicted 0.75%, down from 1.5%, and there is little evidence that the fault is Labour’s, despite what the political scene will claim. Our regions are dependent upon the UK doing well to succeed, and the UK is not in a position to do well. Businesses need to do more to make our voices heard, and to push back against the culture war nonsense dominating the political sphere. The economy will not be solved via the cultural agenda, as it’s little more than a smokescreen to keep people’s attentions away from far greater issues. Good reading, as always. Michael Fisher Editor Editor From thecontents february 2025 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property As regeneration schemes progress across Yorkshire, a focus is being placed on the restoration of the region’s historic buildings. 14 Engineering spotlight The world is changing and our region needs to become more self-sufficient and independent. With the engineering sector suffering from a heavy skills shortage, we take a look at what the sector is doing – and what it can do – to draw in more talent. 18 Business travel and leisure We’ve lived in an era of calls and video conferences, but face-to-face meetings matter and travel for business is an important skill many of us need to learn once more. 22 Printing and packaging For businesses looking to communicate brand identity and captivate customers with their packaging, they can’t afford to forgo clarity and sustainability. 26 Training and apprenticeships As businesses across all sectors tackle recruitment and skills crises, apprenticeships are being brought to the forefront as one potential solution and are finding a key role in the levelling up agenda. 30 Meet the experts Many people call themselves experts nowadays, but how much of it is marketing fluff and how does one find the real experts beyond it? 32 Corporate hospitality As a closer focus is paid to how businesses incorporate environmental and social responsibility in their operations, these actions should also be extended to their corporate hospitality. 36 AutoLink It’s a good time for fans of motors, with new cars coming in all shapes and sizes. • We put the Lamborghini Temerario through its paces. 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 14 22 26Group 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 Angela Cooper (a.cooper@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: LAMBORGHINI • STOCK.ADOBE.COM - WASAN • GOODLUZ • TAKE PRODUCTION • ME STUDIO www.blmforum.net 186 Business Link www.blmforum.net Leeds music and creative media scene receives boost with education provider’s move The Leeds contemporary music and creative media scene has received a boost with the news that higher education provider AD Education UK (ADE UK) is moving into the Electric Press building in the city centre. ADE UK is opening its 17,000 sq ft Leeds Campus at Switch, the new office space within the Electric Press. AD Education UK combines creative media group SAE and ICMP, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, delivering music and creative media education in the UK and beyond. The deal, which sees the group taking a 15-year-lease at £32 per sq ft, was brokered by the Leeds office of Knight Frank. Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at Knight Frank, said: “Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity. “Switch is the perfect base for the institute, its contemporary design matching the institute’s cutting-edge culture and ethos.” news Software firm secures growth funding after winning £1m in new contracts A Hull-based software business has raised £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), to support its growing workload. Think360 has secured over £1m worth of new contracts in the past few weeks and has over £4m of other potential new business in the pipeline. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable it to take on more projects and expand its team with the creation of three new jobs. Think360 was established in 2018 by Martin Lauer, who is also CEO of The One Point, the Hull-based IT and telecoms business, and initially delivered bespoke software projects. In 2021 Ian Crowder and Tony Grimes, who have over 40 years’ software experience between them, joined the business as Directors and shareholders. The company has since launched its own range of AI-powered software products. The company currently employs six permanent staff as well as up to 22 independent contractors including software testers and analysts. German operator chosen for Doncaster Airport Munich Airport International has been named as the operator for Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “Munich Airport International has the pedigree in the field of aviation, share our ambition for a successful airport and they bring a wealth of experience, capacity and influence to work with us to deliver a thriving airport in Doncaster that will be a major economic stimulus for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the North.” Jones added: “We are confident that the reopening and future operation of Doncaster’s airport is in good hands. “This major announcement that I am making today enables us to press ahead with the necessary airport mobilisation activity to see the airport – which I proudly call the people’s airport – to reopen in Spring 2026.” East Yorkshire law firm hands ownership to employees East Yorkshire’s Williamsons Solicitors has become employee-owned. The business has switched from a limited company to an employee ownership trust, with 100 percent of shares being transferred from the two previous owners, solicitors Sarah Clubley and Jane Cousins. The move has been made as part of succession planning and to secure a bright future for the 120-strong firm which was founded in 1890. Both Sarah and Jane will continue their roles on the board of six directors responsible for strategy and day-to-day management, with four trustees in place to oversee the business, acting as guardians on behalf of all staff. Sarah Clubley, who joined Williamsons around 25 years ago, said that employee ownership would have far reaching benefits including improved performance while protecting the integrity of the firm. From left: Ian Crowder, Martin Lauer and Tony Grimes of Think360 with My-Ha Hoang and Rebecca Pickering of Mercia. © Shaun Flannery/shaunflanneryphotography.comwww.blmforum.net Business Link 7 news New partnership to accelerate Wakefield regeneration plans Wakefield Council has appointed Muse as its new Strategic Regeneration Partner. Muse will work in partnership with the Council to deliver at pace the next phase of major regeneration projects across the city. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We have an exciting and ambitious Masterplan that lays out the vision for the future of our city centre. “Work is in progress on the first stage which is delivering a new hotel, an extended and enhanced city square, several new city centre housing developments, and a new Museum and Library. This new partnership will now lead on the next chapter in our city’s regeneration. Delivering our ambition at scale and at pace. “Muse will help originate, plan, and develop new projects, driving them forward from blueprint to build. They’ll be bringing expertise to support us to unlock significant private sector funding. As well as looking at assets and land the Council owns to determine how they can be better used.” Work starts on sustainable Harrogate business units Opus North and Bridges Fund Management have begun construction of the Harrogate 47 sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire. These works will deliver new flexible business units totalling more than 106,000 sq ft of high-specification Grade A space, with a focus on sustainability. The units are expected to complete in Autumn 2025. The partners will speculatively develop two terraces of flexible business units from 5,540-12,188 sq ft, as well as three detached units from 10,200- 21,600 sq ft. Access and infrastructure works for this major new mixed-use employment scheme are now complete, allowing delivery of the first units on site. The appointed contractor is Stainforth Construction. The units are situated on a 45-acre site near Harrogate at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, which in total comprises more than 600,000 sq ft of employment space for industrial, logistics, hi-tech and office uses, as well as amenity uses, within a landscaped environment. Planning permission was secured from Harrogate Borough Council for the low-carbon scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has the potential to support 2,000 jobs. Sills & Betteridge complete Castlet Holdings transition to Employee Ownership The leading Lincoln industrial engineers who list Siemens, Tata Steel and BAE Systems among their customers have recently secured their legacy by placing their company’s future in the hands of its employees. Having provided remedial advice on various shareholder issues in the past, Euan proposed to the Board that an Employee Ownership Trust was the key to the long-term stability and success of the business. Managing Director Tim Eagles commented, “Euan provided innovative, astute legal advice with a human touch, offering comprehensive support to myself and the Board at every stage of the transaction. It made a huge difference having a solicitor who had taken the time to understand the individuals and dynamics within the business, rather than just treating this as a job to complete”. Having advised on a number of EOTs to a range of different businesses, and featured in the Sunday Times in relation to EOTs, Euan is a supporter of the EOT model (in the right circumstances) and said: “EOTs are a relatively new phenomena which are fast gaining traction as their benefits become more widely understood – tax advantages, succession planning and social responsibility among the key motivators. They are most suited to business owners who value the future of their company and the people who helped to build it, over an immediate cash sale – and can be an excellent option where a trade sale is either unavailable or unattractive to business owners.” For more information about the advantages of EOTs and qualifying criteria, please visit www.sillslegal.co.uk or call Euan McLaughlin on 01522 700 490. © stock.adobe.com/Dawid8 Business Link www.blmforum.net Mayor partners with colleges to upskill students into local jobs A new partnership between West Yorkshire’s Mayor and seven Further Education colleges aims to upskill students into local jobs to support businesses and grow the economy. Announcing the Further Education partnership, which has been signed by the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and every college Principal in the region, Mayor Tracy Brabin pledged to “put more money in people’s pockets” by ensuring that college courses better reflect local job opportunities. According to the agreement, every college across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield will work to strengthen their relationships with local businesses to respond to their skills needs, including through the co-creation of courses to guarantee direct pathways into good jobs. The agreement follows the publication of the multibillion-pound West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan, which promises joined up action on skills, housing and transport to build an eco-system that supports small and medium-sized firms to grow and succeed. news Housebuilder secures £5.4m funding package for Halifax scheme Erris Homes has secured a £5.4 million funding package from Paragon Bank to support the second phase of its Calder Mews new build scheme in Halifax. Phase II comprises 14 four-bedroom detached homes. Paragon also financed the first phase of the scheme, which consists of 23 three and four-bed detached, semi-detached and terraced homes. The first phase is now nearly complete and work on phase II began late last year, with work expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The deal was led on behalf of Paragon Bank Development Finance by Relationship Director Karl Kent, with support from Senior Portfolio Manager Shannon Altimas. Paragon is expanding its presence in the Yorkshire & Humber region and the deal represents the ninth in the region during Paragon’s last financial year, with lending of over £30 million to the region’s SME housebuilders. Karl joined the team last year to spearhead the bank’s Development Finance growth in the region. Over 400,000 sq ft let in duo of deals at iPort, Doncaster Verdion has secured two new occupiers at iPort, taking a total of 414,829 sq ft of logistics space at the 800-acre multimodal logistics hub just outside Doncaster. Moran Logistics has taken the 166,872 sq ft iP7 unit offering 158,992 sq ft of warehousing with 15m clear headroom, 17 HGV bays, 7,880 sq ft of offices and welfare, and 315+kVa power. CBRE advised Verdion and Bishop Property Consultants advised Moran Logistics. iP10, a total of 259,286 sq ft, has been leased to a confidential occupier. Its new unit offers 247,957 sq ft of distribution space with 15m clear height and 40 HGV bays, 11,329 sq ft of offices and welfare, and 500+kVa power. GV&Co advised Verdion. Yorkshire private equity investors deliver strong 2024 Total private equity investment in Yorkshire and the Humber increased in 2024, according to the latest UK Private Equity Review from KPMG UK. The annual study into private equity deal activity found that investment in the region grew by 4.1% in 2024, totalling £8.6bn, amid a more stable economic climate, with interest rates and inflation falling; greater political certainty following elections; and a surge in transactions ahead of anticipated changes to Capital Gains Tax. The volume of deals in the region increased from 120 to 122 year-on-year but volumes remained lower than 2022’s 145. Investment in Yorkshire accounted for 5.4% of total new PE backing in the UK. London continued to deliver the greatest interest from PE funds, attracting £78.1bn of investment, ahead of the North West (£20bn) and the South East (£15.8bn). West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin with the region’s Further Education College Principals_cropped © stock.adobe.com/Tomasz Zajdawww.blmforum.net Business Link 9 news Electrical wholesaler plots further growth after management buy-out A Hull-based electrical wholesaler has undergone a seven-figure management buy- out backed by funding from Mercia Debt. AA Jones Electric, which was founded in 2009 and is now one of the region’s leading independents, supplies electrical equipment for domestic and commercial use, as well as industrial automation and controls. The buy-out gives control of the business to co-founder Andy Moulds, the Sales Director, and long-standing employee Sam Lomax, who becomes Managing Director. It will allow for the retirement of one of the founders, Ian Wayman. The third founder, Tony Moore, will retain a stake in the business and continue in his role as Finance Director. The company has secured a £1m funding package, with half coming from Mercia’s SME Loans fund to support the buy-out. NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), also provided £500k to support the growth of the business following the buyout. Slight rise for Yorkshire business confidence in January Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose one point during January to 29%, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer. Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 39%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up nine points to 18%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 29%. A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (39%), introducing new technology, such as automation and AI (34%) and entering new markets (31%). Doncaster bid consultancy acquired by Manchester firm Bespoke Bids, a Manchester provider of bid management consultancy services, has acquired Doncaster-based Carley Consult, an award-winning bid consultancy specialising in education, employability and justice. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in Bespoke Bids’ journey to becoming the largest bid management consultancy in the UK. Leon Bright, Managing Director of Bespoke Bids, said: “This is an incredibly exciting milestone for Bespoke Bids. Carley Consult has a fantastic reputation in the education sector, and their expertise perfectly complements our existing capabilities. “By uniting our teams, we can expand our reach, refine our processes, and help more clients achieve outstanding results. We’re extremely grateful to Jim Carley for his leadership and the outstanding business he has built over 17 years.” From left: Andy Moulds and Sam Lomax of AA Jones with Rebecca Pickering of Mercia Yorkshire chocolatier gobbled up by food group Bramble Foods Group, a supplier of branded ambient foods, has acquired Whitakers Chocolates, Yorkshire’s renowned chocolatiers since 1889. This strategic move strengthens the Bramble Foods portfolio, uniting two family-owned brands. Whitakers Chocolates has been at the heart of British chocolate-making for 135 years, crafting luxurious confectionery for retail, private label, and food service markets. The acquisition builds on a trusted working relationship spanning 17 years, during which Whitakers has been a key supplier to Bramble Foods Group. William Whitaker, Managing Director of Whitakers Chocolates, said: “As a fourth-generation member of the Whitaker family, chocolate has been at the very heart of my life for as long as I can remember. “I am delighted that Whitakers Chocolates have joined the Bramble Foods Group as it is a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and invest for the future together. Whilst I will always carry the immense pride and heritage we’ve built over 135 years, I recognise that now is the right time to pass on our cherished traditions to a company that can develop the business further.” Next >