< Previous30 Business Link www.blmforum.net HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK © stock.adobe.com/Electric Egg Ltd. From a City of Culture to a powerhouse of innovation, Hull and the Humber Bank region are defying expectations. A £20 million investment in green energy jobs, a proposed £180 million hydrogen production plant, and grassroots regeneration initiatives are propelling Hull into a new era of economic and cultural prosperity. Business Link discovers more. Economic www.blmforum.net Business Link 31 HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK A s one of Britain’s erstwhile Cities of Culture, Hull has defied all assumptions and typecasts around its merits. In the seven years since receiving the honour in 2017, Hull and the Humber Bank region have undergone a transformation in creative industry, cultural landscape, and economic vitality, all thanks to access to the proper development funding to make it happen. Enterprises in areas such as digital technology, design, and film and stage production feed into cultural events and experiences, such as the community-led ‘Back to Ours’ arts initiative, and the Freedom Festival’s multifaceted celebration of artistic independence, giving the town platforms to show off its rich heritage and contemporary talent. This cultural renaissance has reinforced the local tourism and hospitality sectors, creating jobs and business growth across industries. Investments in infrastructure and urban regeneration projects continue to solidify Hull’s position as a nexus of culture, arts and commerce, and no longer quite so rough a gem of social vibrancy and economic prosperity. The future looks ever brighter for the historic fishing town. As of September 2023, the government granted Hull a £20 million investment aimed at enhancing training facilities tailored to green energy jobs. The funding, allocated under the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), will be directed towards the city’s educational infrastructure, and particularly its colleges. A significant portion of this funding— around £10 million—is designated for the development of land at the East Bank site along the River Hull. Council leader Mike Ross expressed appreciation for this injection of funds, highlighting its potential to create an array of opportunities throughout the city. Hull stands as one of the initial beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Partnerships (LUPs) program, introduced in last year’s Spring Budget. This injection of funds is poised to invigorate the burgeoning green energy sector, with a focus on areas such as wind turbine blade manufacturing. The East Bank area, slated for redevelopment with plans for 850 new homes, will also benefit from this funding. Additionally, the announcement includes a £1 million allocation to assist community centres in enhancing their facilities. Ross further outlined the multifaceted approach to exploit the funding, emphasising initiatives ranging from training and generating new careers, to neighbourhood improvement and support for small businesses. 32 Á32 Business Link www.blmforum.net HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK In tandem with these developments, the Humber region is primed for further economic growth with the proposed establishment of a £180 million green hydrogen production plant. Meld Energy, a British startup with substantial backing from the US, has earmarked Saltend Chemicals Park as the potential site for the project. This initiative aligns with the broader regional focus on cleaner fuel development in the journey towards achieving Net Zero emissions. With initial plans indicating a capacity of 100MW, the project holds the potential to double its scale, potentially attracting investments totalling £240 million. Anticipated to commence operations in early 2027, it’s expected to spawn hundreds of roles in development and construction, future- proofing regional achievements. The groundbreaking UK-US ‘Atlantic Declaration’ struck last June by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Joe Biden, while set to share international economic challenges and opportunities, serves to highlight the need to support sustainability, and financial resilience along with it, on local turf. Closer to grassroots level, plans have been revealed to rejuvenate Spring Bank, a main road that has suffered considerable neglect over the years. Hull City Council’s proposals entail the throughfare’s enhancement as a vibrant hub featuring new public spaces, restoration of buildings, and the introduction of outdoor seating for cafes. Despite its historical significance, Spring Bank has experienced decline due to factors such as increased traffic, lack of building maintenance, and changes in housing occupancy. A forthcoming public consultation on a ‘masterplan’ for the area aims to solicit input from residents and stakeholders. In the face of challenges such as crime, graffiti, and antisocial behaviour, the plans highlight the street’s strengths, including its diversity, strong sense of community, and architectural heritage. The proposed regeneration plans include initiatives to create outdoor drinking and dining spaces for businesses, restore shopfronts to their historic charm, and repurpose disused land into public amenities. The council anticipates that this masterplan, if approved, could commence implementation within two years, with full completion expected to span 15 to 20 years. An additional £2 million in funding has been secured for the revitalisation of the Hammonds of Hull building, encompassing plans to convert underused spaces into offices and events venues, including a new rooftop terrace. This injection of funding, supported by a mix of public and private investment, reflects a concerted effort to unlock the full potential of Hull’s architectural landmarks and contribute to the city’s economic and cultural resurgence. An ongoing archaeological dig near Hull city centre is part of the broader regeneration efforts, celebrating and calling back to present day the city’s rich historical heritage amidst so many ambitious urban renewal initiatives. The Clarence Mill site is being excavated to discover if any of the old city survives beneath the earth, with a community dig to be conducted in the summer. All this as Hull’s financial advancement prospects flourish beneath the surface. SME capital provider Mercia Asset www.blmforum.net Business Link 33 HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK Management demonstrated its commitment to Yorkshire and Humber businesses by investing over £39 million in 2023, marking a significant 35% increase from the previous year and its highest investment amount to date. This surge in investment supported 75 companies in the region, alongside venture capital investments in Envoke in Leeds, a platform facilitating virtual product demonstrations, and FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics in Sheffield, focusing on Internet of Things technology. Mercia’s strategic investments also encompassed key follow-on support for established firms like Tribosonics in Sheffield, and Hull- based building information modelling servicers Bimsense. These investments are critical to addressing the funding gap outside London, the Hull and Humberside area benefitting from Mercia assets totalling around £1.5 billion, including part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund’s impact in providing vital debt finance opportunities. Hull’s evolution since gaining its prestigious City of Culture title is a testament to its deep resilience and potential. The multitude of funding and development efforts, both ongoing and planned, only signal better days to come. Hull and the Humber is poised to go on reinventing itself as a statement on the limitless power of the arts, our learning from history, and working with communities and the environment on wealth in every sense. The success doesn’t stop there, however. Humber’s Freeport tax sites have attracted £1 billion in investment for the area, Simon Green (Humber Freeport © stock.adobe.com/Andy 34 Á34 Business Link www.blmforum.net HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK Precision experts, Kingston Engineering celebrates 105th anniversary As a leading precision engineering company, Kingston Engineering has an enviable reputation for producing advanced, ultra-precision engineered components. Established in 1919 and with roots still firmly based in Hull today, Kingston Engineering is proud of a strong engineering manufacturing heritage. This year marks an important milestone for Kingston Engineering, as they celebrate their 105th anniversary. Paul Bielby, director of Kingston Engineering said: “What’s so interesting about the Kingston Engineering story is that we know from our archives that going right back to our very earliest years, we were working closely with many manufacturers in the Hull area. Remarkably, many of these are still our customers today. Across the decades, it is these close working relations that have played a huge part in establishing Hull and the surrounding region as a manufacturing powerhouse”. The game changers in the precision engineering industry today are the demand for complex and high-specification components with exceptional levels of accuracy. Kingston Engineering is at the forefront of this expertise, manufacturing advanced, ultra-precision components that empower innovations in diverse industry sectors, locally, nationally, and globally. As Kingston Engineering embraces the next exciting chapter, investment in new technologies, cutting-edge machines and providing the highest skill levels will continue to define the years ahead. CEO) told a decarbonisation conference late last year. He said the initiative had seen tangible progress at sites in Goole and Hull and would create over 600 jobs for the region. Such successes are bucking trends elsewhere in the country, especially as the UK officially enters a recession, and show the potential the Hull and Humber have to stand out. Humber Freeport comprises of three defined tax sites – Hull East; Able Marine Energy Park and Immingham, on the south bank of the Humber; and Goole – each of which offers incentives for businesses operating within the zones. Benefits include land tax relief, business rate relief, enhanced capital allowances and National Insurance contribution relief for employers. “The success we have already seen across our freeport sites has been very tangible. Investments totalling around £1bn have been announced, which will create up to 600 jobs in both Hull and Goole,” said Simon Green. “Crucially, those investments are innovation-led, from companies across the world who are bringing new skills and technologies into the region. Collaboration is a key measure of success in freeports and what we’ve created across our sites in the Humber is a portfolio which meets the investment needs of the region – from advanced manufacturing and engineering to decarbonisation and clean energy projects.” Mr Green also praised the collaboration between freeport site landowners who have “complemented each other” and brought forward development sites with distinct and unique opportunities for investors. He said stakeholders involved in Humber Freeport were aligned on its three key objectives – to drive clean, low carbon growth, the creation of new skilled jobs, and to become a testbed for innovation and emerging technologies. © stock.adobe.com/ James Hines Photowww.blmforum.net Business Link 35 Offering central locations with access to major manufacturing facilities and key steel processing sites, PD Ports can offer solutions that create efficiencies and cost savings. PD Ports’ Humber cluster includes inland port facilities at Groveport, Howden and Keadby – all strategically located with easy access to the motorway network and sea access via the Humber estuary. All three sites have extensive covered and open storage facilities available and handle a range of commodities including steel, free-flowing bulk products, such as animal feed and fertilisers, and forestry products. Howden also offers an automated bagging system with robotic arm for free-flowing bulks. The inland ports offer stevedoring, ships agency, chartering, warehousing and distribution. Products can be accommodated via quay or road – our expert team can help manage your supply chain, acting as one point of contact with access to many services. Our Immingham container, devanning and storage facility is customs bonded and available for businesses handling containerised or tautliner units. Port, logistics, storage and handling facilities at Groveport, Howden, Keadby and Immingham Email: chris.broughton@pdports.co.uk or tom.borman@pdports.co.uk Tel: Chris 07860-430299/Tom 07912-272636 Web: www.pdports.co.uk/locations SPECIALIST FIELD: PORT SERVICES Whether it is long term or short-term product storage, GWS provide a reliable, flexible and cost- effective warehouse storage solution, designed to suit your individual needs. Our fully secure 23 acre site with 24/7 staffed gatehouse is within a mile of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s most centrally located port with access routes to the whole of Europe and beyond. GWS gives customers experienced and reassuring product handling services from any of the Humber and UK Ports and a warehouse, distribution and storage centre that can access 75% of the UK within 2 hours. We have site customers who require 1,900 sq ft to customers who require 60,000 sq ft of managed space with full stock control, product rotation, pick and pack and daily distribution, to secure storage of oversized high valued production machinery requiring our experienced handling team. Our high-quality storage solutions and service are industry leading and will help drive down your costs; experienced handling and quality of pallet stacking allows customers to have costs as low as £1.50 per pallet per week. Global Warehousing & Storage Ltd Kiln Lane Trading Estate | Worldwide Way Stallingborough | Grimsby | DN41 8DY 01469 550600 | hello@gwsl.co.uk https://gwsl.co.uk/ SPECIALIST FIELD: WAREHOUSING Established in 1989, Total Clean Solutions are a specialist industrial and commercial cleaning company which undertakes both new work plus annual / monthly service agreements throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. Our clients include many local authorities, schools, housing associations, private and commercial facilities management companies. Total Clean Solutions also offer maintenance contracts to all our clients based on their particular individual requirements. This may involve regular cleaning or a guaranteed response time for a fixed number of site visits per year. All our technicians are fully trained in accordance with Health and Safety regulations as required by the HSE and are registered with the CSCS certification scheme plus DBS screened. Having the right people and competency in place ensures all work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner. Professionalism is at the forefront of what we do. This is demonstrated by the documentation we present to all our clients before works commence. 41 Aldridge Road | Cleethorpes North East Lincolnshire | DN35 0DP Tel: 01472 693040 Web: www.totalcleansolutions.co.uk SPECIALIST FIELD: CLEANING SOLUTIONS Introduction: The Ashcourt Group are a family-run organisation which has expanded significantly since its humble beginnings in 1996. With strategically located sites spread through Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East, we are a leading supplier in the construction materials industry. Product profile: We have recently acquired Brianplant (Humberside) Limited as part of our continued growth and expansion strategy. This acquisition further increases Ashcourt’s regional footprint and marks a significant milestone for the group to complement its regional growth with us now operating three regional businesses, Ashcourt (Hull & East Yorkshire), Ashcourt (Durham & Tees Valley) and Ashcourt (Lincolnshire). Ashcourt (Lincolnshire) current services include: • Contract Earthworks • Operated Plant Hire • Muck Shifting & Haulage • Aggregates • Crushing, Screening & Recycling Ashcourt (Lincolnshire) Limited Estate Rd 2 | South Humberside Industrial Estate Grimsby | DN31 2TG | Tel: 01472 341499 SPECIALIST FIELD: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS36 Business Link www.blmforum.net Since 1989, Direct Gaskets have been the market leader in the manufacture of gaskets. Having been established for over three decades and based in Hull, the company has built up a strong reputation within the city’s manufacturing sector. They have built this reputation by supplying high quality products at competitive prices, combined with unbeatable service. No matter if your gasket needs are a one-off or an on-going concern, Direct Gaskets can assist. As well as standard tables such as; ASA 150, British Standard Table ‘E’ and PN6/10/16/25 and 40, ranging from 1” to 32”, Direct Gaskets offers a one-off bespoke gasket service which can be kept on permanent file to refer back to for future use. The company’s highly-trained workforce has the experience to always manufacture high-quality gaskets and joints in semi and non-metallic materials. Direct Gaskets also offers a swift turnaround time no matter the quantity of orders. Staff are also available for pre arranged call outs. Units 26 - 36 | Dansom Lane South | Hull | HU8 7LA 01482 219655 | info@direct-gaskets.co.uk www.direct-gaskets.co.uk SPECIALIST FIELD: GASKETS DIRECT GASKETS LIMITED Introduction: Associated British Ports (ABP) is the UK’s leading and best- connected ports group with 21 ports and other transport related businesses. ABP’s Humber ports of Immingham, Grimsby, Hull, and Goole form the UK’s busiest trading gateway, handling more than 58 million tonnes of cargo between them each year worth approximately £75 billion. Product profile: ABP continuously invest in the infrastructure, equipment and skills needed to handle a vast array of cargo safely, efficiently and sustainably. Expert teams work collaboratively to build long-term partnerships and deliver the right supply chain solutions for customers, including value-added services and new facilities tailored to suit their business needs. ABP offers large areas of development land across a wide range of strategic port locations; 364 hectares is available on its Humber estate. The opportunity will attract investment and deliver transformational benefits for the economy both locally and nationally. ABP is dedicated to supporting the communities which rely on our ports. Website: www.abports.co.uk Email: humber.commercial@abports.co.uk Phone: 01482 327171 | Twitter: @ABPHumber SPECIALIST FIELD: PORTS Renco Nets are one of the UK’s most versatile manufacturers of tailor-made nets and netting solutions. For more than 25 years our nets and netting have been used in the UK and abroad, providing durable and effective solutions for a number of industries. We were the first UK company to offer flame- retardant netting and we’re still the largest. The materials we use are tested and certified to British and European standards and are created using a fire-retardant solution in the manufacturing process, rather than being coated after manufacture. They even retain their properties after being soaked in water. WHY CHOOSE US * Unique process we developed ourselves * We are the UK’s only manufacturer to create nets with no visible seams * Bespoke netting can be made in a variety of application-specific materials and colours, to precise dimensions to suit your project * We supply nets as you want them * In bales, as made-up nets, or rope netting * Certified to British, European and M1 standards * Created using fire-retardant materials Pelham Industrial Estate | Manby Road | Immingham N.E. Lincolnshire | DN40 2SE | England Phone: +44 (0) 1469 575 804 | Email: netting@renco.co.uk www.renconets.com SPECIALIST FIELD: NETS & NETTING SOLUTONS Introduction: GL Commercials are a Grimsby- based, commercial & non- commercial trailer hire company, also providing trailer sales, repairs & servicing. Their premises, on Europa Way in Grimsby are large enough to accommodate even the largest of trailers and are within easy reach of the M2 and the M180. Product profile: With many options available, GL Commercials bring quality trailer hire services to Grimsby and the surrounding areas. If you are looking to secure a single trailer, or several trailers to add to a large fleet, GL Commercials has what you are looking for. In addition to trailer sales and hire, GL Commercials also have the equipment, space & expertise to service your trailer – whether that be an individual trailer or a fleet. Serving Grimsby, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Peterborough, Scunthorpe, or anywhere else in Lincolnshire or Humberside, GL Commercials has been providing services for local businesses since 1980, and their expertise and experience speak for themselves. Europa Way | Grimsby North East Lincolnshire | DN41 8DS 01469 574239 | www.glcommercials.com SPECIALIST FIELD: TRAILER HIREwww.blmforum.net Business Link 37 Clarksons Port Services (CPS) customs hub continues its investment drive to meet increasing client needs as the landscape of import and export movements continues to evolve due to ever changing customs regulations. For businesses moving goods in or out of GB, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the EU and the rest of the world, CPS guides the client step by step through the process advising at each point of any changes due to Brexit and the Windsor Framework. Graham Cross, Business Development Manager for Customs & Freight, confirmed that CPS are now offering a consultancy service to allow both existing and potential clients the opportunity to check that they are compliant. Graham is based on the Humber, which is the UK’s largest trading estuary and the gateway to our EU partners, and we are delighted that our customs expertise is assisting so many of our Humber based clients and reducing their costs in many cases. Clarksons Port Services (CPS) is dedicated to supporting marine and port operations and is a trusted partner, with over 50 years’ experience and a proven record. We are a 24/7/365 integrated logistics management business, servicing clients from our twenty three office locations around the UK & the Netherlands. Clarksons Port Services deliver solutions for Port Agency, Freight Forwarding, Project Logistics, Offshore Supply, Voyage Agency Services, Crew Change, Bunkering, Warehousing & Storage, Customs Clearance, Tooling & Supplies and Safety & Survival. Graham Cross | Business Development Manager M +44 (0) 7435 946179 | Graham.cross@clarksons.com www.clarksons.com SPECIALIST FIELD: PORT SERVICES Company profile: Established in 1989, Bio-D offers no compromise, green home and commercial cleaning by creating powerful, ethical cleaning products that don’t cost the earth. Based in Hull, East Yorkshire, Bio-D is the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally responsible, ethically sound, vegan products, using plant-based and naturally derived ingredients. Product profile: Bio-D are committed to manufacturing cleaning products that don’t cost the earth and to helping customers contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet. It is their promise to provide cleaning products without compromising the planet. Products manufactured at Bio-D are made using solar energy (yes it really is never dull in Hull!). Bio-D achieved B Corp status in 2022. The B Corp title recognises their journey to becoming sustainable in all parts of business including ingredients, packaging, accountability, workforce and more. Bio-D offer a successful 20 Litre refill Closed Loop Process for their wholesale partners as well as offering 5L refill options. Unit 10 | Marfleet Technology Park | Hedon Rd | Hull | HU9 5LW Tel: 01482 229950 | Email: info@biod.co.uk Web: biod.co.uk SPECIALIST FIELD: ETHICAL CLEANING Care to Talk Limited – Alison Ellis Care to Talk supply business mobile phone contracts from our network of choice, EE, and also from Vodafone and O2. We work together with our clients from putting the contract together that works best for them to giving fully personalised and specialist customer support throughout the contract term. We offer a tailored solution and work hard to keep customers happy and assured they’re in good hands. We also provide BT Cloud Voice, broadband and associated products and services. Care to Talk clients vary from large national companies with complex mobile requirements who deliver services nationwide and also have international interests, to local businesses with very limited budgets and a need to ensure the very best value for money. The flexibility that we can give, from the options for contracts to the personal customer support delivery, alongside the attention to detail we offer, sets us apart. Here to Care, here to help. One Business Village | West Dock Street | Hull | HU3 4HH Tel: 01482 014 341 | Email: alison@caretotalk.co.uk www.CaretoTalk.co.uk SPECIALIST FIELD: MOBILE PHONE SUPPORT To find out more, visit our website https://www.languageiseverything.com/ Call us on 0800 731 7878 or email us at – hello@languageiseverything.com SPECIALIST FIELD: TRANSLATION SERVICES Introduction: Language is Everything has been providing quality interpreting and translation services across the UK since 1992. Language is Everything believes language should never be a barrier to communication. That’s why they’ve spent 30 years developing expert services to connect people across all continents and cultures. Product profile: Based in Hull, East Yorkshire, with a hardworking group of staff and a network of more than 300 expert linguists speaking 120 languages, it provides multiple types of interpreting and translation services to businesses and the public sector comprising of telephone interpreting, video interpreting, face-to-face interpreting, and written translations. Language is Everything can connect you and your clients with a professional interpreter 24 hours a day, seven days a week with their promise to provide expert interpreting and translation services on time, every time. Whatever the language.38 Business Link www.blmforum.net LEGAL SERVICES I n a tightly regulated business environment, legal services are indispensable when safeguarding your company’s interests and securing its success. Whether ensuring compliance with the law, mitigating risks or managing contracts, seeking out the right expertise for your concerns can make all the difference. Many successful businesses will find themselves needing specialised lawyers or firms to navigate the intricacies of legislation, and often in several areas. Before you begin your search, you should identify your specific legal needs. Different aspects of your business may require expertise in various legal domains. For instance, if you’re dealing with trademark issues, you’ll need an intellectual property lawyer. If you’re facing a contract dispute however, a lawyer with expertise in contract law will be best approached instead. Start by pinpointing the exact challenges or opportunities you’re dealing with, and you’ll be better equipped to search for people with expertise in those areas. As you begin your search, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with competing law firms all marketing for your attention. One of the most effective ways to find a specialised lawyer, or at least narrow your list down, is through personal recommendations. Reach out to your network of business contacts, mentors or industry associations for referrals. They may have firsthand experience working with professionals in your area of need, providing valuable insights into their capabilities and reputation. Once you have a shortlist of potential lawyers or law firms, it’ll be easier to conduct thorough research into that handful of choices. Visit their websites and read their bios to make sure they have the right credentials. Pay close attention to their track record, client testimonials and case studies, which will display all the details you need to verify that they are licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction. It’s also a smart move to make sure they have the necessary certifications, or memberships in relevant legal associations. Just as you would showcase your business successes to prove customers can trust you, a reputable and trustworthy law firm should do the same. By this point, you should have a manageable number of firms or individuals to arrange consultations with. These meetings are excellent opportunities to assess whether a lawyer is the right fit for your business, but it’s also important to prepare for them properly. Note down your needs both from your business and from legal support, and identify questions you could ask about their experience in similar cases. Navigating the legal landscape In a complex world of regulations and legal intricacies, securing the right legal partner is essential for safeguarding your business interests. 40 Áwww.blmforum.net Business Link 39 LEGAL SERVICES © stock.adobe.com/Yeti StudioNext >