APRIL 2023 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 38 ISSUE 04 The key to productivityKeep it in the familyDesigning a productive office 01.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:13 Page 1ISO/IEC 17020 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001 For all enquiries please TELEPHONE: 01469 575728 | Email: ukinfo@irisndt.com www.irisndt.co.uk CHATHAM | DERBY | DEESIDE | HULL | IMMINGHAM PEMBROKE DOCK | STOCKTON-ON-TEES ADVANCED NDT •Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT •Drone Surveys – Internal and External •Laser Scanning •Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing •Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) •AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping •Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA) •Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT •QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports •MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines •HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA) CONVENTIONAL NDT •X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography •Computed and Digital Radiography •Close Proximity Radiography •Ultrasonic Inspection •Magnetic Particle Inspection •Dye Penetrant Inspection •Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array •Positive Material Identification (PMI) •Hardness Testing •Ferrite Testing •ACFM Inspection •Vacuum Box Testing INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, Non- Destructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment. IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia. ADDITIONAL SERVICES •Rope Access •Heat Treatment •Pressure Testing •Welding Inspection •Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025) •Welder Training •Failure Investigations •Pressure System Inspections •Storage Tank Inspections •Pipeline Inspections •Out of Service and In-Service Inspections •Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors •Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s) •Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments •Engineering Calculations •Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software) •Bund Surveys 02.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:14 Page 1The 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 April marks the start of the new financial year and a replenishment of budgets – but in the current state of the economy, those might not be as healthy as they could otherwise be. The Government’s own budget, released last month, did not do much to appeal to many business owners across the spectrum. Even those staunchly supporting the Conservative party will find themselves hard pressed to approve of a 6% rise in corporation tax at a point when the country is already performing poorly compared to its peers. In aims to become a nation of growth, who could have predicted that it would be the pressure on our businesses that would be the target of said growth? For larger companies more stable in their position the budget will mean additional pressure and a shortening of the bottom line. For companies struggling to make ends meet in an economy ranked as one of the worst in the G7, this could be the final nail in the coffin. There’s a lot more to the budget of course, but it’s hard to focus on any of that when corporation tax rising is perhaps the most universal and damning thing to hit businesses in the region. It isn’t going to draw investors to our country and it isn’t going to ease pressure on local businesses, and for a party that once prided itself on being the party for business to put such forward may come as a betrayal to many. There’s little use complaining about what the government will or won’t do, however. The current state of politics has been terrible for a long while. Instead, businesses will need to adapt and find new ways to reach out to clients, and that may mean adapting to new niches and technologies. Business interest in AI is picking up in the wake of ChatGPT and other brands, and businesses are seeing some movement in the labour market at last, alleviating in at least a small way the challenges in recruiting staff. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher Editor 03.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:14 Page 1APRIL 2023 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Transafe Training Q&A This month we talk to Hugh Callaway, Managing Director of Transafe Training to find out more about the business and why training and up-skilling staff is so important right now. 12 Commercial property Investment and development continues in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, but the Government’s latest initiatives and focus may mean headaches in the future. 16 Factory automation spotlight From software to sensors, Business Link explores the myriad opportunities offered by automation. 20 Ports Our region’s ports hold a lot of potential not only for shipping but offshore wind farms. Poor infrastructure might be holding the region back, however. 24 Office solutions Getting the most out of staff is a key concern for any business, but could the layout of your office hold staff back? 28 Leeds Beckett University Q&A Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are bringing together universities with innovative businesses of all sizes and across all industries on unique projects. 30 Family business Family businesses make up a majority of companies in our region, but what makes them so powerful and at what costs does this come? 34 Healthcare Making conscious efforts to stay healthy while you’re working should be counted just as important as the work you do. 38 AutoLink We look this month at an eclectic range of motors covering the whole spectrum, from the pinnacle of sports cars to an old classic to be released in limited numbers. 42 Corporate hospitality When approached correctly, and with the right intentions, networking is a process by which long lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships can be formed. However, the term is often stigmatised as pestering everyone in your contact list for a job and adopting a pushy, ruthless, and overbearing demeanour. 46 Events We take a look at business events happening around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. 50 And finally… Yorkshire-Lincolnshire- Business-Link @blmforum blmforum.net CONNECT WITH US 20 24 30 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:15 Page 1Group 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 - PROSTOCK-STUDIO • NEW AFRICA • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS • REDPIXEL • IPOPBA 34 04-05.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:15 Page 2Siemens to install solar array at University of York as part of £1.5m scheme The University of York has appointed Siemens to design and deliver a solar array at its Institute for Safe Autonomy as part of a £1.5 million research project. Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, the project will enhance the Institute’s research capabilities to develop and use AI and robotic systems to inspect and maintain solar arrays. The 193 kWp solar farm will create a ‘living lab’ to give insight to landowners and operators of solar farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. The project will also enable the Institute to become energy self-sufficient by 2025, generating about 170MWh annually. The farm, which spans more than 1,400 square metres, will consist of a range of different panel configurations including static ground installations and sun-tracking arrays. Solar panels will also be deployed on the side of the Institute’s building and the rooftop to maximise light exposure. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS UK manufacturers urged to ‘think outside the box’ to beat recruitment problems Leading figures from the UK’s manufacturing industry are being encouraged to think outside the box in a bid to recruit more people and fill a slew of unfilled vacancies up and down the country. That was the message from Laura Ibbotson, Head of HR UK at Doncaster- based Heras, when she addressed delegates at this year’s Make UK – a national conference for manufacturers in London. Laura was one of a panel of experts discussing the topic of Talent: Recruiting Outside the Box, which was looking at ways to reignite the manufacturing industry’s recruitment strategies to overcome the current minute talent pool of candidates available to businesses. Laura, a chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said that forging educational partnerships was fundamental for manufacturers to help create pathways into careers for local young people. “Building strong links with the local community has been one of the strategies that we have employed at Heras – with a focus on educational establishments because it is a great opportunity to showcase the careers available in our industry and create a future talent pipeline. Government announces new state pension age increase The Government has confirmed the State Pension age will rise to 67 by the end of 2028 for anyone born after April 1960. The Pensions Act 2014 forces the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to regularly review State Pension age – and after this one there’s to be a further review within two years of the next Parliament to reconsider the rise to age 68. This gives the Government appropriate time to take into account evidence which is not yet available on the long-term impact of recent challenges, including the Covid pandemic and global inflationary pressures. These events bring a level of uncertainty in relation to the current data on life expectancy, labour markets and the public finances. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride said: “It’s essential the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations. Our balanced approach will help achieve this and ensure we continue to provide security and dignity in retirement for millions of people across the country. The Government remains committed to the principle of providing 10 years notice of changes to State Pension age, enabling people to plan effectively for retirement. All options for the rise to the State Pension age from 67 to 68 that meet the 10 years’ notice period will be in scope at the next review.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:16 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Digital health business secures £1m investment from Finance Yorkshire Leeds-based digital health and AI business Medwise.ai has secured a £1m investment from Finance Yorkshire and other investors. Medwise.ai is a search platform for medical professionals and healthcare organisations which significantly reduces the time clinicians spend looking up information during consultations, enabling them to see more patients and improve care quality. Finance Yorkshire is investing £400,000 from its Seedcorn Fund and led the overall funding round of more than £1m, with participation from health-tech investors StartUp Health and CalmStorm VC and deep-tech accelerator and venture capital fund Deeptech Labs. Medwise.ai also has the backing of clinician investors Dr Michelle Tempest at Candesic and Dr Chris Kelly at Google Health. SFC Capital has made a follow-on investment after leading a previous round of funding for Medwise.ai. Energy industry employer welcomes creation of sustainable energy engineering hub Grimsby Institute has launched its Elite Centre, a sustainable energy engineering hub developed in collaboration with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and supported by the Midlands Engine. The facility will bring a cutting-edge curriculum specialising in low- carbon learning to the region, including 12 brand new training courses, offering students the opportunity to train as engineers. The project benefited from £1.4m of funding from the LEP which has helped to transform the existing facility into a dedicated low-carbon, engineering, and ports and logistics space. The state-of-the-art, green- focused hub will offer training on automation, electric vehicle technology and carbon reduction. Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We supported the development of the Elite Centre with £1.4m of LEP funding, and it’s a great pleasure to see the centre finished and ready to grow the next generation of green engineers and professionals.” Former Grimsby Institute Engineering student Lee Sutton, now CEO of myenergi, cut the ribbon to open the centre. He said: “I was an engineering student at the Grimsby Institute, and coming back today to officially open the Elite Centre is fantastic. It is so important to train people with the skills we need for this electrical revolution.” Prax and Heta notch up regional first with launch of new apprenticeship Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, a member of the Prax Group of companies, and apprenticeship provider HETA are launching a new apprenticeship – the first of its kind to be offered in the region – as the refinery embarks on a low carbon future. The Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to become a highly skilled Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician working on a full range of static and pressurised equipment, such as vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and the network of pipelines at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. The programme, which lasts from between 36 to 42 months, will see Apprentices based at HETA’s facility for the first year, with the remainder of the apprenticeship based on site at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. Luc Smets, General Manager at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, said: “The foundations for transforming Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery into a low carbon refinery for the next generation are in place, and our commitment is strong to deliver. So is our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we operate in. As we embark on our low carbon transition, it is essential we have the right people and skills supporting our next generation transition.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:16 Page 2TOWER 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/KAWINNINGS 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:16 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Yorkshire businesses continue to focus on growth as confidence dips Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer for March 2023 shows: * Business confidence in Yorkshire remains in positive territory, despite dip to 30% * Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (54%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and introducing new technology (30%) * Overall, UK business confidence in March reached its highest level since May last year, with eight out of 11 regions and nations reporting higher levels of confidence than February Business confidence in Yorkshire fell four points during March to 30%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between the 1st – 15th March ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget on Wednesday 15th March. Companies in Yorkshire reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 15 points at 52%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 24 points to 8% this gives a headline confidence reading of 30%. Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer, (54%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and introducing new technology (30%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Charities unite to make a difference for cancer support in York York Against Cancer are delighted to receive a generous donation of £20,000 from the Three Bears Foundation to create a ‘Family Room’ within the newly opened Leveson Centre at York Community Stadium. The Leveson Centre is open for people to visit from Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, to see the space and have a cup of tea or coffee over a chat. The Centre plans to offer a range of holistic support services including complementary therapy, information and advice, support groups, financial and psychological support, as well as being a welcoming place for cancer patients and their families to meet and connect with others. Julie Russell, CEO of York Against Cancer said; “We are incredibly grateful to the Three Bears Foundation for this generous contribution towards The Leveson Centre’s Family Room. This donation has made a huge difference to the development of our new cancer support centre, helping us create a welcoming and supportive environment where people affected by cancer can come and access the support they need. “This donation is also a testament to the wonderful work the Three Bears are doing to raise awareness and support for pancreatic cancer across the country.” The Three Bears Foundation was set up in loving memory of Jane Burn, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer in December 2017. The Three Bears Foundation received its name from Jane’s nickname for her son “Chrissy Bear”. Government seeks to boost tourism industry with grants of up to £100,000 for recreational sea fishing Up to £1 million has been made available for coastal communities across the UK to invest in new and improved infrastructure for recreational sea fishing. From today eligible applicants will be able to bid for between £10,000 and £100,000 for projects to upgrade recreational fishing facilities, reduce carbon emissions, support the protection and recovery of the marine environment, and provide training to help recreational sea fishermen operate in a more sustainable way. Recreational sea fishing involves fishing for the purposes of pleasure, tourism or sport. With an estimated two million recreational sea anglers taking to the water every year, recreational sea fishing contributes over £800 million to the UK economy annually and boosts local economies through activities such as fishing tournaments, boat rental, bait and tackle supply, and local tourism. Part of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund infrastructure scheme, this funding will ensure recreational fishing continues to prosper by backing projects which could enhance piers and harbours, create more accessible paths, floating walkways and pontoon dockings; and promote fishing tournaments. Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “Recreational sea fishing is a small but mighty part of our fishing industry. It contributes to the economic growth of coastal communities and is a much-loved sport that can improve the health and well-being of those who take part.” 06-09.qxp_Layout 1 03/04/2023 15:17 Page 4Next >