JUNE 2023 £3.50 YORKSHIRE & LINCOLNSHIRE’S LEADING BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.blmgroup.co.uk VOLUME 38 ISSUE 06 Protect your personal and professional reputation Keeping the workplace safe Optimising agricultureHigh Powered Sales Director Abid Bashir (BA) Hons Business and Law Oxford OFFICE: (01274) 800413 Customer Service/Fax: (01274) 403837 MOBILE: 07733 151735 Email: ospreybusinesssolutions@virginmedia.com Website: www.ospreybusinesssolutionsinc.co.uk International Chamber of Commerce FSBUK - Federation of Small Businesses Osprey Business Solutions Inc. UK “INTELLIGENT COMMUNICATIONS” Sales, Service and Marketing Appointments Worldwide Shipping of Commercial and Domestic Databases Events Bookings From the Editor The economy continues to struggle as we reach the halfway point of the year, but you wouldn’t think it for how the media are mostly trying to poke holes in one political party or another. As war for votes rages in politics, the manufacturing sector experiences its 16th month in a row of falling exports, and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has said that Brexit was an “economical error” that damaged the UK and contributed to high inflation. Indeed, manufacturers in our region are finding it harder than ever to trade with the EU, and while some are arguing that it’s jealous EU nations “punishing” us for the Brexit vote, the simpler reality is that customers in Europe don’t have to pay tax on goods from the rest of the EU. Why would they want to pay more, and have to deal with customs, just to buy our goods? Much of this was warned about ahead of the voting of course, but the people raising it were accused of being doomsayers and roundly pilloried by the same government that is right now busy dealing with scandal after scandal rather than helping our regions thrive. I’ve said it before and it feels pointless to say it again – for what feels like a whole year running – that businesses in our region are on their own. We cannot rely on assistance from the government, nor from former friends in the EU, and must navigate these new and treacherous waters on our own. Some will argue that will make us stronger, but suffering does not necessarily lead to strength, and it is high time the government – whichever party wins in the next general election – starts acting like one. But at this point it’s hard to hope when reality tv-style politics seems to win more votes than tangible improvements to the economy. Good reading, as always Michael Fisher EditorJUNE 2023 6 News The latest business news and success stories from around our region. 10 Commercial property Leeds has repeatedly hit headlines as of late, thanks to myriad new developments underway in the city. 14 Construction machinery and equipment The construction equipment and machinery sector remain strong, but the trade surplus the country has enjoyed in recent years has begun to narrow. Will a push toward more sustainable equipment fix the problem? 18 Agri-business spotlight Business Link explores how agribusiness can leverage techniques to optimise farming practices and streamline distribution processes to maximise productivity and profitability. 22 Insurance While every business owner knows some insurance policies are required by law, there are some additional coverage options that could prove useful, particularly if you ever plan on expanding your business operations. • Konsileo Insurance Q&A 28 Ports and logistics From temperature-controlled transportation to efficient inventory management, logistics operators can optimise their strategies to deliver fresh, high quality products whilst meeting increasing demand. 32 Health and safety Whilst the annual number of workplace accidents continues to fall, the most common types of accident, and the most hazardous industries, remain the same. 36 Corporate hospitality The summer months make for an ideal time to host seminars and events, but after years of working remotely or from home many people are out of practice when it comes to public speaking. We run over some of the basics. 39 Meet the experts Finding the right person to fill your company’s needs can be an arduous task when any con-artist with an internet connection can market themselves. Take the time to meet your experts directly. 42 AutoLink This month we look at some more comfort-oriented cars, with a focus on looking good and feeling luxurious. 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 14 28 32Group 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 - WAVEBREAKMEDIAMICRO • BENTLEY • LEONIDKOS • KOKLIANG 1981 • VALENTINVALKOV 18Citu and Sheffield Council seal deal for transformational zero carbon Attercliffe Waterside scheme Plans for the much-anticipated Attercliffe Waterside scheme in Sheffield are set to forge ahead with the announcement that Sheffield City Council and sustainable developer, Citu, have exchanged contracts on a development agreement for the site. The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, will be one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK, featuring more than 1,000 homes alongside climate conscious creative workspaces, an arts venue and retail opportunities to bring the neighbourhood to life. Citu has major ambitions for the scheme to set new standards of sustainability for Yorkshire, building on its multi-award-winning treatment of previously vacant or derelict brownfield land which include low- carbon residential neighbourhoods in Kelham Island, and the Climate Innovation District to the south of Leeds city centre. Citu will submit planning for phase one of the scheme in the coming weeks, which will include over 400 new homes and the conversion of existing buildings to form extensive arts, leisure and workspace opportunities. 6 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Training provider transitions to an Employee Ownership Trust Ilkley online training provider High Speed Training has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The EOT will provide workers with a stake in the company’s performance, which will operate for their benefit. High Speed Training was founded in 2008 and specialises in online compliance training across a number of sectors from retail and hospitality to construction, education and safeguarding. This deal comes following a period of record growth and will see co- founder and owner Dan Jordan remaining on the board of directors. National law firm Freeths advised, with the legal team led by corporate partner Andy Francey, supported by senior associate Megan Atack. Andy Francey said: “It’s been wonderful to see High Speed Training’s successes and the move to an Employee Owned Trust. This will help to future-proof the business with a strong focus on its workforce. As a trusted client, this deal highlights our strong capabilities in the sector.” Law firm makes raft of promotions Regional law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP has promoted five fee earners to Partner level and three to Associate, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the firm’s management and development. Partnership appointments go to the firm’s Head of Crime Christopher Hogg and his Department Manager Katie Scott, Matrimonial Solicitor Emma McGrath, who heads up the Skegness Family Team, and Conveyancers Diane Coultas, who joined the firm through its merger with Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Tracy Wray, who has been with the firm for almost 40 years. Kelly Credland is also to become a Partner. Kelly is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Leadership Team. Family Solicitor Ailsa Tennant, Family Emergency Team Paralegal Grace O’Neill and Conveyancer Talisa Hammond are to become Associates. Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to each of our new Partners and Associates, in whom we recognise commitment to the firm and ambition to be our future leaders.” © stock.adobe.com/fizkes © Cituwww.blmforum.net Business Link 7 NEWS Business confidence in Yorkshire falls, but remains in positive territory Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 11 points during May to 19%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 21 points at 20%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down four points to 17%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 19%. Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (31%) investing in their teams (30%) and introducing new technology like AI (24%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 3% of businesses in the region expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, down four points on last month. Lincoln shopping centre snapped up Lincolnshire Co-op and Wykeland Group have acquired Waterside Shopping Centre in Lincoln. The two organisations have come together in a 50/50 partnership to secure the prime retail and leisure destination in the heart of Lincoln city centre. The 130,000 sq ft Waterside scheme is 95% let with an impressive line-up of leading retailers including H&M, Next, New Look, Superdrug, O2, Office and Skechers. Following the success of the Cornhill Quarter development, the purchase extends Lincolnshire Co-op’s role in the regeneration of Lincoln and also brings Wykeland’s property asset management experience and expertise to the city. The partners will work together to operate Waterside Shopping Centre as a primarily retail scheme, while also aiming to develop the centre’s leisure offering. © John Aron Photography © stock.adobe.com/iushakovsky © stock.adobe.com/Ben New business growth board and economic advisory council set for South Yorkshire South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is creating a new Business Advisory Board and a Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council, to allow more businesses to convene and engage with decisions undertaken at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The Business Advisory Board will be made up of private sector representatives from a range of industries, building on the success of the Local Enterprise Partnership which has informed local economic policy, driven growth, and helped create more than 45,000 jobs since 2010. Alongside, there will also be a new Mayor’s Economic Advisory Council (MEAC) established which will see the development of a strategic economic council with sector-specific national and international expertise from business, Government, and academic leaders. Their role will be to assist the mayor in setting and delivering a long-term economic plan for South Yorkshire to create jobs and grow productivity. The MEAC will focus on evidence-based advisory outputs, with an emphasis on building stronger, collaborative offers across the north for transport planning, trade and investment promotion and innovation capabilities. South Yorkshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership will evolve into the Business Growth Board and the MEAC from September this year. Pictured at Lincoln’s Waterside Shopping Centre, from left, Lincolnshire Co-op’s property manager Hayley Woodhouse and head of property Kevin Kendall, with Wykeland Group Managing Director Dominic Gibbons and property director David Donkin.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. 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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/KAWINNINGSwww.blmforum.net Business Link 9 NEWS Stantec relocates 140-strong team to new Leeds office The recently refurbished 8,000 square foot office in 2 Whitehall Quay will be the new home for Stantec in Leeds as it continues to grow, offering colleagues and clients a versatile space for collaboration. Following a period of growth and success in the region, Stantec, a provider of sustainable design and engineering services, is bringing 140 of its colleagues together in a new home in the heart of Leeds. The move will see the Stantec team relocating from their existing office at The Boulevard on Leeds Dock. The office is on the 4th floor of the building and includes dynamic areas for collaboration all designed to meet the needs of a modern teamworking environment. The teams will use their new West Yorkshire base to build on their strong relationships with clients spanning the UK’s built environment, particularly in the water, transport, planning and development industries within both the private and public sector. Asda acquires EG Group’s UK and Ireland business Leeds-headquartered Asda has confirmed its acquisition of EG Group’s UK and Ireland operations for an enterprise value of £2.27bn, accelerating its growth strategy in convenience, omni-channel retail and foodservice. Asda – owned by the Issa brothers, investment funds managed by TDR Capital LLP and Walmart – is acquiring the EG UK and Ireland business, consisting of 350 petrol filling station (PFS) sites and over 1,000 food-to-go locations, through an affiliate of its parent company, Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Asda Group. EG Group will retain approximately 30 PFS sites in the UK for wider group development and which will not form part of the transaction. The transformational combination of Asda and EG UK&I will allow Asda to “better serve” a combined base of around 21m customers each week. Following completion of the transaction, Asda plans to invest more than £150m within the next three years to fully integrate the combined business. As part of the transaction the shareholders are providing £450m of additional equity to fund the transaction. Keyland secures planning permission to transform North Bierley former water treatment works into industrial space Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has secured planning permission from Kirklees Council for a circa 130,000 sq ft industrial development at its North Bierley Water Treatment works site in West Yorkshire. This second phase of work will see the southern end of former Water Treatment Works site transformed into a new commercial development. When combined with the Phase One development, which secured permission in 2016, the site will deliver just over 500,000 sq ft of new industrial and employment space. The scheme has the potential to deliver some 700 new jobs for the region, helping to address job shortages across West Yorkshire. After securing planning consent for Phase One, Keyland’s regeneration ambitions for the site resulted in a successful land sale to Opus North, who are currently on site delivering the ‘Interchange 26’. Located in a strategic position at the Chain Bar junction of the M62 and M606, the site is a significant element of the Kirklees economic strategy. © stock.adobe.com/Alex Yeung L-R: Ross Anderson, Stantec’s Yorkshire region water operations director and Harriet Chapman, regional growth lead for North at Stantec Next >