< PreviousSUCCESS STORIES20Business Link www.blmforum.netFor many businesses in Yorkshire andLincolnshire, the last few years have been amongthe toughest they have ever experienced in theirexistence. The continuing recession, combinedwith ever-increasing overheads, has led to manycompanies sometimes struggling to make endsmeet – but there does seem to be some goodnews, with 2012 proving successful for our mostinnovative companies.The feelgood factor was almost certainly at itsheight during the summer when the Olympic andParalympic Games surpassed all expectations –and the events were certainly a success for ourpart of the world, with Yorkshire famouslyproviding more Olympic medallists than manylarge nations.Local companies were also stronglyrepresented throughout the Games. Yorkshirecompanies to win work included Leeds-basedgarment design and import company Cohen andWilks International who supplied children’sclothing, while Actaccomm of Mirfield won threecontracts to deliver modular office and welfareaccommodation buildings to the Olympic Park.Every building on the Olympic Park used timberprovided by Sheffield firm Arnold Laver.Local Olympians including Nicola Adams broughtplenty of optimism to our region’s businesses in2012, and thanks to the work of the YorkshireGold Business Club, many were able to play apart in the success of the Games. Nicola ispictured with YGBC member Darren BostonEvents such as theREYTA awards inEast Yorkshireillustrate that theregion is still enjoyinggreat successThe feelgoodfactorThe Olympicglow andimprovedexport successmeans manylocalbusinesses areending 2012 inoptimisticmoodIn total more than two hundred local businesseswere awarded contracts related to the Games,and winning London 2012 contracts helpedsafeguard and create jobs in the region in a tougheconomic climate. Much of this success wasthanks to the Yorkshire Gold Business Club which,over the three years it received funding forYorkshire Forward, engaged with over twothousand businesses and delivered over fiftyevents, with distinguished guests including LordCoe and Gold medallist Nicola Adamsencouraging local companies to bid for contracts.Although the funding has now ended, thosebehind the Yorkshire Gold Business Club believethat the Games have left a lasting economiclegacy on our region, with the hope that UKcompanies can use the contracts secured fromthem as a platform for winning national andinternational projects for years to come. The sense of national optimism derived fromthe Olympics may have been tempered as theeconomy remained somewhat flat, and the newsthat we were officially out of recession failed toconvince many. Yet there are examples of sectorswhere there seems to be some light at the end ofthe tunnel. The food and drink sector is20-21:Layout 1 26/11/12 08:57 Page 1Business Link 21www.blmforum.netSUCCESS STORIESparticularly important for our region, for example,and this year, businesses reported positive levels ofoptimism for consecutive quarters – for the first timesince the Food and Drink Federation’s BusinessConfidence survey was launched in 2010.The survey suggests businesses have continued toinvest in research and development, productlaunches and human resources. As the sector thathas set itself the challenge to grow by 20% by 2020,these investments are particularly valuable.Domestic sales strengthened in the second quarterof 2012 with 48% of survey respondents reportinggrowth compared to the previous quarter, and thiswas a figure that grew still further – to over half ofrespondents – in the third quarter. Food and drinkmanufacturers continue to invest heavily in staff,particularly in upskilling but also through a small risein numbers employed. Capital Expenditure remainssubdued, though, as the uncertain economicenvironment holds back capital projects.The FDF’s Steve Barnes says, “Continued rises iningredient prices and an uncertain economic outlookare impacting confidence and this volatility is makingit harder for businesses to plan ahead. However oursector has always proved resilient and we areconfident that it will continue to be so and make asignificant contribution to the economic recovery.”In other sectors, growth is uncertain but the signslook positive. More than 420 companies fromSheffield City Region took part in the latest BritishChambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey,which looked at business confidence in themanufacturing sector during the third quarter of theyear. The results highlight businesses in the regionare spending money on new staff, training andequipment, although not yet at the required levels tosustain long-term growth. Manufacturing has seen a significant increase inemployment over the period in question, withexpectations set to remain at a good level. Thiscoincides with a slight improvement in UK sales andorders, as well as a rise in cashflow. Investment intraining and machinery remains consistent, whileturnover and profitability continue to be positive, butthe sector has seen a reduction in export sales andorders compared with the previous quarter. 2012 sees the regional economy in a stronger statethan in the recent past. The recent BDO GlobalAmbitions Report, which spoke to the leaders ofmid-sized companies with global ambitions, foundthat 82% of firms feel optimistic about expansionabroad and 78% expect to generate more revenuefrom investment abroad in the next third years. Lessencouragingly, however, a third felt they had nochoice other than to expand internationally due tothe tough UK economy.What is certainly the case is that Yorkshire andLincolnshire businesses continue to enjoy a strongreputation for innovation and quality – as thecompanies on the following pages illustrate – andwhile 2012 won’t go down as a vintage year formany businesses, there’s a greater sense ofoptimism than for many years.2012 was the year that food and drinkbusiness leaders reported positive levelsof optimism for consecutive quarters –for the first time since the Food andDrink Federation’s Business Confidencesurvey was launched in the UK in 201020-21:Layout 1 26/11/12 08:57 Page 222-23:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:22 Page 1Business Link 23www.blmforum.netSUCCESS STORIESSaltend Chemicals Park, on theeastern edge of Hull, is a productionpowerhouse with a cluster of world-class businesses manufacturing morethan a million tonnes of chemicalsproducts annually. The site has seen£500 million of investment over thepast five years, building upon thesuccess of BP’s long-established aceticacid manufacturing operations toembrace a range of industry-leadingbusinesses working together in anintegrated operation.A major landmark is looming withVivergo Fuels soon to begin finalcommissioning of a £350 millionbiorefinery, the largest of its kind inEurope, before moving to fullproduction early next year. SaltendChemicals Park has invested millions ininfrastructure and facilities to make thedevelopment possible and will providea range of services including power,steam and water to the giant plant. TheVivergo investment is the largest yetseen in the Humber as the estuarybecomes a magnet for green energyindustries.Saltend is also home to KingstonResearch Ltd, a joint venture betweenmultinational giants BP and DuPont,which is conducting research andpiloting production of the next-generation biofuel, biobutanol. Dr ChrisBowlas, Saltend Chemicals ParkManager, says, “With Vivergo andKingston Research, we have a centre ofexpertise for biofuels at the site, so weare attractive for complementaryindustries.“Also, as companies become evermore environmentally aware, there willbe a demand for what are known as‘green’ chemical products - thosemanufactured with the least possibleimpact on the environment. One wayto do that is for renewable energy tobe employed to make the chemicals,for instance through a facility burningbiomass to produce power and steam,or use of bio raw materials asfeedstocks for chemicals production”.Dr Bowlas says Saltend is now in agreat position to compete with theleading locations in Europe for furtherinvestment. It has fifty acres of vacantland and offers extensive services,including electricity and steam from anon-site power station.The chemicals park aims to attractinternational chemicals producers“who can gain advantage fromintegration into existing product lines,for mutual benefit” as well as therapidly-growing renewable energysector, Dr Bowlas says, “All the thingsthat would give investors confidenceare in place – we have a track record ofsustained production and integratingnew investment successfully.“We have available land and servicesand utilities on site which can beplumbed in for new businesses. We’reideally located for servicing the UK andalso have a logistics route into Antwerpand Rotterdam for the Europeanmarket or onwards to worldwidemarkets.“We benefit from an establishedinfrastructure and a sharing of costsacross the companies on the site. Thatmakes it significantly cheaper forinvestors than establishing their owninfrastructure, giving them acompetitive cost base and thechemicals park a key competitiveadvantage.”A production powerhouseon the HumberOne of the Humber’s premier industrial locations is primed to reap the benefits of hugeinvestment and bring new business to a site with a heritage of successful manufacturingstretching back almost a hundred years.22-23:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:22 Page 2SUCCESS STORIES24Business Link www.blmforum.netSam Allon now provide for therecovery and recycling of buildingmaterials, a range of bulk aggregatesand base materials alongside andboth plant and skip hire to theconstruction industry. The team –which has vast experience in theindustry – work on all sizes of project– everything from major civilengineering works, brownfielddevelopments, straightforwardclearance works right down to smallself-build developments.One of East Yorkshire’s oldest,largest and most experienceddemolition contractors wasestablished by Sam Allon himself in1920 with a loading shovel, a truckand a gang of men withsledgehammers. Although thecompany has changed beyondrecognition since then, as it has beenquick to introduce the latesttechnology and now works across thewhole the of North of England, theethos of the business has remainedthe same – to ensure their customers’needs are met perfectly.Sam Allon’s long heritage asspecialists in demolition continues, asthey manage and provide the fullrange of demolition services includingrecycling, reclamation, asbestos andhazard removal and waste disposal.Among the services they can offerare soft strip, structural appraisal, thede-construction of superstructure andthe removal of sub-structures. Theteam has built up an enviablereputation for dealing withcomplicated projects involvingasbestos and other hazardousmaterials. Indeed their health andsafety policies are second to none.As environmental performancebecomes increasingly important, SamAllon has continually invested inmodern efficient equipment thatminimises dust and noise. In addition,all materials are recycled whereverpossible. The company separate andsalvage everything of value or whichcan be used instead of new materialson other projects – which has thehappy side-effect of allowing them toremove costs from your project andfuture works. These savings arepassed on directly to customers. SamAllon also offer a range of recycledFirst choice in demolitionand excavationFor over ninety years, the name Sam Allon has beensynonymous with demolition, site clearance and removal.During that time, there has been considerable changewithin the construction industry and Sam Allon hasconsistently adapted their services to suit the changingneeds of their clients.SAM ALLONSAM ALLONFor more information on what Sam Allon can offer, call them on 01482 320051 or visit www.samallon.co.uk.products to the construction industry,from bricks to aggregates and basematerials.Sam Allon also provide a large anddiverse range of rental equipmentfrom their plant hire fleet. Thisincludes excavators ranging from 1.5to 45 tonnes, trucks, dozers, loadingshovels and compactors, fromleading manufacturers such asCaterpillar, Hyundai, Leibherr, Drott,JCB and Komatsu. All plant hireequipment is supplied with qualifiedand experienced operators.Sam Allon has long been one of themost respected names in the industry– and their dedication to continuallyimprove their service ensures this willremain the case for many years tocome.24:Layout 1 26/11/12 08:59 Page 1Business Link 25www.blmforum.netSUCCESS STORIESPD Ports CEO David Robinson andBusiness Development DirectorGeoff Lippitt have recently visitedAsia to meet with customers andpartners to highlight the changingface of UK logistics and the impactthis will have on trade with Asia. The eight-day tour, which included threedays in Japan and five days in Hong Kong,was the first in a series of visits planned forAsia to discuss the evolution of logistics in theUK, in particular through portcentric logistics.The visits also highlighted thesignificant infrastructure investmentsPD Ports has made over the last twoyears. The visit has been organised withthe support of UK Trade & Investmentand Jonathan Gamblin, InternationalTrade Adviser (Medium SizedBusinesses). He says, “We weredelighted to be able to help PD Portsin identifying potential customers andpartners in Asia and look forward toworking with them in the future.”Over the last seven years, PD Portshas become a leading provider ofportcentric logistics services in the UKand has won several awards forexcellence as a result, including theprestigious title of ASDA’s Carrier of the Year2012. David Robinson, PD Ports CEO, says, “Asiais the start of PD Ports’ supply chain for manyimports and understanding trends is veryimportant, as is awareness of any associatedexport opportunities.“This is the first in a series of visits to Asia,to meet with our customers and their partnersto promote inward investment and furthersupport economic growth.”PHOTO: DAVID LEE PHOTOGRAPHY LTDPD Ports highlightschanging face ofUK logisticsFor moreinformation, visitwww.pdports.co.uk.David Robinson25:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:33 Page 1SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH26Business Link www.blmforum.netIt wasn’t too long ago that we were said to be at the startof a new era for Britain’s banks. After the fiasco of the bail-outs and the introduction of new legislation, the idea wasthat the newly chastened financial institutions – including ahost of brand new banks – would operate entirely for thecommon good, with lending to businesses high on theagenda again to allow SMEs to grow.Fast forward a few years and it seems the new era ofbanking appears to be very much the same as the old one,as companies across the region continue to report hugedifficulties in accessing funding. Indeed, a recent survey of a thousand SMEs suggestsbusinesses in our region put more trust in accountants andfinancial directors to keep their business on track. Theresearch finds that half of Yorkshire’s SMEs currently havecash flow concerns, or have done in the past, yet 18% ofthese are using bank overdrafts, a relatively expensivemethod of finance, to help free up their balance sheet.Nearly 9% have sold assets rather than go to the BankManager to fund cash flow.Going forGROWTHSocial enterprises and growth funds are filling the gap insupporting potential business success storiesJohn Atkinson, Head of Commercial Business at HitachiCapital Invoice Finance, the Leeds-based company whocommissioned the survey, says, “Businesses currentlydon’t know where to turn, and it’s worrying to hear nearly10% of those admit that their banks weren’t any help insolving this issue.”Work is certainly continuing to ensure that the banksprovide a more valuable service for SMEs, and theFederation of Small Business’ Real-Life Entrepreneurcampaign has made this a top priority. A group of smallbusiness owners, including a number from Lincolnshire,recently lobbied Parliament with one of the main drivers ofthe campaign being to increase the routes to finance byensuring that the recommendations set out by theIndependent Commission on Banking are implemented by2015. The aim is that small businesses can benefit fromincreased competition on the high street as well as beingable to move banks more easily.In the meantime, our region’s businesses have to look atother forms of funding. Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance has26-28:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:02 Page 1Business Link 27www.blmforum.netlaunched Inspired Cashflow, with a £500 million lending facility. As thesurvey suggested 68% of SMEs didn’t realise you can unlock financethrough Invoice Finance products, this could well prove a valuableoption for businesses.Other funding initiatives throughout the region could also make amajor difference, Humber Local Enterprise Partnership’s £7 million plusbusiness development loan fund is now underway, with the moneymade available by the Government’s Growing Places Fund. The aim isto help businesses with projects that can start or re-start quickly andunlock economic growth and the majority of enquiries have come fromSMEs from both sides of the Humber.Humber LEP investment board member Stephen Savage says, “Theindications are that there are many excellent applications. They are of ahigher standard than when the scheme was first introduced and there isno doubt that its relaunch has got people talking and considering what itcan do for their businesses. The scheme could greatly benefit the Humbereconomy and we are pleased at the level of interest being shown.”David Kilburn, chair of the Investment Board, adds, “Applicants areestablished businesses that wish to expand, but need more cash to beable to fulfil their plans at a time when banks are reticent about supportingthem. Typically, each project that is successful in gaining loan fundingwould generate around fifty new jobs.”The Government is also continuing to make Enterprise Capital Fundsavailable to provide funding for innovative SMEs. The latest, the twelfth, isparticularly relevant for businesses in our region as it will invest in science,28 Top: Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance of Leeds haslaunched Inspired Cashflow, with a £500 millionlending facilityAbove: SME food and drink companies across theregion will be able to benefit from funding andconsultancy support for robotics and automationfrom InnovateBetter, a new project being run byCenFRA. Steve Cann, Director of InnovateBetter, ispictured at an automated food manufacturing plant26-28:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:02 Page 2SUPPORTING BUSINESS GROWTH28Business Link www.blmforum.nettechnology and engineering-basedcompanies – something Yorkshire andLincolnshire specialises in. The fund isknown as Longwall Ventures ECF andis made up of £25 million ofGovernment investment and £15million from private investors. With thisfunding, it will be able to invest infunding rounds of up to £2 million tosupport growth businesses.Meanwhile, SME food and drinkcompanies across our region will beable to benefit from funding andconsultancy support for robotics andautomation from InnovateBetter, a newproject being run by CenFRA. The twoyear project will see more than £1.4million being made available forbusinesses in the region under theAutomation and Robotics InnovationGrants Scheme, which offers matchedfunding to help companies invest inbusiness improvement projects.It’s clear that effective funding is themajor factor in ensuring continuedgrowth – many companies certainlyhave the ideas and the enthusiasm toenjoy success and simply need thefunding to turn those ideas into reality.For other businesses, however, thereare other aspects that can have a hugeimpact. Organisations such as e-factor,the social enterprise in North EastLincolnshire, have assisted numerouslocal businesses in a huge range ofdifferent ways.Everything you could want from a Business ClubJOIN THE BUSINESS HIVE Swipe card access to the Business Hive 5 hours free usage of meeting rooms Usage of member areas Free networking events Free business workshops & seminars Free Advice Surgeries Discounted and free business services such as legal, banking, health & insurance Entry in Business Club web directoryAffordable £25 monthly membershipDe`e_d_d]\[[DeWZc_d_ijhWj_ed\[[Dec[[j_d]\[[iDeWjj[dZWdY[eXb_]Wj_ediDefh[c_kcY^Wh][ZX[d[ÅjiDekf#\hedjYeijiJOIN TODAYall for only £25per monthFor further information, call 01472 887 005 eh[cW_b_d\e6[#\WYjeh$Ye$kae-factor.co.uk/businesshiveclub8ki_d[ii>_l[":kZb[oIjh[[j"=h_ciXo"Dehj^;WijB_dYebdi^_h[":D)'(78Gain access to the fantastic facilities at the Business Hive, plus exclusive discounted members only services and benefits:For example, they were able tosupply specialist information forOceanBlue Logistics to allow them tomore accurately target potentialcustomers, while other businesses havemade use of the number of professionalcourses that they offer to improve theirskills. e-factor also offer their healthcheck services that can take anoverview of the entire business – or asingle aspect of it – and offer unbiasedand independent advice. For manySMEs, the opportunity doesn’t alwaysexist to take a step away from day-to-day challenges to take a more strategiclook at their development, so a fresheye can often point out impediments togrowth that become apparent.There are plenty of innovators inYorkshire and Lincolnshire whosecompanies burst with potential butaren’t able to act on this thanks tolimited funding and uncertainty as tothe next step. Fortunately, a number offunding options and social enterprisesare willing to step into the chasmcaused by the reticence of banks tolend and ensure continued success.Humber LEP investment board memberStephen Savage is impressed by the projectsthat could gain funding from its £7 million plusbusiness development loan fund26-28:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:02 Page 3SOCIAL SCENEBusiness Link 29www.blmforum.netUpcoming Lincoln Sportsman Dinners... Rugby Union player Phil Bennett on 7th February 2013 Football referee Howard Webb on 14th March 2013To contact the club you can email at info@lincolnsportsmans.com, telephone on 01522 508355 or visit the comprehensive website at www.lincolnsportsmans.comDinners are held at The BentleyHotel, South Hykeham, LincolnThe Lincoln Sportsman’s Clubcontinues to bring togethersporting legends and new youngtalent in their regular dinners atthe Bentley Hotel in Lincoln. Thepopular events feature a well-known guest speaker andproceeds from the evening gotowards supporting and up-and-coming sporting star of thefuture.The Club’s most recent event,held at the Bentley Hotel in thecity, featured Graham TaylorOBE as the guest speaker.Graham, who grew up inScunthorpe, is perhaps mostfamous for his spell as Englandmanager and for taking Watford fromthe Fourth Division to the top flight, theFA Cup Final and into Europe. Heremains one of the most respectedpundits in the game.At the event, Graham helped presenta cheque to Guy Embrey who is alreadyenjoying great success as one of theUK’s most promising trampolinists.Graham Taylor,Guy Embreyand GeorgeGilbertGraham Taylorand Rod TaylorPatrick Sullivan, Bernard Ross and Roy FroggattRobert Willey and David, Andrewand Barry DixonDean Watson, Keith Saunders,Peter Scarcliffe, Neil BrewerPhillip Hewson, Mike Jackson,David Nicholson, Peter HullKelly Bloom, Andy Hurley, Neil Randell,James WalkerPHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEYA sportingchance in LincolnA sportingchance in Lincoln29:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:03 Page 1Next >