< Previous40www.blmforum.netopportunities for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’sdistinguished advanced engineering companies to play apart in the sector. The best example is the University ofSheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, andhas recently been awarded £37.1 million from theGovernment’s Regional Growth Fund. The Centre isworking in partnership with Rolls-Royce, who themselveswill be working with Hitachi to build the reactors.The Nuclear AMRC was awarded the funds to supportits large-scale programme of supplier development andmanufacturing research in partnership with key industrialmembers. The programme focuses on the civil nuclearnew-build industry, but spans the whole value chain andother parts of the energy sector.Professor Stephen Court, Operations Director at theCentre, says, “The Nuclear AMRC is a prime example ofthe kind of partnership approach which is so importantto our future as world-leading manufacturers. Combiningindustry expertise and university innovation, we workwith companies to improve capabilities and performance.To do that, we work with supply chain companies toenhance their technical capability to compete on cost,quality and delivery. We also give manufacturers clarityand knowledge on nuclear codes and standards, whichhelps them to meet and exceed the demandingrequirements of this industry. We complement this withthe training and skills development which ensures thatcompanies are able to comply with the strictrequirements of this industry.”This skills development should improve extensivelywith the Nuclear AMRC collaborating with Semta andthe National Skills Academy for Nuclear to launch theUK’s new National Skills Academy for NuclearManufacturing, which has been created with the intentionof being a single point of contact for supporting the skillsrequirements of manufacturers in the nuclear supplychain. The Academy will be based at the Nuclear AMRCand further emphasises our region’s position at theforefront of highly technical manufacturing.ENVIRONMENTAL - NUCLEAR POWEROne of the unique AP1000nuclear reactor pump casingsthe ASME certification hasallowed Sheffield Forgemastersto createJean Llewellyn, CEO of theNSA Nuclear and NSANuclear Manufacturing isjoined by Chris Bill andAnthony Cundall ofNuclear EngineeringServices at the launch ofthe National SkillsAcademy for NuclearManufacturing39-41:Layout 1 23/11/12 13:42 Page 2www.blmforum.net41ENVIRONMENTAL - NUCLEAR POWERIndeed, such is our region’s reputation for advancedmanufacturing it’s not surprising that many other localbusinesses are making advances into the nuclear sector.One such company is Sheffield Forgemasters who areexpanding into nuclear fabrication after passing a verytesting audit to retain its ASME status as a key supplier ofheavy forgings and castings to the civil nuclear powermarket. SFIL also aims to secure a higher level, ASMENuclear Partials accreditation in early 2013, enabling thecompany to become the only UK producer of heavyforgings and castings to physically weld-fabricate suchsafety critical components to form the heart of a nuclearpower plant.The ASME code is the gold standard for the nuclearindustry, involving unannounced audits on an annual basisand full surveys every three years, and any companywishing to become involved in the sector needs toconsider it an top priority. David Street, group qualitydirector as SFIL, says, “The ASME code is an absoluterequirement with no scope for concessions. Manufacturersmust be ASME code compliant to avoid non-acceptanceand rejection. “The implications of the codes are vast for any companywishing to enter the UK civil nuclear supply chain withprecise requirements which need comprehensiveunderstanding to ensure compliance and avoid codeviolation. Businesses will need to understand how toengage with this process and at the moment, very few UKcompanies do. That’s where our involvement with theNAMRC should enable our expertise in this field to reacha much broader market.”In addition to the manufacturing of nuclear elements,there are also opportunities for local companies to benefitfrom the growing nuclear supply chain. SolidCAM UK ofBarnsley, for example, have become a Tier 2 members ofthe Nuclear AMRC to offer their advanced computersoftware to companies working within the nuclear sector.Nuclear energy probably isn’t going to enjoy a gloriousreputation but it’s now accepted as part of the energy mixrequired to keep the UK fully powered. Our region iscertainly at the forefront of highly specialised andinnovative work that is constantly improving safety andefficiency in this complex sector.“The ASME code is anabsolute requirement withno scope for concessions”David Street, group quality director as SFIL39-41:Layout 1 23/11/12 13:42 Page 342www.blmforum.netThe Green Energy Lincs event enjoyed the perfectsetting of the EPIC Centre at the LincolnshireShowground – a great illustration of the benefits thatcan be garnered from thinking green. With its world-class standards in the use of environmentally friendlybuilding materials and operating programmes, it is theperfect example of how making use of energy efficiencyprinciples certainly doesn’t mean cutting back oncomfort and high quality facilities.The conference, which brought together businessesand decision makers from across the county, featured ahigh profile keynote speaker in Energy Minister JohnHayes. A Lincolnshire MP himself, representing SouthHolland and the Deepings, Mr Hayes has hit theheadlines recently thanks to his comments on windfarms. Delegates at the event couldn’t resist the chanceto put the Minister on the spot,and after he admitted to aquestioner that he hadn’t fullyembraced energy-savingtechnology at his own house inLincolnshire, was quick to invitethe assembled experts to offersuggestions on the changes hecould make.In his keynote speech, theMinister explained the thinkingbehind the Government’sEnergy Bill and emphasised theneed for a wide mix of energy sources in the UK. Hesaid that while it was “inconceivable” to suggest thatrenewable technology would meet all of the nation’senergy needs, it was impossible to suggest theywouldn’t play a part, and specifically cited offshorewind farms and biomass power stations as making vitalcontributions.He said, “The continued emphasis on offshore windin our county is to be welcomed. There are realopportunities both in terms of growth and jobs inrespect of offshore wind and there is continueddiscussion about support we can offer in that regard.”He also emphasised the huge opportunities thatexisted in the county for tidal and wave energytechnologies.Delegates at the conference, organised by FootprintRenewables, also heard from a host of other informedspeakers. These included Andrew Manderfield of StreetsChartered Accountants who discussed the business andtax implications of renewable energy investments, andJulian Patrick of event sponsors Freewatt whoexplained the impact renewables can have on thebottom line of businesses of all shapes and sizes.As the speakers and exhibitors proved, Lincolnshireis at the forefront of the renewable energy boom andthe potential for the region to play host to majordevelopments is enormous. Events such as this play avaluable role in putting the county firmly in thespotlight.ENVIRONMENTAL - GREEN ENERGY LINCSLincolnshire is atthe forefront ofgreen energy andmajor players inthe sectorgathered inLincoln to debatethe numerousopportunitiesEnergy Minister and LincolnshireMP John Hayes was keynotespeaker at Green Energy LincsWE’VEGOTTHE POWER42:Layout 1 23/11/12 13:31 Page 1Business Link 43www.blmforum.netADVANCED ENGINEERINGThe UK’s advanced engineering andhigh value manufacturing communityconverged in record numbersrecently at the NEC in Birmingham forthe Advanced Engineering UK 2012group of events.Boasting a total attendance of morethan 9,000, this year’s events featuredfour key advanced engineering and highvalue manufacturing shows – AeroEngineering 2012, the CompositesEngineering Show 2012, the UK PlasticElectronics show and the inaugural UKAutomotive Engineering show. Ian Stone, Managing Director of showorganisers UK Tech Events, says, “We’vebeen delighted to see such acomprehensive turnout at this year’sgroup of events, reflecting the relentlessprioritisation from industry, fromgovernment and from academia in each ofthese pivotal high value, high skilledeconomic sectors. They represent the keypillars for a rebalanced UK economy, withsustainable growth in critical targeted‘high value’ engineering and technologysectors where the UK is increasinglytaking an international lead.“This year’s technical programmeswere a great success with standing roomonly for many sessions. With more than150 speakers over the two days,attendees could pick and choose fromdedicated aerospace, composites andautomotive engineering sessions,together with a host of general sessionsaddressing LEP strategies for advancedengineering growth, quality managementand standards, IP management andInnovation management.”Dedicated Aero Engineering, CompositesEngineering and Automotive Engineeringsessions were supported with hostedcontent streams from several sectorinfrastructure bodies including ADS Group,hosting daily SC21 sessions; MIRA andMillbrook, hosting daily low carbon vehicleand automotive development testsessions; plus NetComposites andCompositesUK, taking the lead inprogramme content across the compositesengineering sector. Additional sessionsponsors included UKTI, BiNDT, QMTMagazine, +Plastic Electronics magazine,and ESP KTN. Kick starting each day’sprogramming were the heavily attendeddaily Breakfast Club meetings, hosted byBusiness Birmingham and Invest BlackCountry LEP, and featuring Jaguar LandRover, Interserve Construction and UTCAerospace Systems.Delegate attendees were treated to atailored stream of keynote briefings,providing insight into the ‘big picturelandscape’. Notable within this was thecontribution from Dick Elsy, newlyappointed CEO of The High ValueManufacturing Catapult. This reflectedthe wider comprehensive ‘HVM Catapult’partner participation across this year’sgroup of events.Ian Stone says: “The full range of theHVM Catapult’s integrated capability,encompassing seven delivery partnersand designed to accelerate thecommercialisation of new and emergingmanufacturing technologies in the UK ,was evident in abundance throughout theshow, with six Catapult partners eitherexhibiting, presenting or both this year:these included AMRC with Boeing,Manufacturing Technology Centre,Advanced Forming Research Centre,National Composites Centre, Centre forProcess Innovation and WMG.”2013’s show takes place on Tuesday12th and Wednesday 13th November andBusiness Link will be bringing you all therelevant information and highlights.Innovation on anunprecedented scaleAero Consultants UKAero Consultants UK were established in Cambridgeshire in 1981.They offer a comprehensive range of materials, equipment and alliedservices to manufacturers of composite components. From structuraladhesives to surface treatment systems; lightning strike protection tolaser projection and measurement, Aero Consultants UK provides acomprehensive range of high-performance products designed to copewith the demands of the modern aerospace engineering sector. The Company is a Preferred Partner for all materials distributed bythem including...* Henkel Aerospace (HYSOL/TURCO/FREKOTE) * LPT Laser Scanners* Aqua Water Soluble Mandrels and Tooling * Dexmet Lightning Protection * Gunnar Advanced Cutting SolutionsAero Consultants UK own their own large storage facilities and employ a team of fully trained andqualified personnel to guarantee full traceability and product quality.They can help whatever your lightweight composite requirements.Tel: 01480 432111 Email: sales@aero-consultants.co.uk www.aero-consultants.co.uk43:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:08 Page 144Business Link www.blmforum.netRange Rover Evoque With a rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running thelength of the SUV, and a distinctive taper to the lowfloating roofline, the Evoque adopts an extremely vibrantprofile with an imposing and muscular stance. Inside,the cabin provides exactly what you would expect;sumptuous surroundings with quality materials and anelegance befitting of a Range Rover interior. Rather than using a traditional trim hierarchy, theEvoque gives you the choice of three design themes -the cool and contemporary Pure, the luxurious Prestigeand the sporting Dynamic. Our SD4 Prestige LUXAutomatic 3dr Coupé came with a silver exterior, apanoramic roof, leather seats and a hide covered dash.Under the hood lurked a potent 2.2 litre turbo dieselengine married to a six-speed, creamy smoothautomatic transmission.Behind the wheel, you feel confident and comfortable.Despite the low roof, visibility is very good, and theThe Arctic weather that goes with the UK’s winter tends to cost industry millions. So,here’s a few of the latest 4x4 offerings that should keep the wheels of industryturning, whatever the weatherexpressive Evoque feels solid, yet speedy and balancedat motorway speeds, with very little roll on more twistyroutes. Not surprisingly, as a true Range Rover, the Evoquedelivers all-weather, all-surface competence too, whichis enhanced by the company’s Terrain Responsesystem. The standard four-wheel-drive transmission is afull-time intelligent assembly which continuously variesthe front and rear torque split to deliver optimum gripand balance. The upmarket motor also has generousground clearance and better breakover, approach anddeparture angles than other compact SUVs. The Evoque will undoubtedly tempt country basedmotorists who need this kind of vehicle to get around, aswell as a new generation of business executives whowant a no-nonsense car that also delivers oodles of style. 2013 Honda CR-V The Swindon built Sport Utility Vehicle is perfectlyKeeping the wheelsof industry turningRange Rover Evoque Max speed: 121 mph0-62 mph: 8.5 secsCombined mpg: 43.5Engine: 2179 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 190 at 3500 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 309 at 1750 rpm Max. towing weight (braked) 1800 kgCO2: 169 g/kmPrice: £45,420 on the road 44-45:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:10 Page 1Business Link 45www.blmforum.netAUTOLINKenvironments with utter ease. Not only that, thepickup does what it says on the tin – it’ll be your bestfriend when it comes to picking up loads and, whenthe cargo area is full, it’s the perfect vehicle forlugging a laden trailer around.The L200’s looks aren’t bad either. It’s mean andhandsome – in a rough sort of way. The double cabmeans there’s enough room for four, so when theTrojan isn’t tackling off road areas or hauling heavy-duty merchandise around, it’s a handy family motor,especially kitted out with a luscious leather interior. Pace, although it’s not the first thing you thinkabout when you buy a pickup, isn’t an issue on theL200. There’s a reason for this - the 2012/13 Trojanhas had some improvements, such as 30% moreclout, with an increase in engine power from 134 bhpto 173 bhp and 27% more torque. The result is thatthe Mitsubishi gathers pace like an angry rhino -when it does get rolling you feel it’s like anindestructible road-train. Good job, then, that thepickup has first-rate brakes to scrub off anyunwanted speed.If you want individuality, forget it. The mightyMitsubishi is available in two colours only, Aztec Redand Cosmos Black, but the Trojan is a great optionfor business users who demand resilience, versatilityand performance.suited to many motorists’ way of life.It behaves and drives like a ‘normal’car; it has the space of an estate, aswell as 4x4 safety, and enough gruntto tow a trailer, caravan or horsebox.The fourth generation CR-V offers even morequality, practicality and refinement than itsforerunner. And with environmental concerns ofgrowing importance, the up-to-the-minute 2.0 i-VTEC and 2.2 i-DTEC engines emit significantly lessCO2 than before. The new CR-V is available with four liberallyequipped trim levels S, SE, SR and EX. The 2.2 i-DTEC SE we drove at its press launch impressed us.The model’s intelligent multi info display, idle stop,dual zone climate control, cruise control and 17-inchalloy wheels made motoring effortless. The CR-V’s 2.2 litre oil burner pulls very nicely and,although its acceleration won’t set your pants on fire,it’s certainly not sluggish. The SUV feels robust, andin slippery conditions the 4x4 traction gives you asense of security – something many rural-basedbusiness owners might well be glad of. Add Honda’sstandard vehicle stability assist, anti-lock brakingsystem, electronic brake force distribution, brakeassist and trailer stability assist and you’re protectedin your own bubble of safety heaven.Mitsubishi L200 TrojanMitsubishi’s L200 Trojan is practical, comfortableand with 4x4 ability it’ll get you out of the trickiest2013 Honda CR-V Max speed: 118 mph0-62 mph: 9.7 secsCombined mpg: 50.4Engine: 2199 cc 4 cylinder16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 148 at4000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 258 at2000 rpm Max. towing weight(braked) 2000 kgCO2: 149 g/kmPrice: £26,105 on the road Mitsubishi L200 TrojanMax speed: 111 mph0-62 mph: 12.1 secsCombined mpg: 35.8 (unladen)Engine: 2477 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 173 at 4000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 295 at 2000 rpm Max. towing weight (braked) 2700 kgCO2: 208 g/kmPrice: £19,324 + VAT on the road 44-45:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:10 Page 2LUXURYUnashamedLUXURYThe chance to get behind the wheel of the BentleyMulsanne, a car that’s been eighty years in themaking, was just too good to miss.Displayed in an art gallery, the new Mulsannewould be a masterpiece - a blend of sportiness,coach built elegance and solidity. Echoing theBentley S -Type of the 1950s, the car has a boldfront, dominated by the traditional Bentleymatrix grille and prominent, classic round innerheadlamps, flanked by two, smaller outboardlamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lightingtechnology. The lengthy bonnet, short frontoverhang and long rear overhang help toexpress a sense of might and movement,reinforced by burly haunches and sharplysculptured lines which flow charmingly fromthe front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed20-inch (and optional 21-inch) wheels reinforcethe Mulsanne’s commanding, sporting stance.Inside, the aroma of leather and woodenvelopes us instantly. The scent is wonderful,yet almost overwhelming. And there is a reasonfor this - over 170 hours, almost half the entirebuild process, goes into crafting the interior ofAUTOLINK46Business Link www.blmforum.net46-47:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:12 Page 1the Mulsanne. Each steering wheel apparently takes fifteenhours to hand-stitch while stainless steelbrightware gleams so perfectly, thanks to anintensive ten hour finishing process. The woodveneer takes five weeks to turn from a roughroot ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves – and a time-honoured tanningprocess is even employed for the leather. The entire cabin is also encased within a‘ring of wood’ waist rail with an unbrokenpanel of wood gracing the Mulsanne’sdashboard. Inverted dial needles within theinstrument cluster are reminiscent of earlyBentleys, while the whole dashboard andconsole design is a subtle reminder of theBentley wings motif. Naturally, sitting in the rear of the BentleyMulsanne is the best place to comprehend thesheer graft that goes into creating the cabin.Amongst all the glossy wood and lavishleather, you also start to appreciate how thelatest in-car technologies have been cleverlyand unobtrusively placed within the lushinterior. A multimedia system drives satellitenavigation, audio/video, personal data,telephone and Bluetoothconnectivity. The upperdashboard houses a multimediascreen, positioned discreetlybehind an electrically operatedveneered flap, while below sits achic, leather-lined media playerstowage drawer with connectorsfor iPod, USB and much more. However, it’s the pure punchof energy unleashed from theBentley’s 6¾-litre V8 engine thatreally clinches it. Affording hugepower at low revs and self-possessed performance, while maintaininghigh levels of finesse at any speed. Thepowerplant, mated to an eight-speed automatictransmission with steering-wheel mountedpaddles, delivers 505 bhp - and vast torque(752 lb ft) is delivered at 1750 rpm. Thisspectacular pulling power from just above idleand right across the rev range ensures thatwith a simple tap of the accelerator you areinstantaneously rewarded with that distinctive,sonorous V8 burble as well as exceptionalacceleration.Quite simply, the Mulsanne is as near tomotoring perfection as you can get. The onlything that lets it down is a smaller thanexpected boot but, that aside, very few carmanufacturers can offer such a concoction ofperformance and refinement in a single vehicle. Business Link 47www.blmforum.netAUTOLINKFAST FACTS Max speed: 184 mph0-62 mph: 5.3 secsCombined mpg: 16.7Engine: 6752 ccTwin-turbochargedV8 petrolMax. power (bhp):505 at 4200 rpmMax. torque (lb/ft):752 at 1750 rpmCO2: 393 g/kmPrice: £225,900 onthe road46-47:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:12 Page 2SECURITY48Business Link www.blmforum.netAs well as your buildings and their contents, it’s alsoa major concern these days to put measures in placefor IT systems over unmanned periods too. Physicalsigns of entry are obvious, but it might not bediscovered for weeks if a security breach has occurreddigitally. With potential hackers able to negotiateprotection and remain untraced, it’s canny to eitheroutsource or organise adequate protection. Studies such as AXA’s Business Crime Indexrecently showed a rise in the number of unoccupiedand unprotected premises thanks to the recession, somore businesses are potentially at risk. In particular, ifyou are surrounded by businesses who have eithergiven up the ghost or are similarly empty for thefestive period, then you could be in trouble.When considering that businesses are a target morethan usual thanks to high stock levels and more cashstored in premises, the importance of being preparedfor such eventualities over this period increases. Onesolution is to have a designated key holder or dutyrota. However, this has become a more dangerous, orat least a more dangerously-perceived option. In fact,46% of business owners are now more worried aboutviolence to them or their staff than a year ago, and50% have admitted they receive little or no assistancefrom the police. Using a member of staff as a key-holder in an alarm response situation could thereforewell mean that burglary and violence aren’t the onlyproblems businesses could be facing. Tommy Atkin of ProTouch Security explains, “The2007 Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act wasintroduced so organisations can be prosecuted if theyfail to properly manage health and safety, and thatfailure results in the death of a person who they owe aduty of care to.“Put simply, if a business has chosen a member ofstaff as a key holder for alarm response situations andthey haven’t been fully trained, if they become involvedin a severe incident with fatal consequences, then thatbusiness is vulnerable to prosecution.” “That, coupled with a season of snow flurries andfestive drinking, could mean a recipe for disaster notonly for the key holder, but the business owner aswell. So looking to employ security personnel licensedand trained to deal with those situations might just bethe difference between having a fantastic Christmas orone marred with the Corporate Manslaughter Act.”If you are going to use a member of staff to performkeyholder duties, then it’s perhaps a good idea toensure they are fully trained and perhaps ready fordealing with potential break-ins. Equally they need tobe adequately insured, as any injuries sustained willneed to be covered and legal costs could start to ridehigh. One moral question you will have to ask yourself iswhether you are happy calling on a staff member outof hours, particularly over the festive period when theymay be relaxing with friends and family. Also, puttingWith many firms taking the Christmas and New Yearperiod as a chance to shut for a few weeks, securitymust be a concern with empty properties oftenproving too much temptation for criminalsThe seasonof goodwill?48-49:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:16 Page 1Business Link 49www.blmforum.netthem in direct contact with potential intruders whocould be armed or dangerous should be consideredcarefully, as will the amount of time they will need tostay at the scene, usually after dark, until the break-inissues are resolved. Looking to security firms in these situations seemsthe most likely solution unless, as a business owner ordirector, you want to take responsibility for such riskysituations yourself. Having a company used to dealing with intrudersand suspicious individuals takes a lot of the stressaway and you can almost rest easy knowing adesignated firm has all keys and will be at the scene todeal with either an intrusion or the police. Mannedservices are also a deterrent if they involve routinechecks and patrols. Seeing a security vehicle or lightson in a building will make criminals think twice andvarying patterns of shifts will make timing a break-indifficult too. Signage helps, but if there is no action to back upclaims of patrols or surveillance, thieves or miscreantswon’t hesitate to test this out if they are desperateenough. In our region, more rurally-located businessesare at risk of structural thefts, lead flashing or roofmaterial is worth serious money in scrap value solighting, patrols or some sort of presence is a good idea.For those who haven’t got the resources to protectareas with manned patrols, CCTV offers something of acover-all option. With quality gradually improving,pictures are often much more recognisable than theblurred, grainy images we were used to in the past.Central security hubs are something more companiesare taking advantage of, where a remote hub watchesyour property or business at designated times anddespatches security patrols if suspicious activity isobserved. Overall, a sensible approach to security over thefestive period is advised. Overkill could be a waste ofcash with security operatives kicking their heels,conversely do little and the risk will increase. Bespokeoptions are always available of course, so it ultimatelyfalls to the individual to decide what is needed. Help isalways available so perhaps consultancy is always thebest option in the first instance.COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC SECURITY SOLUTIONSCall 01522 532038or visitwww.lincolnsecurity.co.uk48-49:Layout 1 26/11/12 09:16 Page 2Next >