Business Intelligence May June 23

May/June 2023

President’s Message

5 New President Albert Weatherill looks ahead to his year at the helm

Big Interview

6 Ashley Lidgard, Chairman of the Oak Ridge Group

Policy

8 Chicago State Senator visits region to check out Carbon Capture work

Member News

12 Work under way to restore Grimsby’s historic Corporation Road Bridge

Spotlight

Focus On

COVER PHOTO: Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly pictured at the Chamber’s Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards with the Deputy Leader of East Riding Council, Cllr Anne Handley and the Mayor of Goole, Cllr Ross Turner.

Growing your business, building our economy

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President’s Message

Dear members and friends of the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, welcome to my first “President’s Message”. Firstly, I must say that I am honoured and humbled to serve as the new President of this esteemed organisation. It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you.

As we move forward, I will continue to build on the superb work of my predecessor, Mike Whitehead. I know that we will continue to work together to help create an even stronger and more vibrant business community in the Hull and Humber region.

The Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource for businesses of all sizes and industries. Our mission is to support and promote the growth of our members, providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Whether you are a new start-up, or an established company, we are here to help you reach your goals.

One of my top priorities as President is to enhance communication and collaboration between our members. I firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. To that end, I encourage you to take advantage of the networking opportunities provided by the Chamber. Attend our events, meet your fellow members, and forge new connections that can help you grow your business.

As a maritime man, another focus of mine is to ensure that the shipping community is front and centre. The Humber region has never been better placed to take full advantage of the opportunities that are presenting themselves and which are connected to maritime trade.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your President. I look forward to working with you all to achieve our shared goals and to build a stronger, more prosperous business community in the Hull and Humber region.

Albert

Weatherill

President, Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Patrons

As a not-for-profit organisation, the Chamber is very grateful to our Patrons, who support us in our aim to help our Members develop their businesses.

• KCOM

• Arco: Experts in Safety

• Streets Chartered Accountants

• SPS Group of Companies

• On Loan Recruitment Ltd

• Clugston Group Ltd

• Wilkin Chapman LLP Solicitors

• University of Hull

• My Group

• Andrew Jackson

• Orsted

• ASM Global

• Ellgia

• Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers

• AA Global Language Services Ltd

• Kevin Greene Photography

• Drax

• Equinor New Energy Ltd

Big Interview

Phil Ascoughof Ascough Associates talks to Ashley Lidgard, Chairman of the Oak Ridge Group, about his lively career and the exciting plans he has to expand the company’s upmarket hospitality offering.

Taking hospitality to a whole new level

From the exclusive elegance of the Ashbourne Hotel to the haven of health and tranquillity at Brackenborough Lakes Resort there’s evidence aplenty that Ashley Lidgard knows how to serve up the finer things in life.

Add in the quirkiness and creativity of The Counting House cocktail bar and you see a passion for entertaining in style. But it was never a boyhood dream. As a teenager, influenced by his parents John and Audrey buying a farm, Ashley wanted to be a farmer.

Only when Audrey, told him he would have to work to pay his way through agricultural college did Ashley head off on an alternative career.

“I kind of stumbled into it,” he recalled.

“I thought it would be easy working outside in nice weather and driving tractors. But at 14 I put a bow tie on and started work at my parents’ pub, the Granby in North Thoresby. I enjoyed that it wasn’t straight 9-5 days but weird shifts, working weekends and really varied. I also realised farming would not be as much fun in bad weather!”

The farm became the Brackenborough Hotel and was acquired by Ashley in later years as his career blossomed and Audrey and John headed into retirement. Along with the executive team, son Thomas hopes to be the future of the family business. At 26 he’s half his dad’s age, eager to emulate achievements and take the Oak Ridge Group into exciting new tourism territory.

Ashley was 19 when he became the country’s youngest licensee, buying the New Inn at North Thoresby. But that was just a stepping stone as he gained experience and worked out what he wanted to do.

“I ran the pub for four years when I received a very attractive offer and sold it. Just serving beer all the time didn’t get my brain going,” he said.

Spells in Dubai and the United States broadened Ashley’s horizons and although he decided travel wasn’t for him, he developed a sharper focus.

He said: “I can’t say I learned a great deal. It was more about seeing the wider world and the bigger picture, seeing how things are done differently.”

With decent savings and good investments, Ashley bought the Ashbourne and turned it from a struggling 10-bed pub into a 36-bed destination for high quality functions, supporting the huge industry in and around North Killingholme.

Success breeds success and when Ashley’s parents wanted to retire, he set out to buy the business. Taking

on the Brackenborough at Louth was more of a stretch but Ashley found a partner in Michael Cornish, owner of packaging giant Linpac. When Michael decided to retire and moved on, he left Ashley with a good business and an expanding outlook.

“I told him my ambitions and his exact words were “paint me a picture” said Ashley.

“I went home and wrote my first business plan – I was 30 at the time. Michael agreed to invest and we were in business together for about 10 years.

“He advised me and attended board meetings but then he said he was moving abroad and wanted to sell. I had to raise some money again. We were in recession and the banks weren’t lending. It took about three years to raise the funds and I bought him out in 2005. Michael turned me from a manager into a managing director. He was a hard task master but a great teacher, and I owe him a great deal.”

‘I didn’t feel there was anywhere for older people at the higher end of the market’

The next piece of the hospitality jigsaw was The Counting House. Basically Ashley went out for lunch and bought a bank.

Ashley said: “I didn’t feel there was anywhere for older people at the higher end of the market. Then I was having lunch and I saw a closing down sign at the bank across the road. Instead of waiting to find out who was selling it I got onto the Land Registry, found the owner and did a deal within 24 hours to take it on.”

With planning consent for change of use to bar and restaurant, a full refurbishment and Thomas learning the trade in London, they opened the cocktail venue with Director Richard Matthews in summer 2017.

At around the same time the opportunity came to broaden the base of Ashley’s business interests when he was approached to become an investor and Director in a small, Glasgow-based operation that wanted to start producing fitness DVDs with celebrities.

Ashley said: “I was in from the start. I just seemed to hit it off with the CEO and I found the potential of the business exciting. DVDs then started to go out of fashion so we moved online. At first it was a huge struggle and

we were burning through huge amounts of cash month after month until we changed our business model.

“Instead of focusing on individual subscribers we sold to companies wanting to provide online access to fitness videos and mental health for their workforce. The real change and success came as a result of Covid when everyone lost access to bricks and mortar gyms. Sales went through the roof overnight, finally we started to make money and we haven’t looked back since.

“I’d looked at what I owned and everything was hospitality. If hospitality struggled then so would I but I knew online was the future.”

Now reaching 200 countries, with over 10 million customers and 500 staff globally, the business was last year named fastest growing tech company by Deloitte. The States accounts for 85 per cent of revenue after four acquisitions and product diversification into everything from leisure apparel to fitness supplements.

Post-Covid, Ashley focused on rebuilding the hospitality business against a climate of staff shortages and escalating costs. A steady flow of approaches from people trying to buy the company demonstrated the hotels were still viable despite the economic outlook.

He said: “I had people turning up every week trying to buy the company. We could have sold but what would I do? I would have had money but no job. And as well as Thomas wanting to replicate what I have achieved, there was also my long serving team who equally deserve success.

“It’s competitive. Food inflation is very challenging and it’s difficult with staff, keeping teams together. We seem to have more and more increases in costs and we have to keep a close eye on that.

“I have amazing people – up to 180 peak season – and the management and chef teams have been with me for a long time. It was the managers and directors who were working on the floor, looking after people. Without them we would not have come out of Covid.”

Even in the face of the cost of living crisis the business has been able to pick up where it left off with plans to add stylish lodges to the offer at Brackenborough.

Ashley said: “When Covid hit all hell let loose and we feared we would lose everything. The banks didn’t like hospitality any more. I funded the business personally but we didn’t know if we would be able to open again.

“But we had gained planning permission for 127 lodges on 30 acres of land I had purchased behind the Brackenborough, and as soon as we were able to we got to work with the first nine. They’ve done really well, so we are now on phase two of 30 more. Phase three will bring a further 20 on our way to that total of 127 subject to demand.

“Our investment since coming out of Covid will hit £4m in our hospitality business alone. I own 100 per cent of the business and will be keeping it that way. We have ambitions to expand with a second lodge park in Yorkshire or the Lake District. That’s the plan, but before that a holiday.”

LEFT: First for functions – the Tennyson Suite at Brackenborough Lakes Resort

RIGHT: Secluded sun trap, the terrace at the Ashbourne Hotel

BELOW: The style and space of the gardens at Brackenborough Lakes Resort

MAIN PICTURE: Ashley Lidgard at Brackenborough Lakes Resort

RIGHT: The gardens at the Ashbourne Hotel

BOTTOM RIGHT: Dining al fresco at the Ashbourne Hotel

Chamber Policy

Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is the collective ‘voice’ of business across the Humber region representing the views and interests of our Members at local, regional and national levels.

Chicago State Senator views region’s carbon capture work

Senator Robert Peters, the State Senator for Chicago, who has followed in the footsteps of Barack Obama in that role and has the former President as his constituent, was in the city of Hull in March. Robert was part of a delegation of mid western Senators and diplomats from the USA visiting the Humber region to explore the UK’s world leading activities to tackle carbon capture and develop offshore renewables wind power.

Following a successful visit to the Humber accompanied by the Foreign Office, Department of Trade and local stakeholders, the delegation went to the Guildhall for a special civic Dinner with the Lord Mayor, Cllr Christine Randall, in one of her last duties as Admiral of the Humber.

Survey shows optimism among local businesses

Businesses in our region adopted a more optimistic tone in the first quarter of 2023 than we have seen for many months, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey results from the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce.

After months of soaring inflation and rising interest rates which saw businesses battening down their hatches to survive the economic storm, they now seem more prepared to stick their heads above the parapet as those storm clouds begin to lift, but it’s still far from plain sailing for many!

Businesses had encouraging news on their domestic Sales and Orders, with both sectors showing an uplift in the first part of this year. Home Sales saw the balance figure climb back into positive territory, up by 26 points to 13, while Home Orders improved by 19 points, but the balance figure was still negative at -8.

In the Quarter 1 survey, a third of firms said they are expecting their turnover to

improve in the next 12 months, with the balance figure rising from -9 in Quarter 4 of 2022 to 24 points in this quarter.

Profit expectations are also headed in the right direction again, but remained in negative territory, with the balance figure rising from -55 to -28 points.

Twelve per cent more of the firms which took part also said they were now working at full capacity, although 55 per cent were not.

Set amidst hopes that inflation has just about peaked, slightly fewer businesses said they expected prices to rise in the next three months, with the balance figure dropping six per cent to 57.

However, there were still many things concerning businesses as they head into the second quarter of the year. The biggest of these were raw material costs, with more firms expressing concern than in the previous quarter. Finance was also a key concern, while pay settlements was less of an issue this quarter, as were other overheads.

sector RSM colleague, Phil Withers, took Senator Peters and the British Consul General for Chicago Tim Bakke to Ye Old White Hearte in the old town for a pint of ‘warm English beer’ and to see the notorious ‘plotting parlour’ where Lord Hotham and other Parliamentarians blocked King Charles I’s entry into Hull to access his arms house in the city. A chain of events which started the first English Civil War and eventually led to Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary sovereignty over the Monarchy.

The Obama disciple, Senator Peters, was wowed by the history of the old town pub and also that of his other constituent Michele Obama who has a connection to the Wilberforce Institute and Museum across the road where William Wilberforce was born.

The Chamber’s External Affairs Director David Hooper said: “This set of survey results are the most positive we have seen for some time in terms of business optimism for the next 12 months, but there is still plenty to concern companies on the economic front.”

Dr Ian Kelly, Chief Executive of Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce and his Chamber Shipping Committee and private

Pictured in Hull are (left to right) Dr Kelly, Senator Peters and Phil Withers

Chamber Policy

Police commissioner speaks at our AGM

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside Jonathan Evison was the guest of honour at the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce’s AGM where it appointed its new President, Albert Weatherill and Vice President Kirk Akdemir.

Jonathan told his audience that he and Chief Constable Lee Freeman were excited and invigorated with their crime-fighting roles and instilled a can-do attitude into the force.

Addressing Chambermembers after the AGM lunch, Jonathan highlighted how crime had fallen by 34 per cent since 2019 and explained how 20 per cent of crime was committed by new offenders, 80 per cent by reoffenders, usually aged between 15 and 29 and how criminality usually drops out of people’s lives by the time they reach the age of 35, unless, they have become career criminals.

“Our police force is now a beacon organisation which has a lot of other forces beating a path to our door to see what Humberside Police is doing right. For example, our non-emergency 101 service is the best in the country. The second best force in the country, Surrey, has a drop-off rate of 11.5 per cent – Humberside has less than 2 per cent.”

“I am proud that Humberside Police is now an “Outstanding” force on every level following our inspection last year. We are the only force in the UK to get a 91 per cent in the Peel report. But, we are not satisfied with that, we want to do better, and the Chief Constable shares my ambition.

“We’ve got an extremely competent and well-led police force in the Humber, it’s expanding and it will continue to expand. Crime is linked to deprivation, but we’ve got some of the highest arrest rates of any force.

Jonathan offered to give members his personal business card, promising he would personally chase up the control room to follow up on a response if anyone had not been called back. “I often make that offer,” he said, “but I’ve had no calls so far.”

“It’s very good to be a PCC in Humberside right now – crime’s down in just about every area that you can measure it,” he added.

“The future is exciting, we have high expectations, high levels of support for our officers and people are falling over themselves to apply for senior roles in the force.”

The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce welcomed its new President, Albert Weatherill, at its AGM as he inherited the Chain of Office from Mike Whitehead.

The Chamber’s 111th President since it was founded in 1837. Albert joined the Merchant Navy as a young man, before becoming a ship’s deck officer. When he came ashore he joined a marine surveying company, McAusland & Turner where he stayed for 40 years, working his way up through the company to become its managing director and owner, growing the business and taking it international. He is also the Chairman of the Chamber’s Shipping, Transport and Renewables Committee.

Albert’s Vice President for the year is Kirk Akdemir, the managing director of AaGlobal, a translation business which has made its home in Hull after starting out in Worcester. AaGlobal has recently undergone a rebranding exercise to celebrate its 30 years in business.

Albert’s connection to the Chamber goes back 40 years and he is proud of the fact this Chamber is the only one in the UK to have a Shipping, Transport and Renewables

‘It’s very good to be a PCC in Humberside right now – crime’s down in just about every area that you can measure it’

Police & Crime Commissioner for Humberside Jonathan Evison is instilling a can-do attitude into the force

Chamber President Albert Weatherill (right) with Vice-President Kirk Akdemir

The Chamber’s new President, Albert Weatherill (right) and Vice President Kirk Akdemir (left) pictured with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Jonathan Evison at MKM Stadium

New President sets stall out for year ahead

Committee. Albert promised to do his best during his year of office as the President of what he described as “a truly great organisation”.

Albert said: “The Chamber is led by an excellent Chief Executive in Ian Kelly and represents an eclectic mix of businesses which belong to it from all around the Humber. The Hull & Humber Chamber is ranked fifth financially in the UK and includes most of the biggest businesses in the area in its membership. You look at some of the esteemed Past Presidents’ names on the website, and you become aware that you’ve got some big shoes to fill in this role.

“The Chamber really does fight the corner of all businesses, large or small, within its membership.

“I come from a marine background so my focus will be on the shipping side and it needs to be. The River Humber is pivotal to the Humber economy and links flow from our past to our future. Immingham, for example, is the biggest port by tonnage in the UK and the Humber is the fourth largest port complex in Europe with 40,000 shipping movements a year. There is a lot of industry, and a lot of environmental cost, with the area being the

highest emitter of CO2 in the UK, but it is also a global leader in renewables. As the Government moves to Net Zero, there is £15bn being committed to reduce and capture CO2, not from Government, but from local businesses. The world is watching what we do here. The World Economic Forum which

Seaman impressed during port visits

A seafarer who lives on the other side of the world spent some time visiting the ports of Hull and Grimsby during his first trip back to the UK in 26 years – and was greatly impressed with what he saw.

Adam Loseby is a qualified second mate and spent several years at sea before coming ashore and working in the logistics industry in the Port of Napier, on New Zealand’s North Island. The port is struggling to cope after most of Napier’s road and rail bridges were destroyed by the recent cyclone.

This was Adam’s first visit “home” since his family emigrated when he was just 6 years old, so he was keen to see what was happening in one of the busiest estuaries in Europe – and Chamber President Albert Weatherill volunteered to be his tour guide.

Adam was keen to learn about the fishing industry in the two Humber ports, and how they had adapted following the demise of the trade which made them world famous.

during his year as President.

Mike said: “Only as President do you realise how important the Chamber is to the business community – it is the only pan Humber, non taxpayer funded membership organisation, it does a fantastic job – and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise – this Chamber is the Voice of Business in the Humber!

meets every year in Davos, highlighted two areas globally which are leading on renewables and carbon capture, one is in China, and the other is the Humber.

“This attention brings prosperity and jobs. There will be 10 years of construction to build a pipeline to capture our CO2 and that one project will create 10,000 jobs. And did you know, 25 per cent of all the rain that falls on England flows out through the Humber – it’s a centre point of all we do.”

Before handing over the Chain of Office to Albert, Mike Whitehead thanked the Chamber team for their hard work in supporting him

“During my year as President, I’ve attended three Parliamentary dinners and been involved with devolution, Net Zero ambitions and Freeports. I’ve welcomed Government Ministers, the Governor of the Bank of England, delivered a lecture to Hull University students and flown on the inaugural flight to Esbjerg from Humberside Airport.

“My biggest achievement was to play a part in promoting the Chamber, North and South of the Humber and have enjoyed being part of the strong Chamber team, led by Ian.

“My most embarrassing moment was humming the theme tune of The Sweeney to the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, who said it was the most bizarre introduction he had ever had! I thought it would be funny as one of the characters in The Sweeney TV series used to call his boss the Guv’nor!”

Adam Loseby (left) and Chamber President Albert Weatherill at Hull Marina

‘The Chamber really does fight the corner of all businesses, large or small, within its membership’

Member News

The latest news, success stories and updates from members of Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce.

Essential restoration works to Grimsby’s Corporation Road Bridge by Hull-based Spencer Group are safeguarding the landmark structure for future generations and providing a boost to the local economy.

Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been selected to carry out a full refurbishment of the Grade II listed crossing by North East Lincolnshire Council and its delivery partner, EQUANS. The works need to be carried out in order for the council to fulfil its statutory obligations to protect the bridge, which is of historical and architectural significance.

The restoration will include key structural works, as well as aesthetic improvements, preserving the bridge’s heritage status and protecting it for many years to come.

Spencer Group, which was appointed as the contractor for the project after a strict tendering process, will have a team upwards of 15 working on the project at any one time. The company is using a local waste management company, with the aim to recycle as much as possible from the redundant materials taken from the bridge.

It is also employing people from the area to work on the bridge, using a Grimsby builder’s merchant and haulage company, as well as encouraging its own workforce to use nearby facilities to further boost the local economy.

Ben Lorne, Project Manager for Spencer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be carrying out these works, which are a statutory requirement bound by legislation to ensure the bridge remains fully operational.

“We’ll be safeguarding the bridge for future generations with structural, mechanical and

Restoration work will bridge past with the future

electrical works, as well as painting to protect it from corrosion.

“Much of the work will be done on the underside of the bridge, where we’ll be inspecting, repairing and replacing the structural beams that support the roadway. These works won’t necessarily be visible to the public, but are vital to keep it safe. It’s always good to have local people working on a local structure such as this, which is why we’re using Grimsby companies in the delivery of this project.”

The works to Corporation Road Bridge began last month. A full road closure will be in place for the duration of the works, which are expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with diversion routes clearly signed. The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists, except during short periods when Sp encer Group will need to test the lifting mechanisms.

The bridge refurbishment is set to cost nearly £5m, with the road closed for between 12 to 18 months

The Corporation Road Bridge refurbishment is a £4.967m scheme - funded by £2.967m from the Department for Transport, £1.83m set aside by the council and a further £170,000 from the Local Transport Fund. The Department for Transport funding is specifically ringfenced for these works.

Diane Rowe, Customer Relationship Manager for Spencer Group, said: “It’s important with a project like this to engage with the community and employ local people wherever we can, which is what we’re doing. Anyone who wants to find out more about the project and how it’s progressing is more than welcome to get in touch with us for an update.”

For updates on the Corporation Road Bridge restoration, email corporationbridge@thespencergroup.co. uk or call 07984 309169.

Chamber keen to extend trading links

The Chamber is always looking to broaden its international reach and strengthen trading links with other nations and was delighted to welcome the Consul General of Hungary to its Hull headquarters.

Krisztina Kátai-Nagy met with Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly, External Affairs and Membership Director David Hooper and its newly-elected President, Albert Weatherill, to discuss how the two organisations may be able to build political and business ties.

Krisztina explained how the Hungarian Consulate General opened in Manchester in 2019 to support the estimated 30-40,000 Hungarian nationals living in the North of England, with around 2,000 of those living in Hull and the East Riding. Hungary is always looking for potential investments and opportunities, and the Consul General was very keen to bring a delegation to see the Humber’s renewables industry.

Ian said he would be happy to work towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding which would signify that Hungary is open for business in the North of England.

Krisztina welcomed his comments, and highlighted that Hungary has now strengthened its presence in the UK by having a Consulate General in Manchester and recently opening a new Consulate General in Edinburgh. Building on the Hungarian communities their aim is to build business and commercial ties and reinforce the bilateral trade links with the North.

“'There are thought to be around 2,000 Hungarians living in the Hull and East Riding area, and not many people realise that Wizz Air which flies into Liverpool is Hungarian owned. It is great that Budapest can be reached by a two hour direct flight from Manchester and Liverpool as well, which presents a great opportunity for an exciting city break in the beautiful Hungarian capital.”

Ian highlighted how Hull is a port city with good seaborne trading routes via Stenaline and Finnlines, and that the Chamber’s new Vice President, Kirk Akdemir, is Turkish. He also noted that the city’s football club had recently been taken over by Turkish owners. The Chamber also has strong links to the Caribbean as it is the only bilateral Chamber not based in London. There are 79 bilateral, and 53 British Chambers of Commerce in the UK.

Krisztina also highlighted that the UK is the sixth largest foreign direct investorcountry in Hungary with investments amounting 3.6 billion euros and 725 UKowned companies in Hungary are employing more than 52,000 people.

The success of the Hungarian economy is greatly based on the results of export and FDI. Hungary is persistent in its efforts to maintain an investment-friendly business environment. This is supported by the country’s ideal geographical position in the centre of Europe, the well-developed infrastructure, ready-made industrial sites, offices and science parks and excellent transportation connections.

‘There are thought to be around 2,000 Hungarians living in the Hull and East Riding area’

The Consul General of Hungary Krisztina Kátai-Nagy (centre) who was welcomed to the Chamber by Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly (left) and Chamber President Albert Weatherill

The bridge wil largely remain open to pedestrians and cyclists during the work

The Spencer Group’s restoration work on Corporation Road Bridge in Grimsby is now under way

Team-up is set to keep you posted

There’s exciting news for residents of Hull and East Yorkshire as Hull What’s On and 107FM announce a new partnership aimed at keeping the community up-to-date with the latest local news, events, and entertainment.

Hull What’s On, which launched in 2014, has quickly become a go-to resource for people looking to discover the best events, food and drink, and things to do in the region.

Meanwhile, 107FM has served the communities of Hull and East Yorkshire since its launch in 2015, with a variety of great music, community-based talk shows, and live sports commentary. It’s also widely recognised as ‘people-enablers’ through the broadcast and media training it offers at its dedicated training hub inside its Hull studio complex.

Under the new partnership, the two organisations will work more closely together, with Hull What’s On using 107FM’s platform to promote the latest events and happenings, while 107FM will feature more of their radio content on Hull What’s On. The partnership will also explore the creation of joint shows and videos to keep the community engaged and informed.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with 107FM to bring our audience even more exciting events and experiences,” said Hull What’s On’s founder, Dave Bushnell.

“Our mission has always been to help people experience what Hull and East Yorkshire has to offer. As a locally focused radio station, 107FM shares that vision which makes this partnership a very natural fit. Working together will help each of us spread our message further to help more local people make the mo st of living here.”

New Member in the Spotlight

Business Intelligence introduces a new Chamber member to learn more about their business.

Name: David Bacon

Job Title: Managing Director

Name of the business: Bacon Engineering

What does your business do?

We provide precision engineering, machining, manufacturing, fabrication and welding services along with drone surveying and laser scanning services to companies across the UK.

Where is your business based?

On the outskirts of Grimsby on Estate Road 2, South Humberside Industrial Estate, Grimsby, DN31 2TG.

Where do you operate?

We support and supply businesses across the UK, majoring in the Humber region, assisting companies across a broad range of sectors including renewable energy, marine/maritime, construction, operations & maintenance, chemical, packaging, food processing, water/utilities and pharmaceuticals.

How long have you been in business?

Since 1899, we are a fifth generation run family business and we pride ourselves on providing a first-rate service to our customers and having a company culture based on family values.

How many staff are in your team?

26, we have grown from 14 personnel 16 months ago and are looking to continue to grow.

What makes your business unique? We are a modern innovative and progressive engineering service provider with a long illustrious history. Our ability to provide a broad machining, fabrication and drone/laser survey capability under one umbrella means we can provide bespoke and tailored solutions to complex engineering needs.

What do you hope to gain from your Chamber membership?

We aim to further develop our business and customer base, whilst developing strong lasting relationships across the Humber region.

What do you enjoy most about working in our region?

We believe there are currently fantastic opportunities in the Humber region for engineering and manufacturing companies and hope to play an important role in the continued economic development of the area.

What was your first job?

I joined the Royal Navy, where I served for 12 years as a Logistics Officer. It was a great experience.

What do you never go to work without?

A sense of humour and an open mind. In business, just as in life, I think you often need to be able to zoom out and laugh at the absurdity of certain things. Part of the exciting journey we are on is the learning experience, so everyday I am gaining more interesting and invaluable experience.

What one change would help your business the most?

I think a period of political stability and economic growth would be a huge benefit to everyone.

What’s the best way for people to contact you? info@baconengineering.com or via LinkedIn

Dave Bushnell (left) and 107FM's founder, Pete Mills

Only a couple of weeks left to book your stand for Chamber Expo 2023 – so don’t delay...book today!

It’s not long now until Chamber Expo 2023 opens its doors to showcase some of the best and most exciting businesses in the Humber region - and this year will also include an International Trade Pavilion and Conference!

It’s coming up fast, on Tuesday, 6 June, and this year’s venue for this leading business-to business event will be the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby, Hull, HU10 6EB, retaining its place taking centre stage in the heart of Humber Business Week 2023.

Stands are selling well this year, so don’t miss out, booking is available through the Chamber’s website or by contacting David Hooper or Janice Harrison who will be happy to help.

As usual, Chamber Expo 2023 will host all kinds of businesses from both banks of the Humber and the spacious venue features some outside stand space for larger exhibitors.

This year’s standholders can to look forward to a hot buffet lunch and electricity included

in the price of the stand, while parking and entry to Chamber Expo 2023 will be free for all – everyone is welcome to exhibit or attend this ever-popular event.

The Chamber’s famous Speed Networking will also return this year, providing a great opportunity to meet some new business people from around the region - and we are planning a few informative break-out sessions and a couple of fun surprises! Get in touch if you’d like to know more!

Anyone is welcome to visit – you don’t have to be a Chamber member to promote your business at Chamber Expo, or to attend on the day. The Chamber’s annual Expo provides a great opportunity for networking and making introductions to potential suppliers of everything from cakes to cranes.

How to book

Don’t miss out, book your stand online: Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce (hull-humberchamber.co.uk) or call (01482) 324976 to speak with Janice or David, or email j.harrison@hullhumber-chamber.co.uk with your requirements.

We are working with Hull What’sOn to promote the event, and would also thank our sponsors, AaGlobal and KCOM for their support.

Soapbox Derby back for first time since Covid

Ahigh-speed challenge which has attracted teams from across Hull and East Yorkshire will be renewed when Hessle Town Council stages the return of The Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby on 1 July 2023.

The event originated in 2012 and became a fixture in Hessle’s annual calendar but Covid put the brakes on and as a result the contest hasn’t taken place since 2019.

The Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby is a family-friendly fun event for amazingly designed homemade soapbox carts, also known in the Hull area as ‘bogeys’, which will race from the Humber Bridge toll booth plaza down into the car park to be met by a crowd of cheering spectators.

‘Hull4Heroes are honoured to be the new charity partner for the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby 2023’

In the past entries have come in from schools, colleges and businesses across the region, with teams building their own machines and taking to the road in a bid for soapbox glory. The lower age limit for the drivers is 12 years old, and there is no upper age limit.

The Humber Bridge board have kindly consented for their estate and the magnificent Humber Bridge to be once again the venue for this free to watch spectacle which brings together businesses, schools, and individuals to raise money for a local charity. The compere will once again be local presenter Darren Lethem.

Previous charity partners Smile Foundation have benefited in the past and it is hoped that new charity partner Hull4Heroes will enjoy a similar success.

Ann Newlove from HEY Smile Foundation said: “We have supported this event since 2015 and during this time, we have loved bringing businesses, charities, and education sectors together through this exiting public event. It

has been wonderful to see teams coming back year after year and to grow the event to the peak we saw in 2019. With the Covid enforced break over recent years, it felt right for us to step back and let another charity take our place. We know Hull4Heroes and Hessle Town Council will take this event to the next level and we look forward to taking up our spectator spots this year.”

Paul Matson MBE, CEO and Founder of Hull4Heroes, said: “Hull4Heroes are honoured to be the new charity partner for the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby 2023. This is an amazing event curated by Hessle Town Council and we cannot wait to be involved.”

Also returning to support the event is main sponsor Sargent Electrical Services, who are suppliers to the caravan and motorhome industry. Ian Sargent, Managing Director, said: “Sargent Electrical Services are incredibly pleased to be main sponsor for the Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby once again and to be working with the fabulous team at Hull4Heroes. We are looking forward to an enjoyable day for the teams and their soapboxes in what is always a great family event.”

Participants can enter the competition by downloading an entry form from: humberbridgesoapbox.co.uk

This year’s Humber Bridge Soapbox Derby will raise money for Hull4Heroes

Villages get high speed broadband

Rural broadband provider Quickline Communications has held a series of community activities to celebrate bringing game-changing internet access and speeds to three more villages.

East Halton, North Killingholme and South Killingholme, in North Lincolnshire, are the latest locations to benefit from Quickline’s 2023 full fibre broadband rollout plan.

The East Yorkshire-based provider, which has already passed 300,000 premises with its existing nextgeneration fixed wireless broadband network, is rapidly blending that with full fibre to create the UK’s only gigabit hybrid network.

The fibre rollout will see Quickline bring broadband speeds of up to 1 Gbps to more than 55,000 homes and businesses in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire this year. Quickline’s fibre rollout plan covers some of the hardest communities to reach which have, until now, been neglected by major broadband providers.

To celebrate the rollout, Quickline organised a range of events over two weeks. Julian Chalk, Quickline’s Head of Enablement and Engagement, said: “We were delighted to be able to celebrate our continued full fibre rollout in East Halton, North Killingholme and South Killingholme – providing these rural communities with the internet service they deserve.

“It was brilliant so many people from all three villages joined in with our community activities and we all had a lot of fun.

“We received great feedback from residents who’ve been crying out for better broadband after being neglected by other providers in the past and we’re proud to be able to meet their needs.”

Live music event returns to Hull market

Amusic event which has become a big favourite in Hull’s live entertainment scene has launched another series of seven sessions, with the first presenting top local talent in a party atmosphere.

Trinity Live resumed on 13 April featuring Sandra’s Wedding, All Gone South and Alice Clayton on stage in Hull’s Trinity Market. Admission is free and music lovers can also explore the array of fantastic food and drink with traders staying open for the show.

Trinity Live made its debut in 2019 in the run-up to the annual, and enormously popular, Humber Street Sesh festival. It has become established as one of the city’s most successful live music events and is expected to be even more popular this year with HullBID stepping up to help spread the word.

‘Trinity Live has become an iconic event over the years’

Mark Page, of Sesh Events, said: “We’re delighted to have been asked back by Hull City Council and HullBID to host and curate the return of Trinity Live – a warm, community night of live entertainment which will take place every Thursday within Trinity Market.

“It ’s an event for all ages, with families encouraged to attend, and it will feature some of the region's finest original bands and acts from the area's flourishing music scene. The market itself comes alive during the evening too, with many of the stalls opening up providing a wide range of food and drinks.”

Mark, who will again bring in Hull-based sound and light experts at HPSS for the events, added that Trinity Live attracted weekly audiences of more than 300 during 2021 and 2022.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID Executive Director, said Trinity Live will kickstart a summer of live shows which will boost businesses by attracting more people into the city centre and provide after work entertainment for people employed in the city centre.

Kathryn said: “Trinity Live has become an iconic event over the years and we’ll be working more closely with Hull City Council and the organisers of Trinity Live to help the event reach a wider audience. It’s a great opportunity for city centre business owners and their staff to enjoy great food and superb entertainment after work so we’ll be raising awareness and urging people to tell their colleagues.

“HullBID’s own events programme continues to evolve – years ago we pioneered midw eek live music in the city centre during the week, and we followed that with Trinity Festival in Zebedee’s Yard and Trinity Square.

“Soon we’ll be announcing details of our Trinity Reboot live music programme which will add to the vibrancy of Trinity Live by taking even more live music into some of the city centre pubs and bars. But it starts right now, with another seven rounds of Trinity Live which will pull in the crowds and support our city centre evening economy.”

Trinity Live started on 13 April and takes place from 6.30pm until 9pm every Thursday until 25 May.

Alice Simmons is among the performers at this year’s Trinity Live event

Stephen Gorwood, owner of The Black Bull in East Halton, is among those enjoying improved broadband speeds

Chamber membership now includes five new advice lines –

HR, Legal,

H&S, tax and VAT

Three document libraries – HR, H&S and legal – almost 800 template documents plus lots more information.

The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce has invested in its membership offer and has recently launched four important new services to support Humber businesses which are now included as part of the Chamber package.

Chamber HR, Chamber H&S, Chamber Legal and Chamber Tax are all now available to members and are free to use as often as they like.

Chamber members also have access to a huge library of around 800 downloadable documents and templates covering employment, health and safety, tax and legal matters.

All the new services can be accessed by one phone number which gives members immediate advice and support via five advice lines – HR, H&S, Legal, Tax and VAT

These new services represent a major investment by the Chamber in its membership offer. The services are part of a national scheme provided by Quest with 45,000 UK Chamber of Commerce users.

David Hooper, The Chamber’s External Affairs Director, said: “Businesses are facing challenging times at the moment and these new services offer excellent support to all businesses, whatever size they may be. I believe these new services will protect our members, help them stay compliant, particularly with issues around Covid-19 like HR and H&S requirements, and give th em peace of mind.

“Our new services are employer focused, so the HR line for example, can help businesses deal with redundancy procedures, appraisals or disciplinary procedures and comes with access to experienced advisors for hand-holding support when they need it, or provide access to documents which are regularly updated to reflect the latest rules and regulations.

“The Health and Safety package offers unlimited advice and access to documents like H&S policies, risk assessment templates and the offer of free One2One reviews. Chamber Legal provides unlimited access to experienced

legal advisors and a library of documents, while Chamber Tax provides access to tax and VAT advisors who can be a great help at tax return time!”

Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly said: “We are delighted to be able to include these excellent new benefits as part of our membership package. They provide expert advice and support on many key aspects of running a business and I would encourage our members to make good use of these new, premium services.”

Members only can call 01455 852037 for immediate support and assistance.

For more information, contact the Hull and East Yorkshire office: 01482 324976 or email j.harrison@hull-humberchamber.co.uk, or the Northern Lincolnshire Office: 01472 342981 or email a.tate@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk

Art event aimed to make a difference

Works of art created by people living with dementia were showcased at an event in Hull to raise awareness of the condition and to promote understanding of its impact on the senses – including humour.

Music, sculpture, paintings and photography are among the art forms which will feature in the three-day exhibition at Social in Humber Street in March. All the work resulted from a project delivered over the last 18 months by the Butterflies Memory Loss Support Group with the support of The Ideas Fund.

June Cooke, founder of Butterflies, said the exhibition had been an opportunity to display the work and for others to share their experiences.

“The resources we have created will be made available to families who have had a diagnosis of dementia, and to professionals and students working in dementia,” she added.

“Members created their own photo books and did modelling with paper and wood. We also did a joke book about humour and dementia.”

Supported by The Ideas Fund, Butterflies worked with mentors from the University of Hull, Two Ridings Community Foundation and the Time Bank Hull and East Riding.

The Butterflies members and their families used their experience of dementia to create the resources using everyday language rather than medical terminology.

June said: “They are the experts and their work from the projects gets across the message that dementia isn’t just about memory. Sight and hearing are among the other things that can be affected.

“There are lots of different things that you experience and one of the main aspects is looking at what takes someone from a good place to a bad place. We try to give carers the tools to understand why someone they love suddenly displays unusual behaviour, and to think about what sparked that.”

Host of new tenants return city’s Victorian arcade to full capacity

AVictorian arcade in the centre of Hull is now back to capacity with the arrival of a host of new tenants and the reopening of a destination restaurant.

Stretch Pizza is the latest addition to the food offer at Paragon Arcade, which has been further enhanced by the reopening of The Hispanist after a break of two months spent revamping the kitchen and menus.

With other new openings Paragon Arcade now has six food outlets serving Chinese, panAsian, pizza, Spanish, coffee and snacks, and now smoothies and other healthy options. Four retailers sell music and memorabilia, jewellery, babywear and flowers, and service businesses covering men’s and women’s hair, beauty and aesthetics, and tattoos.

Georgia Allenby, Design and Marketing Manager for the Arcade’s owners, Allenby Commercial, said: “It’s great to see Paragon Arcade full again with vibrant new businesses all locally-owned and offering something completely different. We have always tried to create a really good mix and that’s what we have.

“Every one of them has a good customer base and we will try to build on that by resuming

our events programme, which is really exciting given that we already have great music an d fantastic street food under our own roof!”

Allenbys moved quickly to replace businesses which have moved out during the last year in search of bigger premises or to focus on their online sales. One trader, Elena Georgiou, moved her brow business upstairs to Paragon Studios, which Allenbys are offering to businesses which need workspace but not a shop window.

In the Arcade the biggest new arrival is Stretch Pizza, where husband and wife team Jason and Tash Nichols are serving customers in a 40-seat restaurant and living a dream which dates back to before the first lockdown.

Jason used to work as an apprenticeship assessor in the hospitality industry and spent his time driving across North and East Yorkshire visiting trainees in hotels, cafés, even care homes.

After he was furloughed Jason turned his attention to his passion for pizza, and in particular a style he had found at a restaurant in Leeds. He develop his recipe, Tash bought him a proper oven and he knew he was onto something when family and friends kept inviting themselves round for more.

June Cooke working with a Butterflies member at a percussion workshop

They worked at markets, festivals, weddings and HullBID’s Hull Street Food Nights, building queues and a reputation, and also did a few pop-ups before the invitation came to take the space at Paragon Arcade. Jason’s training skills have been put to good use assembling a team of nine, and there may be more people to come as prepares to add summer outdoor events to the current workload.

The Hispanist first opened just before Christmas 2019, too late to make the most of that festive season, and then saw trade for the next three Yuletides decimated by lockdowns and the economic hit from war in Ukraine.

But chef patron Nick Hill is now up and running again and having won the Best in Food and Drink category at this year’s HullBID Awards is looking forward to welcoming back diners from across the country.

He said: “I decided to close at the beginning of the year because I needed to get my energy back up and our energy costs down. That’s a real issue and that’s what worries me the most. You go from spending £350 to £400 a month up to £1,700.

“We’ve changed the downstairs a bit to help us run things better. Upstairs is much the same. The décor has to be good, the food has

to be good, the people have to be good. That’s what sets the standard. We have always wanted to drive up standards and that’s what we’ll keep doing.”

Dewy, the new outlet selling smoothies and healthy food, was opened in January Rania Besleme and her daughter Christina Tsitlakidou. Rania had been waiting for a unit to become available for over two years and is now open six days a week with about 20 seats across two floors.

Ben Liang opened Salt and Pepper Club in November selling Chinese street food and complementing the Asian flavours served up by Oishii Ne, which opened last summer. Further along the Arcade, Milchig has expanded to double its space for customers to enjoy coffee, ice cream, cakes, cookies and brownies all made on the premises.

Seventeen-year-old Ashlee Spyvee named her babywear shop Mya Rose after her 17 month old sister and was inspired to launch the business by her experience of trying to find suitable clothes, while Lucy Thompson and colleague Allie Harrod recently opened Allie & Wade Studios providing hair, beauty and aesthetics services in a unit between Salt and Pepper Club and Oishii Ne.

Carbon-neutral homes completed

Work on four brand new, carbon neutral homes is now complete in North Lincolnshire, with tenants set to move in.

The £1.8m project takes the place of garages and unused land on two sites at Chaucer Avenue and Chapman Avenue in Scunthorpe.

The first four homes have been handed over, with the final four due for completion.

The development comprises of three and four-bedroom homes available for affordable rent, all of which come with modern, environmentally friendly features and finishes, open plan living and car parking spaces.

Low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps, photovoltaic roofs, electric vehicle charging points and highly efficient insulation are also included, making them carbon neutral homes and more affordable in running costs for tenants.

Ongo recently made a commitment to be Net Zero by 2050, with modern methods of construction playing a huge part in this.

Nationally the UK is set to see thousands more carbon neutral homes in the coming years, with Ongo being a leading example of this locally.

It is expected that homes built to this standard will demand a carbon reduction of between 75-80 per cent, compared to those built to the current energy efficiency requirements. However, the Ongo homes would see a carbon reduction of 100 per cent.

Amy Schoenmaker, Development Project Manager, said: “We’re very proud that, along with providing much-needed homes, we’re able to deliver them in a carbon neutral way. This is the future and we’re excited to be a part of that, getting to grips with it early on so we can lead by example.

“This is a big step in the right direction and you can expect more of these projects from us.”

1. Christina Tsitlakidou and mum Rania Besleme at Dewy

2. Ben Liang at Salt and Pepper Club

3. Shlee Spyvee at Myra Rose

4. Allie Harrod and Lucy Thompson at Allie & Wade Studios

5. Jason Nichols at Stretch Pizza

Two new business partners join medical charity Daisy’s chain

Aleading medical research charity has secured the support of a destination holiday park and one of the region’s favourite retailers.

Claire Levy, Fundraiser for the Daisy Appeal, said the partnerships with Patrington Haven Leisure Park and the Boyes group will raise funds and build awareness of the charity’s work.

Boyes, which employs 1,700 people in over 70 stores across northern and central England, has placed collection boxes in 22 of its branches in the Daisy Appeal’s catchment area.

In addition 10 of the stores are selling the charity’s promotional products, with eyecatching displays of branded mugs, water bottles, aprons, oven gloves and other items. Other joint fundraising activities are being planned for later this year.

Richard Boyes, Managing Director of the business which was founded in Scarborough in 1881, said: “We decided to support the Daisy Appeal because it is carrying out worldleading medical work and it operates across Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, which matches a large part of our footprint.

“Some of our staff have directly benefited from the Daisy Appeal’s activities over the years, and many of our customers will also

have had reason to be grateful to the charity.

“We’re hearing from the stores that people are buying the Daisy merchandise and giving generously into the collection boxes, and we look forward to raising a significant amount during the year.”

At Patrington Haven, families from across the north helped to provide the charity with a Bank Holiday boost as part of their Easter break. They enjoyed decorating Easter bonnets, watching Punch and Judy shows, having a go at balloon modelling and joining an Easter egg hunt across the entire 23-acre site.

‘Everyone at the Daisy Appeal is

grateful to Boyes and to Patrington Haven’

The Patrington Haven fundraising team was set up at the beginning of 2022 by Vicki Jackson, Emma Pickersgill and Sandra Quayle to co-ordinate charity events at the leisure park which has more than 450 holiday homes and employs over 75 people.

Vicki said: “We are in our second year of fundraising and it all resulted from the three of us getting together over a glass of prosecco!

“We do lucky number draws with the proceeds split between the charity and the winner and we also do all sorts of big events.

Last month we had a quiz for St Patrick’s Day and the winner donated every penny of their £100 prize to the Daisy Appeal.

“We’re planning a charity sports day in August with children adults and staff taking part in traditional challenges including the sack race and the egg and spoon race. There will be plenty of other fundraising events before that.

“It’s a year-round programme of events because we only close the holiday homes for one month a year and even then the leisure facilities are open 364 days a year. We attract guests from along the M62 corridor and we build the fundraising into the fun programme during their stay here.”

Claire said: “Everyone at the Daisy Appeal is extremely grateful to Boyes and to Patrington Haven for coming on board as the charity’s latest business partners.

“It’s great to see the store collection pots being filled quickly and merchandise flying off the branded display units as the Daisy Appeal is supported by the Boyes staff and their customers.

“The team at Patrington Haven and their guests really egg-celled with their first big event of our one-year partnership and we’re looking forward to the rest of the activities.”

To find out more visit: daisyappeal.org

extremely

Claire Levy and Richard Boyes celebrate their link up

Nobody miserable after Awards night!

The 2023 Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards Gala Dinner and Presentation Evening was held at The Baths Hall on Friday, 12 May. A fabulous evening saw the presentation of all the Awards, attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner with coffee and a professionally staged Les Miserables After Dinner Show with appearances from Grimsby Institute Performing Arts students who also provided foyer entertainment along with students from North Lindsey College. It was another wonderful night of celebration, networking and entertainment – don’t miss our picture special in the next edition of Business Intelligence

For more information, visit www.nlincsba.co.uk

Street Food Nights among a host of tasty events from HullBID

HullBID has secured the backing of a major city centre employer as sponsor of Hull Street Food Nights – one of the organisation’s biggest events of the year.

BID Executive Director Kathryn Shillito has also confirmed details of a full programme of activities from family fun days to corporate events, all geared to support city centre businesses.

Hull Street Food Nights will be sponsored by ResQ, a contact centre business which now employs 2,000 people at sites in Hull and Seaham, County Durham.

The business dates back to 2006 when it was launched with just 15 seats. CEO Gill Marchbanks sees the sponsorship of Hull Street Food Nights as a great opportunity to connect with candidates and customers.

Gill said: “Finding and recruiting talent is something we do on a daily basis and we like to get involved in a fair amount of activity in the local area to get our name out there as a great place to work.

“We also have some huge clients including KCOM, Scottish Power and Vodafone and a presence at Hull Street Food Nights will support our ongoing campaign to find the best talent to service them.

“As a business that was born in Hull as a tiny player in the market to one that now

employs over 2000 people, ResQ are delighted to be able to support other local businesses on their journey to growth.”

Kathryn said: “We’re delighted that ResQ have come on board to sponsor Hull Street Food Nights, which are now established as a highlight of our events calendar. They clearly see the potential for business benefits from the huge crowds which we attract to every event.

‘A new attraction this year will be Superhero Day, which will take place during the half-term holidays’

“In addition Hull Street Food Nights provide a great opportunity for staff to get together and unwind with great food and drink and live entertainment after a day at work. We’re sure the ResQ team will make the most of that and we’re grateful to them for helping us to offer the opportunity to other businesses in the city centre.”

Hull Street Food Nights will feature about 30 different food vendors and an entertainment package which will include live music, DJ sets and free glitter face painting. The events will all take place in Zebedee’s Yard and Princes Dock Street from 4pm until 9pm and the dates are 1 June, 29 June, 27 July and 28 September.

HullBID has also confirmed the return for 2023 of two of its most popular, family friendly events with dates set for Dino Day and the Hulloween Steampunk Festival.

Dino Day, which was a huge success last year, will take place during the summer holidays on Friday 4 August with the return of the raptor, a giant T Rex and other scary, scaly monsters. The Hulloween Steampunk Festival is booked for the weekend of 20-22 October with members of the global Steampunk community expected to attract thousands of people to the city centre.

A new attraction this year will be Superhero Day, which will take place during the half-term holidays on Wednesday 31 May. Performers will include the likes of Captain America, Iron Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman and Batman. Dino Day and Superhero Day will run from 11am until 4pm, with several HullBID businesses involved.

In addition, HullBID is working closely with Hull City Council and Visit Hull on the n ew programme of Trinity Live, the weekly live music sessions which resumed on Thursday 13 April (see page 18). HullBID will also announce details soon of Trinity Rebooted, which will take live performers into some of the city centre pubs and bars.

Finally, the HullBID dinner will again be a highlight of Humber Business Week, and takes place at The Deep on 7 June.

MAIN PICTURE: Hulloween Steampunk Festival at Hull Minster

INSET LEFT: Dino Day in Queen Victoria Square INSET CENTRE: Hull Street Food Nights in Zebedee’s Yard

Spotlight Features

In this issue we take a look at the Hotels, Conferences & Events and Professional Services sectors.

Choosing the perfect venue

When looking to book a venue for your next corporate event, it’s important to remember that you aren’t just hiring a building, but also its facilities, staff and the service they provide. Limiting your research to a webbased search is no substitute for a live experience of a venue. But how do you get the most out of an on-site visit? Business Intelligence offers some top tips.

Make an appointment

Turning up to one of your shortlisted venues unannounced and expecting a full show around will most likely prove to be a waste of your time, as the specific rooms you are interested in may be in use and therefore unavailable to view.

Though you will still be able to view common areas, such as the reception area, restaurants and bars, will you really be getting a proper feel for the space?

Book an appointment at a time that is convenient for both you and the staff members who will be handling your event. Only then will you be able to appreciate how the venue will look, talk through the different set-up options and spot any potential logistical issues.

First impressions

Everyone understands the importance of a good first impression. Are the spaces clean and nicely lit? Are the furnishings well maintained? Are there any strange odours or disruptive noises?

Note any wear and tear, carpet stains and build-ups of dust or rubbish, and check to see if the venue has any refurbishment or maintenance work planned that could clash with your event.

If you need to add guest bedrooms to your package. ask to see all standards of rooms.

The guest experience

Imagine that you’re one of your guests arriving at the venue, as this is the best way to anticipate any issues that might occur on the day.

Make a note of anything that could be a potential issue or create a bottleneck, such as the size of the car park, the lift capacity, disabled access and how many staff will be available at check in.

How close is the venue to public transport links? How long will it take your guests to get from point A to point B? Are the facilities clearly signposted? How many staff members will be at your guests’ disposal should they need help?

Anything you spot as a potential concern could have an impact on the overall guest experience.

Try to meet as many staff on your walkaround as possible, as this will give you a good indication of the standard of service available.

Just what are you getting for your money?

Don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re not just hiring a venue; you’re hiring an experience.

Firstly, the size and condition of the main room

should be considered. It must comfortably accommodate your group in your preferred layout. If it’s too small, your guests will be cramped, but if it’s too big, they may feel intimidated or lost within the space.

The venue should be able to provide photographs from previous events depicting the space set-up in different layouts, helping you visualise the final look properly.

View the space from all angles, making sure all your guests will get a clear view, making a note of the nearest toilets and emergency exists. If there are any obstructions, how can these be managed?

A good venue should be happy to give you demonstrations of any audio-visual equipment that is included in the price, but make sure you are also shown how to control lighting and temperature, and take note of the speed and reliability of internet connections.

Does the venue offer a decorating service or will you need to hire an outside company?

If so, how early will the space be made available to you and how much time is allotted for room clean up? How much more will it cost if you need more time to set up or pack away?

Providing refreshments

Organising food and refreshments is one of the most important components of hosting a corporate event. Whether you’re offering a three-course meal or coffee and snacks during a break, how well a venue can provide for your guests should be a huge influence on your final decision.

The first thing to establish is guest numbers and see how many people the venue can cater for. A good venue will offer multiple menu packages to choose from, discuss potential themes and, of course, your budget. Make sure you establish options for those with dietary requirements, as you don’t want any such guests to feel like an afterthought – their meals should be just as impressive as those eating off the standard menu.

Daring to succeed:

the power of leaps

By Graham Precious, Co-founder of Graham Precious Consultancy Ltd

When Felix Baumgartner fell from the stratosphere to Earth, he didn’t just achieve an unbelievable feat of physical endurance –he demonstrated the power of a well-prepared and well-managed mind.

As he hurtled back to the planet at the speed of sound, Baumgartner –though surrounded by tremendous forces –was anchoring himself to the world through preparation, mindset and the right equipment. These are the principles that we can all use to make our own daring leaps in our world of business –from the seemingly mundane to the audaciously ambitious.

Baumgartner’s success wasn't just a result of his own bravery, skillset and strength of will. He had a team of experts behind him, constructing a balloon that could ascend to the stratosphere whilst being as thin as cellophane.

This impressive construction took 20 people to move and construct –a testament to the importance, even in solo achievements, of having the right team.

Yet, it was Baumgartner's mindset that was the absolute key to his achievement. Prior to the jump, his suit was uncomfortable, hard to breathe in and hard to mobilise in. He felt completely disconnected from the world around him.

However, he didn’t allow any of that discomfort to dictate his mindset; instead, he focused on building positive bonds with his equipment and became at one with his somewhat alien environment. He saw his suit not as an obstacle but as his ally. Something he could truly rely on. This is a valuable lesson for those of us who seek to achieve great things –whether personally, professionally or in our autonomous, entrepreneurial pursuits.

To achieve success, we must be prepared for our journey; taking the time to pack our metaphorical

parachutes with care. To be our best selves, we need to be dressed appropriately –whether in terms of skill set, mindset, or other essentials. Even if the outfit doesn't feel perfect, it’s important to trust that it will protect us when we need it most.

In life, we will all encounter moments that force us to jump –to take a risk, or pursue a dream that is outside of our comfort zone. To make these jumps successfully, we need to surround ourselves with the right team, cultivate a positive mindset and be willing to take the leap. We need to take the lessons Baumgartner learned in the stratosphere and apply them to our own lives.

It's worth noting that despite how audacious Baumgartner’s stunt was, it pales in comparison to the challenges we all face in our own lives –and so it can seem overwhelming to make those leaps.

But I believe that when it comes to pursuing our passions, the scariest thing we can do is to stay in one place. In moments when we’re standing on the edge of something uncertain, it’s comforting to remember Baumgartner and his feat –to internalise his lesson that you can’t control every variable, but if you trust yourself, lean on your networks, and physically prepare as best you can, you’ll land safely on the other side.

Jumping into entrepreneurship is not a new thing: it’s a territory full of risk, adventure and reward. Felix Baumgartner’s daring stunt can be a model of how to do it right: Harness your determination, focus on the things that really matter, build a great team and be prepared for the unexpected –even if it’s uncomfortable. Then, just take the leap.

In all of our professional and personal lives, we may not always know what lies ahead but with a little bit of bravery and the right mindset, we can make it through even the most challenging free-fall and feel like we're on top of the world.

‘Jumping into entrepreneurship is not a new thing: it’s a territory full of risk, adventure and reward. Felix Baumgartner’s daring stunt can be a model of how to do it right’

Providing inspiration: Felix Baumgartner gets ready to take the leap

Business awards celebrate success and honour Harry

Businesses from across the area were recognised at the 2023 Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards which were held at Goole Academy.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by Blair Jacobs who paid a poignant tribute to his predecessor, Harry Gration, who had been a stalwart of the event from the start and who presented last year’s awards shortly before his untimely death.

Blair, who had worked with him at the BBC, said Harry was “the consummate professional who was admired greatly by all who knew and worked with him”.

This year, the Business Of The Year Award was renamed in his honour, and the judging panel chose Goole Sports Therapy as the recipient of the Harry Gration Business Of The Year Award which was sponsored by PA Media and presented by Gareth Brammall.

The other big winner of the night was popular local butcher Philip Parkin, who was chosen by the organising committee to receive the Tim Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award.

All the winners of this year's Chamber Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards

ABOVE: Goddards Care won the Team Of The Year award

LEFT: The late Harry Gration was a huge supporter of the event and presented last year’s awards

ON: Goole

Awards

The winners

Rising Star Of The Year Award –sponsored by Grotech Production and presented by Martin Usher:

• Natalie Holliday of PA Media (TV Metadata)

Small Business Of The Year Award

–sponsored by MNA Group and presented by Mark Newman:

• E-Flooring

Large Business Of The Year Award

–sponsored by Chronicle Publications and presented by Emily Collins:

• Repair and Restore Body Shop

Hugh Walton Community Champion Award –sponsored by H. Walton and presented by Charlie Walton:

• A.M. Dairies

Marketing Excellence Award –sponsored by Filstorage and presented by Paul Taylor:

• Goole Sports Therapy

Charity Of The Year Award

–sponsored by Jos. Richardson & Son and presented by Joseph Richardson:

• A Shining Light

Training And Development Award

–sponsored by Drax and presented by Jane Breach:

• FMG Repair Services

Self-employed/Micro Business of the Year Award – Siemens, presented by Jo Cox:

• AB Coaching

New Business Of The Year –sponsored by Danbrit, presented by Peter Aarosin:

• Accountancy Tuition Academy

Team Of The Year –sponsored by Fisher Security, presented by Steve Davies:

• Goddards Care

Philip, who runs Parkin Family Butchers, is a stalwart of Howden’s Market Place, and well known for his cheerful banter with customers, entertaining posts on social media and charity fundraising activities. Philip took over the family-run business from his parents, Roy and Sylvia, and received a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage to receive his award.

The independent panel of judges waded through around 60 entries before coming up with their final shortlist and then choosing a winner for each of the award categories.

Garrey Haase, Chair of the organising committee, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who entered and attended the awards evening, as well as all of our sponsors and supporters. We couldn’t do it without you all!

“Well done to all of our shortlisted finalists and huge congratulations to our very deserving winners!”

FOCUS

The winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, popular local butcher Philip Parkin

Sector Focus

The latest news from the International Trade, Legal & Finance, The Arts, Skills & Training, Manufacturing and Motoring industries.

Partnership offers boost for exporters

The UK has joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, (CPTPP).

The UK joins 11 other countries in the partnership: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The agreement will provide new benefits for UK exporters of services, cutting the red tape involved.

Digital trade will benefit as barriers are removed such as data localisation requirements. Exporters of goods will benefit as the agreement pledges to remove 99 per cent of tariffs on goods, as well as more flexibility on rules of origin easier across the member nations.

China, Indonesia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have all expressed an interest in joining CPTPP.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The BCC is a big believer in the shift to a digital trade system. If it is done properly then smaller firms will see benefits when it comes to importing goods into Great Britain.”

The Chamber will share further information about the CPTPP agreement and the TOM and what they mean for traders as soon as we hear more.

If you have any questions or would like to be added to our International News mailing list, email itc@hull -humber-chamber.co.uk

New Bootcamps will help improve import-export skills

Hot on the heels of the successful Skills Bootcamps, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Centre team has received funding to deliver a further three Bootcamps – and enrolment is now open for the next course.

The Bootcamp programmes provides an opportunity to participate in funded programmes of support delivered by an expert team of international tr ade experts, giving learners the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and support towards advancing their career. Whether you are looking for a career change or wanting to progress in your current workplace, the Chamber’s Skills Bootcamp in Import and Export could open the door to a range of new and exciting opportunities.

The dedicated training programme will help Learners develop the knowledge and skills required to successfully work in an import and/or export related role as well as gain the nationally recognised BCC Foundation Award in International Trade.

What you will learn:

• Understanding Export

• Export Documentation

• Import Procedures (including Customs Warehousing, Inward Processing, Outward Processing, Temporary Admission)

• Customs Compliance, Documentation and Procedures

• Incoterms

• Understanding Commodity Codes

• Preference Rules of Origin

• Methods of Payment and Letters of Credit

• Customs Declarations, including CDS

• Export Controls and Licensing

You will benefit from weekly sessions with a dedicated mentor plus high quality teaching from experienced tutors, plus much more Learners will need to dedicate time to include 60 guided learning hours over 16 weeks and to complete the assessments

Who can apply?

You may be eligible to apply for a Skills Bootcamp if you:

• are aged 19 or over

• have the right to work in the UK

• live in England

• meet residency requirements

• are employed, self-employed or Career changers/returning to work/redeployed, or unemployed within the last 12 months

How do I apply?

Please contact Jane Whitehead for further information and details of each of our three Bootcamps, and for an application form.

Email: j.whitehead@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk

Clare Wildey and Jane Whitehead with their certificates for completing their first Bootcamp courses

Kirk offers roar of approval for Tigers’ owner’s Turkey relief efforts

Chamber Vice President Kirk Akdemir took the opportunity for a private conversation with fellow Turk and Hull City owner Acun Ilicali when the pair met minutes before one of the Tigers’ live TV games.

Kirk, the founder and CEO of AaGlobal Language Services, held a brief discussion during his visit to the MKM Stadium as sponsor of the Championship match between City and West Bromwich Albion.

AaGlobal agreed to sponsor the fixture as part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Kirk said: “We had a very enjoyable evening with first class hospitality, an exciting match and a win for Hull City and one of the highlights for me was the opportunity to speak to Acun.

“It was a very brief conversation, in Turkish of course. Obviously I have been monitoring Hull City’s progress particularly closely since Acun bought the club. I congratulated him on taking over and I wished him and the Tigers continued success.

“We also touched on the devastating earthquakes which struck Turkey and Syria in

February. I told Acun I had seen him on Turkish television during one of my recent business visits to Istanbul and I thanked him for his participation and support for the relief effort.”

Kirk was joined in the sponsor’s suite by colleagues from AaGlobal and by guests from the Chamber including Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly, new President Albert Weatherill and four of the Chamber’s Past Presidents.

Kirk explained: “The date of the match was moved for live TV coverage so instead of getting together on a Saturday afternoon

we headed to the MKM Stadium on the Friday night, only a few hours after concluding the Chamber AGM at the same venue.

“It was a pleasure to support our local team, but most important for me was the opportunity to speak to Acun. He appreciated my comments and our sponsorship of the match and I told him we hope to do something similar in the future.”

AaGlobal will once again sponsor this year’s Chamber Expo, which takes place at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel on Tuesday 6 June.

International Trade Centre ATA Carnets

Fast, trouble free temporary exports of Commercial Samples, Exhibition Goods, Professional Equipment!

Prepare for the trade fair season and get your ATA Carnet in advance. Use your chamber membership to get your temporary export document at a lower price.

What is an ATA Carnet?

The ATA Carnet is an international Customs document which allows the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment or goods going to either a trade fair or exhibition to countries

which are part of the ATA Carnet system. Without one you would need to complete each country's customs procedures for the temporary admission of goods e.g. lodging a temporary import bond.

Why are ATA Carnets

required?

The ATA Carnet acts as a passport for goods. It simplifies the custom formalities by allowing a single document to be used for clearing goods through customs in the countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system. An ATA Carnet is valid for one year and allows for movement of the goods shown on the Carnet

as many times as required during the 12 months to any of the destinations applied for.

Key Benefits

• No need for commercial export documentation

• Import duties and local taxes waived

• Use as a passport for multiple trips

• No need to appoint clearing agents

Get in touch with our Export Documentation Team for more information.

Email: exportdocshelpdesk@hullhumber-chamber.co.uk

ABOVE: Kirk Akdemir (left) with Hull City owner Acun Ilicali outside the Chairman’s suite at the MKM Stadium

LEFT: Kirk with his guests during their MKM Stadium tour, which took in the media suite and the pitch side technical area

Law firm makes commitment to wellbeing of employees

Leading law firm Rollits LLP is to reinforce its commitment to employee wellbeing with two events designed to help businesses look after their people.

The firm, which during the last year has gained recognition in three awards schemes for its work on health and wellbeing, will deliver its regular Humber Business Week event next month with a discussion on the benefits of a positive workplace culture.

Later in June Rollits will deliver a unique training session on the menopause and the role of menopause advocates in the workplace.

The Humber Business Week event will build on them firm’s success during the 2022 Biz Week programme when it explored resilience at work and the obligations employers have in respect of hidden disabilities and neurodiversity.

Feedback indicated that delegates who attended the event were inspired to share the key messages with thousands of colleagues and families across East Yorkshire. The strength of testimonials helped Rollits win the Commitment to Health and

Wellbeing category in this year’s HullBID Awards as well as finalist slots in the Hull Daily Mail and Yorkshire Post business awards.

This year’s event will take place in the Two Rivers restaurant at The Deep on Tuesday 6 June. It will run from 3pm until 4.30pm and speakers from major local businesses will highlight the importance of developing a great workplace culture which enhances employee wellbeing by providing opportunities for growth and development, reducing burnout, turnover and absenteeism and creating a sense of belonging.

Pat Coyle, Director of Marketing and Client Relations at Rollits and a member of the Humber Business Week Steering Group, said: “We have always been committed to the wellbeing of our people and winning the HullBID Award was evidence of that.

“This year the theme will address the benefits which come from investing in a positive and supportive work environment. It takes time, effort and commitment from everyone involved in an organisation to create a great place to work but when employees feel supported

Compliance Officer joins the team

In a separate development, Rollits LLP has also announced the appointment of David Richardson as its new Compliance Officer.

A qualified solicitor, David worked for a prominent Newcastle-based personal injury firm for almost 20 years, specialising in cases including disputed liability, alleged fraud RTA and employer and public liability.

He moved into an IT development manager role in 2016 and became compliance officer of the firm’s medical agency in 2018, handling issues around Ministry of Justice guidelines, complaints, data protection matters and medical expert panel management.

At Rollits, David will work across the firm’s offices in Hull and York as a member of the firm’s Operations Team, which focuses on all operational matters including risk management. He will take responsibility for monitoring the firm’s compliance with regulations and internal policies to ensure they are up to date with the relevant laws and for educating partners and staff on compliance regulations and the impact of non-compliance.

A graduate of the University of Northumbria, where he also completed his Legal Practice Course, David enjoys spending time with his family as well as travel, cooking, eating out and watching Newcastle United and Barcelona.

David said: “I am delighted to join such a well regarded firm as Rollits –compliance is the cornerstone of a reputable and sustainable legal practice and the creation of this new role highlights how seriously the firm takes its obligations to ensure legal and ethical standards are upheld and risks are identified and managed.”

‘When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be happy and engaged in their work’

Ralph Gilbert (left), Managing Partner of Rollits, with David Richardson

and valued, they are more likely to be happy and engaged in their work, which can lead to improved productivity, creativity and job satisfaction. Rollits has had presence in the city for over 180 years and workplace culture has been instrumental in the longevity and success of the firm.”

The menopause event will take place on the morning of Thursday 22 June at the firm’s office in High Street, Hull.

Caroline Neadley, Partner and Training Principal at Rollits, has already received menopause advocate training with Linda Cook, the firm’s Head of HR, from Tracey Dennison, one of the UK’s leading nurse experts on the menopause.

Caroline and Tracey will lead the event in June, to deliver a unique training session which focuses on both the employment law aspects of an employer’s legal obligations supporting women experiencing menopause and practical support that put in place in the workplace. Tracey will educate about symptoms and symptom management and raise awareness among men about the biological changes which are affecting women and how they can offer constructive support.

Caroline said: “To fully support employees experiencing menopause symptoms it is essential for managers to appreciate their legal obligations.”

New Hull-based tax Director for RSM

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed a new tax director to strengthen its local and regional tax practice in the north.

Mark Edeson (pictured) has been appointed as Tax Director and will be based at RSM in Hull, acting for a range of local, regional and national clients.

Mark, a qualified chartered tax advisor, joins RSM from EY, where he spent over 20 years working with a portfolio of approximately 150 local, national and international clients, including private equity-backed and listed businesses. At RSM, Mark will be advising businesses across a broad range of sectors, including food and drink and manufacturing.

Mark’s appointment in

RSM’s Hull office follows significant local and regional investment, with the firm appointing Hull-based Richard Hall as its first national head of sustainability in February 2022. In addition, RSM also recruited a record number of trainees in Yorkshire and the Humber in 2022, taking on 54 students, graduates and school leavers across all service lines.

Mark said: “I’m delighted to be joining RSM’s Hull office to continue my career in the city I have worked in my entire professional life, and where I have cemented strong connections with the local business community. After spending almost 24 years at EY in Hull, I’m looking forward to a new challenge and working with the largest accountancy firm in the city.”

Andy Capes, Office

Managing Partner in RSM’s Hull office, said: “Mark’s appointment reflects our continued investment in Hull and the Humber to provide an expert service to our local, regional and national clients. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience and I look forward to seeing how our tax offering evolves as a result of his appointment.

“As the only remaining national accountancy firm with an office in Hull, we are committed to the Humber region and recognise our responsibility to support local businesses which are essential to the region’s economic growth.”

Region’s businesses warned over Corporation Tax rise

Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants warns that the six per cent rise in Corporation Tax, effective from the 1 April 2023 could have a significant impact on many regional businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and is recommending that any business that could be impacted by the tax rise should discuss it with their advisers.

The dramatic increase in Corporation Tax has been on the cards for some time, with a rise to 25 per cent (from the current 19 per cent) for businesses with profits exceeding £250,000, but there were doubts over whether it would actually happen – especially with Liz Truss attempting to cancel it in her mini budget in 2022.

For businesses with profits under £50,000 the Corporation Tax remains at 19 per cent, although an effective Corporation Tax rate of 26.5 per cent is applied to profits between £50,001 and £250,000.

There are some tax mitigation options for businesses to consider, including 100 per cent tax relief for

investment in fixed assets, and an extension of R&D qualifying expenditure to include data and cloud computing costs. Pension contribution considerations, or business restructuring to mitigate ‘associated company rules’.

Philip George (pictured), partner at Forrester Boyd said: “The Government will argue that 70 per cent of businesses don’t exceed the £50,000 profits threshold and won’t pay more tax, but this ignores the fact that medium-sized and larger companies drive the economy and are responsible for innovation and growth. While the government needs to start balancing the books, a six per cent rise in Corporation Tax is a questionable solution as it appears to be disincentivising investment and growth. We would definitely advise businesses to consider their options as there are various opportunities for tax mitigation.”

‘Medium-sized and larger companies drive the economy and are responsible for innovation and growth’

Caroline Neadley, Partner and Training Principal at Rollits

Survey reveals skill shortage concerns of local businesses

Skills shortages, employability issues and a lack of funding – or lack of understanding of funding – for training are among the issues highlighted by a comprehensive survey of businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire.

The study, carried out by the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Partnership (LSIP), in partnership with the HEY LEP, also attracted input from training providers and other stakeholders and brought calls for greater support to promote the understanding of business needs within education and training provision.

Hannah Crookes, Manager of the LSIP, said the findings from the research will form part of a report which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Education at the end of May. The LSIP team will then work to maintain contact with the various respondents to the survey while awaiting an official response.

The Government has introduced 38 LSIPs nationwide and appointed various business support organisations to drive the initiative. Chambers of Commerce are leading 32 of the new bodies but the LSIPs are open to all businesses, regardless of whether they are members of any business organisation.

The HEY LSIP is also working closely with neighbouring LSIPs across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire but the survey, which was conducted online, by phone and in person at events across the region, is specific to the Hull and East Yorkshire area.

According to figures from September 2022,

the area is home to 20,945 businesses which employ a total of 267,000 people, representing 74 per cent of residents aged between 16 and 64.

Responses from employers indicated that 90 per cent intend to recruit new staff in the next 12 months, but 80 per cent said they had experienced recruitment challenges during the last year and 75 per cent said there were issues with fewer skilled young people entering the labour market.

Two thirds of respondents said they place high importance on employability skills such as such as team working, attendance, time keeping and work ethic. Employability skills scored higher than any

support their needs but more than a third said they didn’t have any relationship with training providers in the Hull and East Yorkshire area.

Half the employers considered that the time available for staff to undertake training is a barrier and financial support was identified as the most important single aspect in overcoming the direct cost of training and the knock-on cost of releasing staff.

other in a breakdown of responses by sector to identify the top three most important skills over the next three years.

In health, social care and medicare 85 per cent of respondents placed employability in the top three. In ports, logistics and warehousing the figure was 78 per cent. In services it was 70 per cent and in manufacturing, engineering and construction it was 68 per cent.

Employers also reported shortages in IT and digital, technical, practical and occupation specific skills. Three in five employers said they knew where to access training services to

The LSIP has suggested a partnership approach to address the priorities which have emerged from the report, bringing together colleges, training providers, the Hull & East Yorkshire LEP, Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and other employer representative organisations.

Among the factors to be addressed are support to ensure careers guidance reflects local employment opportunities, and promoting greater understanding among education professionals of different business sectors and the skills which will be relevant to a future workforce.

The report suggested exploring secondment opportunities between employers and colleges and training providers to overcome the difficulties, caused by differences in salary, in recruiting technical education professionals.

The LSIP is using the feedback to identity the top priorities and the main business sectors for skills development in the region. That process will also help the LSIP team complete the make-up of its board to reflect the key sectors.

Hannah said: “There has been a collaborative approach with this and the future success is dependent on everybody continuing to work together.

“The results of the survey are significant because they drew extensively on detailed research carried out with employers – the people in the front line when it comes to training the workforce of the future.”

‘The results of the survey are significant because they drew extensively on detailed research carried out with employers’

Hannah Crookes, Manager of the HEY LSIP

Arco gets ‘round’ to cutting waste and carbon emissions

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has successfully reduced its carbon emissions and plastic use by adopting a more ‘circular’ approach to the packaging used in the distribution of its products.

As part of its recently launched sustainability strategy – A Safe Tomorrow –Arco has committed to reducing packaging waste in its own operations and throughout its supply chain.

The introduction of new mailing bags, made from 80 per cent recycled polythene, which in turn is widely recyclable in the UK, has secured a 35 per cent reduction in the amount of plastic used across its operations. Their production has also been relocated from China to Europe, resulting in an estimated carbon emission saving of 38 per cent.

Arco uses approximately 400,000 mailing bags per year and, as part of its wider efforts to minimise climate change impacts and optimise efficiency, the company is analysing how it can apply more circular thinking within its products and, in turn, how this supports customers’ sustainability aims.

Arco has also changed to a new ‘void fill solution’, to improve the sustainability of

packaging which protects products in transit. The new alternative provides a further 13 per cent reduction in plastic usage and carbon emissions and results in 17 per cent less waste. Arco’s overarching sustainability aim is to be carbon net zero by 2045.

Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: “The introduction of these changes is a small, but important step that we have taken in support of our sustainability aims and is part of a planned approach to ensure we are carbon net-zero by 2045.

in collaboration with Leeds-based packaging supplier Hazel 4D. The fifth-generation family business has worked with the packaging consultancy for several years, including on a previous project that reduced its plastic usage in pallet wrapping by 55 per cent.

Sam Smaldon, Packaging Consultant at Hazel 4D, said: “When we got the opportunity to work on the mailbag project with Arco we jumped at the chance.

“At Hazel, sustainability is a critical consideration for us every day and we’re recognised for this by EcoVadis. We believe one of our key roles is taking our knowledge and expertise to our customers, helping them to realise real benefits.

“We would like to thank our packaging supplier, Hazel 4D, for their advice and support in identifying and implementing these changes. As a responsible choice of safety partner, we are committed to taking action to reduce climate-related impacts and are focussed on wider sustainability opportunities that we can bring forward, including how we support our local communities.”

Arco’s new packaging has been developed

“The outcome of the project has not only been a sizeable reduction in plastic consumption, but considerable cost savings and a cut in carbon emissions.

“Arco are a great partner as they are always looking for new opportunities to make sustainable improvements. We also worked together on the void fill project, which saw further reductions and savings.

“These projects are not only helping the environment, but they’re also improving operator efficiency, reducing costs and supporting the values of the business.”

‘These projects are not only helping the environment, but they’re also improving operator efficiency’

Arco colleagues involved in the project show off one of the new recyclable bags at its National Distribution Centre

Motoring

Life can’t be all about work! Chamber Motoring reviews some of the latest offerings on the market.

Hybrid tech gives Honda real power

The 11th generation of the Honda Civic has moved upmarket. David Hooper has been having a look at the latest model.

This latest incarnation of the Honda Civic has been winning high praise from the motoring press – and deservedly so. It’s a great looking car, it’s spacious, drives very well, is economical to run and has an upmarket cabin, all of which is reflected in the top end pricing for its class.

Incredibly, this is the 11th generation of the Honda Civic which lays claim to being one of the world’s bestselling cars having notched up 27 million sales globally.

In Europe, it’s only offered in self-charging hybrid form, with its naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors and a battery pack. The highly efficient engine is coupled to an excellent CVT gearbox – and that’s not something you’ll hear me say very often about CVTs, or Continuously Variable Transmissions! This one does a good impression of a proper gearbox, complete with gears, even though CVTs don’t actually have gears.

The interior of the Honda Civic is well presented and has a premium feel to it, combined with some nice

ABOVE:

design touches. I particularly liked the honeycomb insert that runs the width of the dash and conceals the air vents which is something a bit different and a nice touch.

The dashboard top and door cards are made predominantly from moulded plastics and are soft to the touch. The centre console features a carbon fibre effect trim which also looks smart.

The screen that sits on top of the dashboard is home to all the key features including wireless Apple CarPlay which is a real boon and means you don’t have to actually connect your car to your phone with a cable. There is also a magnetic charging device in the centre console which will keep your phone topped up if you’re using in-car navigation via CarPlay or Android Auto.

The gear selector is something a bit different with a series of buttons to select drive, neutral reverse or park and offers a different take on the traditional set-ups. Below that is a drive mode selector which gives you a choice of eco, normal sport or individual settings, should you prefer.

The seats look smart and are nicely designed, however, a couple of my passengers commented on the

The vital statistics

MODEL: Honda Civic e:HEV Advance

ENGINE: 1993cc, 143PS four-cylinder petrol engine, driving front wheels through e-CVT gearbox

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 112 mph. 0-62mph in 8.1 secs

ECONOMY: City: 62.8mpg

Country: 62.8mpg

Combined: 56.5mpg

Wheel World test average: 52.2mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 114g/km

FUEL TANK: 40 litres

PRICE: £35,300

WARRANTY: 5 years/90,000 miles

WEBSITE: www.honda.co.uk/cars

• All data correct at time of publication.

short seat bases which don’t provide enough support under the back of your knees which led to numb bums on a long journey, although they did like the panoramic glass sunroof, which is lovely as the spring weather starts to take hold and floods the car with light.

The new Honda Civic, as you would expect, comes with all the mod cons, including radar cruise control, lane keeping assist, emergency braking etc, etc – but I did find it a little intrusive at times, particularly the lane keeping system which keeps beeping at you in town traffic unless you turn it off.

I also discovered another of my pet hates which is the indicators flashing when the brakes are firmly appliedit is designed to warn traffic behind of an emergency stop, but I think it activates too soon and flashes the indicators well before the ABS is activated when driving enthusiastically.

During my test of around 350 miles, which saw off the best part of the tank full of fuel, the car returned an average of 52.2 mpg which is quite good for a 2.0-litre petrol engine, so the hybrid system obviously works well using the electric battery at low speed to reduce fuel consumption. The hybrid system also recuperates energy into the battery and as you lift off the throttle, gathering up energy as you slow down. Two paddles behind the steering wheel can also be used to adjust the level of energy regeneration going into the battery.

This latest Honda Civic not only looks great, it’s good to drive, too, and economical thanks to its hybrid technology. It’s definitely worth a look if you fancy something different to your Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra or BMW 3 Series!

‘The hybrid system obviously works well using the electric battery at low speed to reduce fuel consumption’

OPPOSITELEFT: The car’s interior has a premium feel

OPPOSITE BOTTOM: The new Civic is a sleek, good-looking motor

LEFT: The car’s engine is coupled to a CVT gearbox

The centre console contains a charging device

RIGHT: The gear selector is a series of buttons

Pod Point charger is a game changer for EV drivers

Having your own charging point is a gamechanger for EV drivers, and as David Hooper explains, getting one fitted can be much more straight forward than you might think.

Learning to live with electric vehicles can be quite a steep learning curve – especially if you don’t have your own charging point at home, which until very recently, I didn’t.

Most of the time, that was fine, because I don’t own an EV either, but when one arrives to be reviewed, I had to rely on the public charging network, which although improving, is still unreliable as well as inconvenient, requiring special trips to top up a car’s battery.

My other option was to rely on my outdoor 13amp socket at home, which regular readers will know does the job… eventually. The Kia Niro EV I reviewed in the last edition of Business Intelligence showed a charging time of 57 hours to top up the battery from a range anxiety provoking nine per cent charge – not much use if you need to be up and off on a commute, or long journey early the next morning! Visit wheelworldreviews.co.uk to read the full review.

To compound the complications, with the soaring energy costs, most places that offered

free charging while you visited a shopping centre, like the one in St Stephen’s in Hull, now charge for their use, although the ones in Grimsby’s Freshney Place are still free to use.

So when Pod Point, who also provide public chargers in locations all over the UK, offered to install one of their chargers for me at my home, I didn’t waste much time taking them up on it. It’s fair to say, it’s been transformational. Living with an EV is no longer the logistical challenge it once was, and it’s now so much quicker and much more convenient to charge up my visiting EVs, with the 7kW charger adding around 30 miles of range for every hour charge.

asked to take photos of my distribution board which is in my garage, the external electricity meter, showing where the supply cables are, and also the earthing of water and gas pipes, before uploading them with a description of their locations to Pod Point.

My report was then assessed, and I was quickly contacted again by Pod Point to say that my wiring was fine, but my supply appeared to be “looped” – don’t ask – so permission had to be sought from Northern Grid to ensure the supply was good enough to cop e with the 7kW draw a charger takes when charging an EV. I expected delays, but a letter giving permission came back the next morning, a date was booked for the installation and we were all set.

Pod Point is one of the UK’s leading providers of electric vehicle charging points and has manufactured and sold more than 195,000 units across the UK and have more than 8,200 public charging bays. As well as home chargers, they also offer commercial and workplace charging stations which are compatible with all plug-in vehicle manufacturers.

For most owners of new EVs, a home charger will be installed as part of the deal with the car, but more thought is now being given to second and third owners of EVs, who, like me, may not have a charger already installed.

The Pod Point installation process was pleasingly painless, and the expert support from their team was genuinely beyond reproach. Having agreed to go ahead with the installation, I was sent a DIY survey sheet to complete highlighting the existing electrical set-up at my house. Much depends on the age of your property and the condition of the wiring! I was

The engineer arrived just before the appointed time and we agreed where the charger would be mounted. I asked for the cable to be installed inside the garage, rather than have it on the outside wall, and he was happy to do that. It took less than 90 minutes for the unit to be installed and connected up to the mains and the engineer couldn’t have been more helpful.

The Pod Point charger connects to your home’s internet so Pod Point can remotely monitor any issues with the unit and install software updates. The engineer even explained how to connect the charger to the Pod Point app on my phone which shows where the company’s public charging points are, as well as allowing you to keep tabs on how much electricity you are using to charge your EV.

You can customise the app, by inputting your vehicle details, and your own domestic electricity tariffs to keep tabs on exactly how much you’re spending. I pay a flat rate tariff of 33p per kW through my renewable energy gas and electricity provider, but for those who have tariffs designed for EV owners which allow cheaper charging during off peak hours, typically somewhere between 11pm and 5am, the unit can be programmed via the app to only charge your car between those times.

‘The Pod Point charger connects to your home’s internet so Pod Point can remotely monitor any issues with the unit and install software updates’

It took less than 90 minutes for the Pod Point charger to be installed and connected

EVs power up quicker from a charging point

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Business success is child’s play for Gail and her team

Afamily nursery business has embarked on the next stage of its expansion nine years after its founder chose to take on a new challenge and build on her success as a home-based childminder.

Springboard Nursery has taken capacity at its three locations in and around Hull to more than 300 with the addition of the pre-school room at the site in Willerby which it launched in September at one of Allenby Commercial’s Trade Yard developments.

Owner Gail Heelas said the growth has been driven by her own ambition and by the strong relationship with Allenby Commercial, who keep coming up with great sites for nurseries.

Gail said: “We had been operating a nursery at The Bloc, Allenby’s site in Anlaby, for three years when they told me they had bought Worx in Hull city centre. It’s a completely different environment but it’s also very busy so we gave it a go.

“The week before the first lockdown they asked when we would be opening another nursery. I asked when they would have a site and they told me they’d just started work at The Trade Yard in Willerby. So here we are!”

Gail had been working from home for 13 years before setting up the first nursery at Anlaby. Husband Richard was working for himself as an electrician and moved across to

the family business when the second site opened in 2018. Son Tyler found himself pondering his next move after university and jumped on board to run HR and health and safety as the business grew.

From a team of six in 2014 the company now employs 82 people, with new staff arriving every month to cater for rising demand. The Anlaby and Hull sites, which also have pre-school rooms, can each accommodate nearly 100 children. The completion of the pre-school room at Willerby takes capacity there to more than 120.

Gail said: “We opened in September and we are filling up very quickly. The children and parents absolutely love it and most of the people who have been to look round have signed up. Also, because Anlaby is full any families who need extra sessions can come and see what we have at Willerby.

“Every time we have opened a new nursery, we have evolved the offer and the facilities. We have identified and introduced improvements based on our experience of working with parents and their children.”

The new building has a baby room, toddler room and pre-school room and each has a dedicated outdoor play area, enabling all the children to play inside and outdoors and stay in their own groups.

The Chamber welcomes New Members and hears from businesses promoting connectivity in the region.

find out about Chamber Membership visit www.hull-humberchamber.co.uk/memberships or call Janice Harrison on (01482) 324976, or Anne Tate or Marilyn Waud on (01472) 342981.

Pictured at the new Springboard Nursery at The Trade Yard Willerby are Gail Heelas with her management team Alice Edwards (left) and Hollie Jacobs

Last Word

If you like to have the Last Word, here's your chance - email David Hooper at d.hooper@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk

Describe your job in a nutshell?

It involves looking at the world from the point of view of disabled people and trying to remove obstacles to access.

That covers all types of disability, not just people who use a wheelchair, and it extends across all sorts of properties, products and services. From retail, hospitality and leisure facilities to offices, tourism sites and everything you need to travel between them –trains, buses, taxis, parking bays.

Disabled people need good access to all these things and more. The relevant legislation is The Equality Act 2010 and the penalties for breaches can be severe. But it is encouraging to see more people recognise that making their premises accessible is good for business.

You can welcome more customers. They bring family and friends. You make more money. It also enables you to recruit from a wider talent pool.

Where is it based?

We’re based in Anlaby and we operate routinely across the UK and, increasingly, internationally.

What has been your biggest challenge in the last year?

The volume of business and working with a new hip! The amount of work is increasing

and last year was my busiest yet. That’s down to a greater awareness among businesses and other organisations of the need to make their premises and services accessible, and the opportunities which arise from that. Also the clients I work with tend to be larger than in the past, some of them global operations which are more forward thinking when it comes to improving access.

What are you most looking forward to in the next three months?

The prospect of more overseas work. I was in New York and Gibraltar earlier this year and I’m currently looking at other projects in the States and in Asia.

What news story has had the biggest impact recently?

Rises in interest rates because they cause delays in major construction and renovation projects if funding has to be renegotiated. Any major projects present a good opportunity to review the accessibility of a property and to make improvements. It’s far more costeffective to include accessible features in a project from the outset than to try and add them later.

What is your biggest ambition?

Nothing dramatic I’m afraid. Just to continue to have good health and enjoy what I’m doing.

Where will your next holiday be?

Joining three friends on a motorcycle tour of Europe. We’re planning to take in France, Germany and Switzerland. It’s a favourite trip that we’ve been doing regularly for the best part of 20 years. Motorcycle riders tend to be welcomed with open arms on the continent and we get to enjoy good roads, good weather and good cake, or kuchen, as they say in Germany.

What are your hobbies and which is your favourite pastime?

Walking our 15-year-old dog Doris, riding my motorbike and promoting advanced riding techniques as a member of Eyard – East Yorkshire Advanced Riders and Drivers. I’m also learning photography as a member of a local club. For my work I take a lot of photographs of things like loos and stairs but I also go to a lot of fantastic places and I thought it would be good to learn to take nice pictures of those rather than just snapshots of weird things. I entered my first competition recently and came ninth out of 30. I was very pleased. It’s small steps.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Hopefully to get out on my motorbike and start to get match fit for my holiday after having my left hip replaced in March.

Name: Ian Streets

Job title: Managing Director

Name of the business:

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