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Digital gaming’s Platform 2012 puts the play into business
(January, 2012)

The digital gaming and entertainment industry is coming en masse to Hull this March.

Platform 2012, a huge showcase of the sector, is aiming to attract up to 10,000 visitors with its unique combination of education, business and fun.

It takes place at the University of Hull over the weekend of March 17 and 18 and has attracted a list of well-known industry experts, with more to be announced over the coming months.

Building on the success of Platform 2011, held at the KC Stadium, the event aims to create wealth for the region by helping young people find career paths and start businesses in the global digital gaming and entertainment industry.

Organiser Lindsay West, managing director of Garthwest Ltd, said: “It is a full weekend where delegates can meet people who are at the cutting edge of this massive global industry, as well as taking part in a full programme of fun, games-themed activity.

“The UK games industry is the second largest in the world after the USA, and many people are not aware that the University of Hull has one of the UK’s most respected computer games degrees and its students are regularly approached by global names in the business.”

Confirmed speakers include: Charles Cecil, MBE, of Revolution Games; Mark Estdale of OM; Steve Ince, a writer and designer; Louis Harwood, from Avalore Studios; Arif Majothi, of Arif Games, and cosplayer Missy Tetra.

A 24-hour race to create a game in secure conditions will be organised by the University of Hull’s Computer Science Department

Tickets cost £17 for adults, students £14, teens (under 18 but over 16) £10, children (6-16) £5, and are free for children under six.

For exhibitor, sponsor and ticket information: www.platformexpos.com


 

 

  

Good profile: Tata Steel’s James Airlie operating the company’s new profiling machine at its wind tower hub

   Tata Steel and THMA forge collaborative renewable alliance
(January, 2012)

Tata Steel has teamed up with one the UK’s leading marine engineering and energy organisations as they both target the UK’s growing offshore wind turbine market.

Joining Team Humber Marine Alliance will allow Tata Steel to build on the significant investment it has put into new equipment and machinery at its Scunthorpe facilities.

As part of the global diversified Tata Group, Tata Steel wants to develop the market for its steel products and services in the renewable energy sector, said Phil Knowles, commercial manager power generation and renewables.

“We have made major developments in the Humber region in the past 12 months including the creation of a dedicated wind tower hub in Scunthorpe to process and distribute up to 200,000 tonnes each year of steel plate,” said Mr Knowles, who believes THMA’s unique collaborative approach can help the company’s ambitions.

“We recognise that for things to work there has to be more collaborative effort from everyone involved, a joint voice, and a shared, collective approach, that will spark opportunities.”

Becoming a THMA member allows Tata Steel to pressure government into greater support for business in the region as it becomes a major centre for the country’s renewable energy industries.

“There is a real need for government to think more strategically about the UK's manufacturing supply chains. This means giving support and encouragement to fill the supply chain gaps that have arisen in recent decades and to strengthen those links in new industries like renewables, so that value can be captured properly in the UK,” added Mr Knowles.

Mark O’Reilly, director Team Humber Marine Alliance, said: “We’re delighted to have the chance to work more closely with Tata Steel, not just on potential future renewable energy projects, but in other sectors in which our members operate, including commercial shipping and offshore oil and gas.”

See www.tatasteelenergy.com
and www.thma.co.uk


 

 

  

No looking back : BOXstation’s managing director Will Sutherland

  

Axida helps BOXstation in rapid business growth
(January, 2012)

An entrepreneurial order fulfillment company is experiencing rapid business growth through a partnership with a leading software provider, Axida.

Hinckley-based BOXstation is one of only a few UK companies serving the growing market of online shops selling by any combination of their own websites, eBay and/or Amazon.

It is offering a totally outsourced, pay-as-you-go solution through Axida’s PPD software enabling its independent internet retailer customers to run slick operations.

The software looks after product warehousing, inventory management, picking, packing and dispatch and has many features and benefits found in expensive, complex, high-end warehouse management systems.

BOXstation, which commenced business in 2010, is expanding rapidly and is forecast to distribute in excess of 15,000 parcels a month and has customers as far afield as China, the US and Australia. In line with current growth, the plan is to open two more UK storage and distribution centres within the next three years.

Will Sutherland, BOXstation’s managing director, said that the appropriate software had been critical to the success of the venture.

“Initially we looked at partnering with a number of software providers, but capital expenditure costs were very high. We then found Axida’s pay-as-you-go PPD. We were trialling it within days and have never looked back,” he said.

Len Robinson, Axida’s managing director, said: “PPD strips back and simplifies the whole order fulfilment process and we are constantly evolving it in relation to changing online requirements at no expense to the customer, who simply pays a small fee per parcel.”

www.axida.co.uk
www.boxstation.co.uk


 

 

  

Unique partnership:
EEF’s Andy Tüscher, left, with Mark O’Reilly and Mary Green of Team Humber Marine Alliance

  

Landmark deal gives Team Humber access to the top table
(January, 2012)

Team Humber Marine Alliance has become an affiliate partner of EEF manufacturers’ organisation under a landmark agreement.

EEF is dedicated to the future of UK manufacturing and the Alliance has signed up to get closer to national and European decision-makers as it markets the services of the region’s marine engineering sector.

With the Humber being in the frame for huge opportunities in renewable energy, Mark O’Reilly, THMA director, called it an exciting move.

“We already do a lot to ensure that our voice is heard, and the EEF has a seat on the high table in London and Brussels and the ear of policy-makers, including government ministers.

“We will be in a better place representing our members on everything from finding new business to complying with employment law, health and safety and all the other legislation.”

Mr O’Reilly explained that in addition to THMA taking full membership, its 140 member companies would become EEF affiliates, which would entitle them individually to access some of its business support services. “Some of the larger companies in the Alliance will already be members, but this will be a bonus for the others.”

Andy Tüscher, region director-north for EEF, said that the affiliate deal with THMA was the first of its kind in the organisation’s history, which dates back to 1896.

“We are sure there will be many benefits for THMA through this unique partnership,” he said. “We help manufacturing businesses to adapt to a fast-changing world and are frequently asked to advise regional, national and European policy-makers.”

EEF, formerly the Engineering Employers Federation, offers its members business services, government representation and industry intelligence in addition to its promotion of the manufacturing sector.

For more information, see www.eef.org.uk and www.thma.co.uk


 

 

  

Legal property expert:
David Prescott, Williamsons Solicitors’ new Bridlington lawyer

  

Property lawyer strengthens Williamsons’ seaside team
(January, 2012)

A lawyer with 20 years’ expertise in commercial and residential property work has joined Williamsons Solicitors’ Bridlington office.

David Prescott, 45, also has a wealth of experience in general commercial legal work gained with a number of other leading local firms.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help Williamsons serve the local community with a full range of legal services, while at the same time taking the Bridlington office on to the next stage of its growth,” said Mr Prescott.

“We are able to offer a complete package of legal services, which means local residents don’t need to go out of town to find all the services they are looking for.”

On the commercial and residential property side this covers leasehold and freehold transactions including sales and purchases, drawing up of new leases and business disposals.

“We can also provide individuals and businesses with general legal services including employment law, insolvency advice, dispute resolution and wills drafting and probate fully supported by our main office in Hull and sister office in Driffield,” added Mr Prescott, who lives in Hornsea with his wife and family.

Mr Prescott, who has also worked for three years as a company secretary with a local industrial firm, is a keen sportsman. He captained Hornsea Cricket Club 1st XI between 1998 and 2005, a team he still occasionally represents, and is a member of Hornsea Golf Club.

The Leicester University law graduate passed his Law Society Finals at Chester College of Law in 1989, before qualifying in 1991 with a firm in Hull.