UK: Humber Area to Showcase Its Qualities

PROMOTING the region’s positive features is vital in attracting new business connected with renewable energy, according to a sponsor of a green awards event.

George Baker, managing director of East Yorkshire-based KRL Group Ltd, said the “time has come” for the Hull and Humber area to be better at showcasing its qualities.

Mr Baker said the potential of new jobs and work linked to the growth of the region’s low-carbon economy was needed to help replace other manufacturing businesses leaving the area.

KRL Group Ltd – one of the largest copy and print specialists in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire- is supporting a category in the Humber Renewables Awards 2013.

The accolades recognise the success of people, businesses and other organisations contributing to the green energy industry.

Mr Baker, whose business has been established in the region for more than 25 years, said: “We have to promote the positives about our region, from the transport links to the skilled workforce.

 “Change has to come to Hull and we have to attract new companies involved in renewable energy to replace those industries and businesses that have left the city.

 “We have to make sure people outside of the area do not still think of Hull as being a fishing village’.

 “The time has come to really be bold and showcase our strengths.

 “The Humber Renewables Awards is an excellent way of demonstrating how our city and region is taking a lead in this industry and that’s why KRL is so keen to support the event.”

KRL Group employs 25 people and works with some of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Konica Minolta, Kyocera and Ricoh, to supply a range of companies across the north of England and the Midlands.

The firm is sponsoring the Medium/Large Business of the Year section of the Humber Renewables Awards, which are run in recognition of the area’s emerging position as a hub for green energy – including on and offshore wind, bioenergy, micro-generation and tidal power.

It is hoped developments surrounding this industry, and its associated supply chains, will create thousands of new jobs.

Mr Baker said he believed the impact could be as positive for the Humber as car production has been for parts of the North East of England.

He said: “In the past, when working around Sunderland and Newcastle, I’ve seen the benefits that the likes of Nissan and other big companies have brought to the North East.

 “The production of components for the car makers has helped to rejuvenate areas and it’s through this, the supply chain, where the new jobs come from.

 “I hope the same happens with the Humber through renewables – our area has to be hungry for this new industry and do what it takes to attract it.”

Mr Baker said having the right attitude in business and offering green solutions to companies will also make the region stand out as open to low-carbon enterprise.

One example for KRL has been offering energy-efficient, multi-function, machines that meet a variety of needs in one unit, including scanning, printing and faxing.

The technology, which has recyclable parts, also allows a company to scan and store documents in an archive, meaning less waste, a reduction in paper use and helping people to work more remotely.

Mr Baker said KRL’s focus on service, and just in time supply chain management, was another hallmark of what was now demanded by modern businesses – and will no doubt be expected in the hi-tech environment of renewables.

He said: “You have to adapt to what the customer wants – for example, we can often supply parts and machinery the same day to a business in need, whereas others deal in several days.

 “These are modern times for modern people and the more companies in the region that can evolve, the more chance we have of retaining business and keeping money in the local area.”

The Humber Renewables Awards were first run for 2012, attracting dozens of entries.

Nominations for the 2013 event are now open and are made using a simple entry form available on the website of organiser Footprint Renewables.

There are 10 categories to choose from and submissions close on January 21.

After this date, a panel of independent judges – drawn from the renewables industry and local business community – will produce a shortlist of finalists and decide the winners.

The finalists will be invited to a celebration dinner at The Deep, Hull, on March 1, where the winners will be announced.

[mappress]

Press release, December 20, 2012; Image: footprintrenewables