Flying without wings as simulator takes off.

AS ventures go it is quite a pioneering one. Eastern Airways' move into world class pilot training is groundbreaking for the region, and for regional airlines even.
The investment in the facility should be praised, as the company is now bringing a new dimension to what Humberside Airport can offer.
With the HQ, a massive maintenance operation and now the simulator here as well, it really sets up a new platform for progression.
Any investment in the area should be seen in a positive light, but when it comes from a new source and a very different one at that, then it is heartening indeed.
The simiulator itself is an amazing bit of kit, and not a small one at that. Think Krypton Factor and you're on the right track, but this massive machine also has a large area behind the cockpit to allow others to watch on, and a control area for those taking the training to introduce adverse weather, technical issues etc...
Having been given the controls when shown round it was amazing how you get a feel of really flying it - the effects are phenomenal. From the slight change in aerodynamics when you raise and lower the undercarriage to the jerking as you head into a stall (I didn't say I was good!!), the value of the exact replica of the plane of choice for Eastern is clear.
Now with foreign pilots coming in to use the facility too, it will be a hive of activity with the obvious benefits to the hotel and leisure industries of northern Lincolnshire too.

River deep, prosperity high!

HAVING built up an amazing riverside complex in recent years, and benefitted from the comparably excellent transport links, there is no wonder ABP is now looking at the river for the next stage in the development of the south bank.
With the Humber undoubtedly a major gateway for UK Plc, and so much land still available to allow for expansion of an industry that really is the backbone to the area's economy, why not try and maximise every possibility.
By making the access channels deeper through dredging, it will mean even bigger vessels can reach Immingham, allowing for an even more economic use of the port and a better environmental position too. While care must be taken when such work is carried out, the relationship ABP enjoys with the relevant bodies such as the Natural England and the Envrionment Agency is one that will ensure anything is done sympathetically and responsibly.
While we have seen a lot of the potential the ports offer realised in the past 12 months, you get the feeling that there is so much more that could be done in this geographically blessed part of the UK.
It seems like the new owners are willing to continue the investment we have witnessed at such close quarters, because they have seen how the returns pour in, with another record-breaking year celebrated this week.
Not only does development mean more jobs, it also secures those already in place and allows other companies to benefit from the additional cargoes, especially in the logistics and forwarding fields.
Not only that, but as we are seeing in the bioenergy sector, port capacity can be a major attraction for firms who have to deal with imports and exports to operate. With land prices and availability stacked in northern Lincolnshire's favour, it is a promising time indeed with the port at the heart of everything.

Seabay is such a sad loss

REPORTING on a loss to Grimsby's business community is never a satisfying task, espcecially when it involves 100 livelihoods.
More so when, as with Seabay Quickfish, it involves an industry on which Grimsby prides itself on.
It is clearly a time for consolidation in the seafood processing industry. Escalating prices for fish combined with energy costs are afffecting those operating on tight margins.
Such economic factors cannot be borne out by all companies, and it is extremely sad when one is lost.
Seabay Quickfish was a leading light on the fish docks, a major part of the make up with a traditional North Wall base, but we are seeing a period of caution in the industry. Across the once bustling fish dock at Ross House, major decisions have been made to reel in operations north of the Humber, and for Young's to concentrate activities in Grimsby. The efficiency drives and streamlining decisions have to be made to keep companies in good order. This is where those that are already close to the red line can fall.
Seabay has, having struggled on for some time, and it is a sad and major loss.
Jobs created by Young's in Grimsby with the Hull plant closing may offer a chink of light for some, but it is one less employer and one less voice to shout about the combined strength of Europe's Food Town.