Perhaps I haven't adequately explained...
I am used to excel being able to convert a number to a text string just by using it in a text string formula as per the example in the original post. I have installed 2016 and am using it for the first time. I would like to have excel behave in the way I am used to when using numbers in text strings, but sadly it is not. My work around so far is to use the text formula which adds 10 extra characters to my equation each time i wish to reference a number. I submit that there must be a setting somewhere in the bowels of excel that has disabled this auto conversion of values to text used in this context. If anyone is aware of how to manipulate said setting or provide alternate explanation for this phenomenon, it would be greatly appreciated.