Kirklees Business News, August 2008

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August, 2008

The Business NEWSpaper for Huddersfield Town

■ TALK OF THE TOWN: Club chairman Ken Davy (right) and chairman-elect Dean Hoyle want local businesses to get involved with Huddersfield Town’s exciting centenary season – by taking up attractive opportunities for advertising and sponsorship

Sporting fever A SPORTING revolution is under way!

Huddersfield Town has become a hot topic in the world of football – following the announcement of businessman Dean Hoyle as chairman-elect of the club and the launch of a major marketing campaign to attract record numbers of supporters to the Galpharm Stadium.

The club – which has gone from doom and gloom at the end of last season to being tipped as one of the promotion favourites for 2008-2009 – has embarked on radio and television advertising campaign throughout Yorkshire.

Making better use of its database of contacts, the club also launched a far-reaching direct mail campaign. It has also distributed 20,000 newsletters through a network of newsagents and local clubs as well handing out 30,000 car stickers to its army of fans.

Sean Jarvis, Town’s director of

business development, said: “The message to business is clear.

“This is a new era at the Galpharm and we want local businesses to be a part of it.”

In a matter of weeks, Huddersfield Town has sold 16,200 season tickets – a new record for the club, beating the previous best of 14,058 achieved back in the 1970s.

Said Mr Jarvis: “The club is witnessing unprecedented interest from businesses in the area and beyond.

Already, we have secured sponsorship or advertising deals with new businesses from Leeds, Wakefield and Manchester.”

New activity at the stadium includes the installation of a new big screen, new shop units, the launch of a new 1908 Club – celebrating Town’s centenary – a new Corporate Blue and White Foundation and the promise of a new “matchday experience”.

New initiatives taking advantage

Town is teaming up with Kirklees Business News HUDDERSFIELD Town and Kirklees Business News have joined forces in a strategic partnership.

Town business development director Sean Jarvis said it was the first time the football club had formed such a link.

He said the move would increase Town’s profile in the business community and bring benefits to the club, the publication and local firms.

Features planned over the next 12 months include a regular column on sporting topics in Kirklees Business News and a corporate football tournament.

of wireless technology include Bluetooth messaging and fan surveys as well as interactive games.

The club is also benefiting from investment by Mr Hoyle, chairman of UK-wide greetings card retailer Card Factory, who has pledged to match the investment made by current club chairman Ken Davy.

Further development of the Galpharm complex is also set to bring new jobs and improved leisure facilities.

Said Mr Jarvis: “This is an exciting new era – and we want Kirklees companies to be involved. Their support can only accelerate the success and our charge towards the Championship.

“We have lots of new ways for companies to get involved – and sponsorship starts from as little as £500.” To find out how to get involved, contact the team on 01484 4 8 4 1 4 0 o r e m a i l c o m m e rcial@htafc.com

There will be regular competitions for businesses – including one in next month’s issue to win a corporate box for a forthcoming Town match.

The first project is this four-page special bringing readers of Kirklees Business News the latest corporate information from the club, including some of the opportunities that exist for advertising and sponsorship.

Firms interested in getting involved during Town’s centenary season can contact the commercial team on commercial@htafc.com

Winning partnership We are proud to be associated with Huddersfield Town FC. To find out how we can help you and your business contact Kevin Newson, Senior Partner at West Yorkshire Financial Solutions Centre on 01274 303700.

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2

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

COMMENT

by Ken

Davy

HERE is no need to tell you how T important the forthcoming campaign is in the history of Hudders-

field Town. We mean it to be a defining one and one which will be looked back on by every supporter with pride and affection.

A key ingredient for success this season will be the backing of our supporters, both individuals and businesses. We now boast over 16,000 season ticket holders; the kind of backing which will generate some fantastic support on match days and will also present our business partners with some terrific opportunities.

We want as many businesses as possible to join in our 100th birthday celebrations and there are many ways for you and your company to get involved. The relationship between the club and its partners is reciprocal, so it is possible to find something for every occasion and budget.

With the appointment of Stan Ternent and Ronnie Jepson as manager and assistant, we have two people who know football, know the club and know how to get promotion. With financial backing from the board of directors, we have a unique opportunity to improve the club’s standing in both the Football League and the local community.

Everyone at Huddersfield Town has an opportunity this season. You also have an opportunity. You have an opportunity to promote your business to record numbers through proven methods and through the latest technology, but more than that, you have an opportunity get involved with a progressive Club at one of its most exciting and defining periods.

Thank you, Ken Davy

Read Henryk Zientek's Business reports Monday to Friday in ...

FINANCIAL REPORT

Match programme can get the message over!

BUSINESSES have been urged to get with the programme as Town kick-off a new season.

The matchday programme is one of the best ways to communicate to a captive audience – and companies can get their message across in its pages.

Alisdair Straughan, programme editor, said: “The publication has gone from strength to strength and is now a regular feature of the matchday experience. It is well-read by people

from all walks of life – from managing directors to the youngest supporters.”

The programme, which costs £3 to buy, offers a variety of ways for firms to spread the word about their products and services, including advertising, sponsorship of columns and inserts.

The programme is distributed by about 20 programme sellers around the ground.

And if Huddersfield Town averages gates of 16,000 next season it

Box clever for a place to entertain

EVER fancied owning a private box at the Galpharm Stadium?

As Town embark on their centenary season, there’s no better time to take up the opportunity.

The stadium has 42 boxes – but “vacancies” are already limited.

There are 26 boxes in the Direct Golf Stand and a further 16 in the Fantastic Media Stand.

Each box is complete with a viewing balcony, Sky TV, matchday programmes, tea and coffee. When purchasing a box, the buyer also gets three car park passes.

The boxes accommodate 10 people and can be decorated just as you like, for example with image of company products or brand logos.

Other benefits include armchair padded seats on the balcony, an advertising board in front of the box and weekday access to the box to hold business meetings, seminars or training sessions.

Box holders also get ticketing priority for away games. Prices start from £8,250 plus VAT. For more information contact the commercial team on 01484 484140 or email commercial@htafc.com

has the potential to be seen by 400,000 people as supporters’ copies are read by family and friends in the home.

That doesn’t include visiting fans who buy a programme. And as football programmes also become collectors’ items, they give advertisers added “longevity”.

Said Alisdair: “The programme is read by a wide cross-section of people – families, children, corporate guests, season ticket hold-

Hutt’s back to host brand new venture THIRTY years after helping the club reach the top flight as a talented young left-back, he’s still a keen fan and regular face at the Galpharm.

So Geoff Hutt is the ideal choice as matchday ambassador for Town’s new 1908 Club.

The new organisation is a revamped version of the old Executive Club and has been set up to mark Town’s centenary season.

Geoff will act as a liaison between members and the football club. He will also meet and greet corporate guests and sponsors.

Geoff, who lives in Mirfield, made 277 Town appearances and was an ever-present in the well-remembered side who won the original Second Division title in 1969-70.

He missed only four matches in the two top-flight campaigns which followed and remained loyal to the club during their rapid descent to the basement division.

After leaving Town in 1976, he played for Dutch club Haarlem, York and Halifax.

Geoff, 57, said: “I was approached by Sean Jarvis at a recent supporters’ meeting and he told me that he had a role in mind for me. After a subsequent meeting, he asked me to be the ambassador for the 1908 Club.

Inside Issues Be the perfect host

● Town fan at the helm – page 3 ● Beneficial partnerships – page 3 ● Going on the grand tour – page 4 ● Strong foundations – page 4 ● Sponsorship opportunities – page 4

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IS MAILED FREE OF CHARGE TO NAMED INDIVIDUALS IN ALMOST EVERY BUSINESS IN KIRKLEES Editorial

HENRYK ZIENTEK (01484) 437766

henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Distribution & Advertising

ANNE BARRETT (01484) 437745

Recycled paper made up 75.5% of the raw material for UK newspapers in 2004

anne.barrett@examiner.co.uk

A Trinity Mirror Huddersfield publication

TAKING up one of Town’s various hospitality packages is a great way to be part of the matchday experience – and entertain your contacts and customers in style.

There’s the chance to meet and greet your guests, talk business or sport and share in the big match atmosphere of the game down at the Galpharm Stadium.

Tracy Nelson said: Our sponsorship packages are ideal if you want to give your customers a unique experience and a day gthey will truly remember. From arrival to departure, we will take care of you and your customers’

ers.

“It’s a great vehicle to communicate your message.

In terms of advertising costs, the seasonal price for a full page is £2,500 plus VAT, which covers 23 league games. A full page per game is only £250 plus VAT. Potential advertisers will also be keen to “book” their place in a special centenary programme for Town’s pre-season match against Arsenal.

needs.”

Three levels of sponsorship are available for Town’s centenary season.

Companies can take up the opportunity to sponsor the match, the match ball or the man of the match.

Main match sponsorship offers a 20-guest package, which includes 20 director box seats and six car park passes, a complimentary bar up to kick-off, a superb three-course meal before the match, matchday programme with sponsors’ logo on the front cover, a goody bag for each guest, public address system announcements and

logo on the Galpharm’s impressive new big screen and much more. Prices start from £2,500 plus VAT. Match ball sponsorship involves a 10-guest package, including 10 executive seats, unreserved car park passes, a three-course meal and much more. Prices start from £1,125 plus VAT. Man of the match sponsorship is for is to six guests and include executives seats, unreserved car park passes, a three-course meal, the chance to select the man of the match, plus much more.

Prices start from £675 plus VAT.

■ BACK HOME: Town favourite Geoff Hutt has taken up a new role at the club – as ambassador for the new 1908 Club, which has been set up as part of initiatives for the centenary season

“I’m delighted to be performing this role, as Huddersfield Town is a massive part of my life. I spent 15 years at the old ground and I’d do anything for the club.

“It really is a dream come true to be involved with the centenary season – I’m very honoured. I can’t wait for the it begin!”

Limited places for the 1908 Club are still available – and there is a range of benefits for members. They include entry to all league, cup and friendly games, reserved padded seating, use of the executive lounge and a reserved table.

The price for adults is £610 a season.

Call 01484 484140 or e-mail commercial@htafc.com

Hospitality

2008/2009

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN FC A CENTURY OF PRIDE

foR moRe infoRmation contact:

enquiRies and booking: 01484 484140 email: commeRcial@htafc.com www.htafc.com

August, 2008

230

■ FASHION STATEMENT: Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield MP, with models Lauren Robson and Karen Brooke – both wearing creation by Rockwife, based at the town’s Textile Centre of Excellence – attend the House of Commons launch event for Yorkshire Fashion Week.

The centre is spearheading a drive to establish Yorkshire Fashion Week as an annual event from next June

Fashion force!

TEXTILE chiefs in Huddersfield are spearheading a bid to bring fashion flair to Yorkshire.

Regional MPs joined industry figures from the town’s Textile Centre of Excellence, young designers, models and fashion experts at Westminster for the parliamentary launch of Yorkshire Fashion Week.

The textile centre hopes to secure top-level cross-party backing from the region’s MPs to establish Yorkshire Fashion Week as an annual event from June next year.

The event aims to be a celebration of the region’s world class design and manufacturing talent – as well as a way to encourage a new wave of Yorkshire fashion designers to train, develop and hone their skills at local colleges.

Those taking part in the parliamentary launch included Halifax-born Christopher Bailey, design director at resurgent English fashion house Burberry, who helps create eight collections a year as well as providing creative direction for store design, advertising and accessories.

Bill Macbeth, managing director of the textile centre, based at Red Doles Lane, off Leeds Road, said Yorkshire already had strong links to the international fashion industry.

In manufacturing, Yorkshire textile firms produce fabrics for some of the world’s leading fashion houses, including Chanel, Prada and D&G – employing some 40,000 people in the process.

S a i d M r M a c b e t h : “ We ’r e delighted to have already attracted

so much positive attention and support for the idea of Yorkshire Fashion Week.

“The parliamentary launch is just the start of what will be an exciting year-long series of events culminating next year in the first Yorkshire Fashion Week.

“Many people know Yorkshire already has an enviable history of textile production, but we believe it also has an enviable future in fashion design and production.

“It’s clear we have an immense pool of talent in the region that we need to encourage, but we also want to make sure the local economy enjoys the benefits in terms of jobs by developing links between designers, textile producers and creative hubs such as our own centre.”

Huddersfield’s own Recruitment Agency

10-year high for insolvency work INSOLVENCY experts are at their busiest for 10 years as company failures mount, a leading practitioner has said.

Andy Wood, regional chairman for the Association of Business Recovery Professionals in Yorkshire, said the credit crunch had hit many sectors.

“We have had a steady stream of businesses wanting advice about what they can do,” he said.

“Pubs and restaurants are being b a d l y h i t a n d s o h av e developers.

Many of these bought a plot of land to develop for their pension fund. Unfortunately a large number will not survive the end of the year.”

Mr Wood said many firms

were oblivious to the problems.

He said: “I can’t believe how many owners come to us without a clear picture of their current finances. They wait for their accountant to prepare year end figures before they know if they are making a loss.

“In this day and age, every business owner should have software on their computer and be watching the figures on a weekly or even daily basis and responding to them.

“It is not rocket science. If they don’t have the skills, they should ask their accountant to set this up. A small investment now could save their business in a few months’ time.”

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August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

COMMENT

by

Henryk Zientek T seems the credit crisis will be Iwith us for some time.

As high street banks seek ways to keep

the coffers healthy, another gloomy survey suggests that corporate liquidity is coming under increasing pressure as credit become scarcer and markedly more expensive.

The survey by Deloitte showed that three-quarters of chief financial officers are finding credit difficult to obtain – up from 63% in March and 48% in September last year when the current crisis broke.

Nine out of 10 rate credit as being costly compared with 72% in March and 49% last September. Only 1% believe credit is still cheap.

Sadly, Deloitte believes that things will get worse before they get better. Seven out of 10 CFOs polled think credit conditions have deteriorated in the past three months and 66% disgree with the view of US Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson, that the “worst of the credit crunch is likely to be behind us”.

CFOs are also less confident than the City about the outlook for corporate earnings, with 56% believing that corporate earnings in 2008 will grow more slowly than the average 5% rate expected by City analysts. Only 6% expect faster growth.

As credit dries up, companies will find their plans for investment stymied while there will be an ever pressing need to cut costs. Inflationary pressures will continue to dominate – with 54% of corporates saying they are likely to raise prices in response to rising inflation and an effort to maintain margins.

Read Henryk Zientek's Business reports Monday to Friday in ...

Inside Issues

● Chem-Resist in buy-out – page 4 ● Coopers expansion plan – page 5 ● Triple alliance to boost firms – page 7 ● Clicking with business – page 10 ● Award for veteran tycoon – page 13 ● Expansion on the menu – page 16 ● Pie maker is the upper crust – page 17 ● Chamber underlines worries – page 26

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS IS MAILED FREE OF CHARGE TO NAMED INDIVIDUALS IN ALMOST EVERY BUSINESS IN KIRKLEES Editorial

HENRYK ZIENTEK (01484) 437766

henryk.zientek@examiner.co.uk

Distribution & Advertising

ANNE BARRETT (01484) 437745

Recycled paper made up 75.5% of the raw material for UK newspapers in 2004

anne.barrett@examiner.co.uk

A Trinity Mirror Huddersfield publication

FINANCIAL REPORT

Tax office closure plan ‘will hit firms’

A MOVE to reduce the number of tax offices in Yorkshire – and axe more than 3,000 jobs across the UK – could hit many small firms, it is feared.

The Forum of Private Business said that closing eight tax offices in Yorkshire and reducing total Revenue and Customs staff from 12,300 to 9,150 would be likely to lead to delays in the administration of tax.

The FPB said tax could be a major headache for small businesses.

More than 9m tax returns were issued in 2006–2007. Last year, about 150,000 self-assessment forms were received in the 24 hours before the deadline. The Revenue and Customs website was processing more than 6,000 returns an hour – more than 100 every minute.

The FPB said the job cuts and the closure of many tax offices will only add to the confusion and frustration felt by many entrepreneurs filling out their tax forms.

Fewer staff could mean a corresponding decline in services – increasing anxiety among businesses.

Matt Goodman, FPB policy re p re s e n t at ive, s a i d : “ T h e demands of running a small business are enough without waiting weeks for your tax papers to make it to the top of the pile.

“Small businesses already feel increasingly forgotten about when it comes to tax – and the closure of local tax offices can only add to this feeling of isola-

tion.

“Tax is a time-consuming and difficult path to navigate at the best of times, filled with numerous obstacles.

“The closure of these offices will only add to an already near impossible procedure.”

Mr Goodman said the FPB was calling on the Government to pay more than just lip service to the concerns that its members have over administering the tax burden.

Development role for Robert

■ TOP TEAM: Tim Clarke (left), head of corporate finance at BDO Stoy Hayward, with (from left) new mergers and acquisitions partner Jason Whitworth, and corporate finance partners Matt Copley and Andy Mahon

Mergers partner named ACCOUNTANCY and business advice firm BDO Stoy Hayward has promoted Jason Whitworth to mergers and acquisitions partner.

Mr Whitworth, who was born in York and now lives near Huddersfield, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1993 and progressed to director level before joining the Leeds office of BDO Stoy Hayward.

He has experience in private company

mergers and acquisitions, private equity and management buy-outs.

Said Mr Whitworth: “When I joined in 2004, the corporate finance team had just three people.

“Now after a period of rapid growth it comprises of four partners and 22 staff.

“I aim to continue to build on this and firmly establish ourselves as leaders in the mid-market deals sector.”

WEALTH management specialist Rensburg Sheppards has appointed Robert Jones to spearhead the development of its intermediary business in Yorkshire and the north-east.

Mr Jones (right) has more than 21 years business development experience in the financial services industry. He joins from Barclays We a l t h / G e r r a r d Investment Management where he specialised in the development of discretionary management and structured product business.

Mr Jones will be re s p o n s i bl e fo r expanding and developing Rensburg Sheppards’ services to professional firms.

Rensburg Shep-

pards is one of the UK’s leading independent private client investment management firms and currently manages about £13bn.

The firm has a l o n g - e s t ab l i s h e d presence in Leeds, Liverpool and London and prides itself on providing clients and professional intermediaries across the UK, as well as those living overseas, with a highly personal approach.

Danger in delay KIRKLEES businesses could pay a heavy price if they leave renewing their bank debt facilities until the last minute, a bu s i n e s s a dv i s e r h a s warned.

Jonnie Oldham, entrepreneurial business partner for Deloitte in Yorkshire, said companies could end up with inappropriate or needlessly expensive facilities.

“This is the stark reality,” said Mr Oldham. “The impact of the banks’ foray into sub prime lending and poor lending decisions in the past is increasingly affecting small and medium-sized businesses, many of them owner

managed.”

His comments come in the wake of banks signalling a change in attitudes with lending margins increased.

As the credit crunch bites even further, Mr Oldham warned: “Banks are, in some cases, replacing overdrafts with specifically secured facilities, imposing non-utilisation fees, increasing arrangement fees and even leaving their options open to pass on regulatory costs.

“In extreme cases facilities are not being renewed at all.

“We are also seeing an increase in lending premiums in excess of 1% and the link-

■ ADVICE: Jonnie Oldham, partner at of Deloitte

ing of lending to LIBOR rates, which are currently higher than the 5% base rate.”

Said Mr Oldham: “In these difficult times, it is important to keep in touch with your bankers and, in particular, speak to them well in advance of your renewal.”

Whether you are looking at buying a new business or selling your existing one, there are plenty of things to think about including:

• Valuation range and structuring options • Financing arrangements • Tax-planning ideas For truly independent advice and guidance, backed by years of experience, please contact Am Hayer or David Butterworth Tel: 01484 423691 email: am.hayer@wheawills.co.uk www.wheawill.co.uk

Chartered Accountants Business & Tax Advisers Registered Auditors

3

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Baroness praises textile careers initiative

Group cleans up in major safety awards A HECKMONDWIKE company has cleaned up in the health and safety stakes.

Consultant Cleaners Ltd has gained a special award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

It reflects the company’s success in notching up 10 gold medals from RoSPA for occupational health and safety in the workplace and a gold award supplier status from Royal Mail.

The company, which provides cleaning services in shops and offices, is part of contract management specialist Consultant Services Group.

The group provides services including cleaning, vending machine maintenance and catering at more than 2,500 client sites across the UK. The RoSPA President’s Award was presented to Simon Midgley, chief executive of CSG and managing director for CCL. The company is the only contract cleaning firm ever to win the coveted award.

CCL health and safety officer Sally Evans said: “We are highly delighted.

“It’s a great result and a true reflection of our dedication and commitment to Health and Safety.”

Referring to the award from Royal Mail, CCL operations director Karl Bell said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved the gold supplier status from Royal Mail.

“This accolade not only shows the excellent team ethos we have in place but is also a testimony of the remarkable partnership between Consultant Cleaners and the Royal Mail Group.”

CCL was the first ever winner of the Business of the Year Award run by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith.

■ WONDERLAND: Richard Kitchen-Dunn, chairman of K D Decoratives. inspects one of the displays in the impressive showroom at the firm's Lockwood premises

Advice has all the trimmings A COMPANY providing spectacular Christmas displays has received a timely present.

Lockwood-based KD Decoratives has increased turnover, created new jobs and saved thousands of pounds after taking up expert advice on ways to boost efficiency and productivity.

The family-run firm, which designs, builds and installs elaborate displays for shopping centres, theme parks and cruise liners, called in the Manufacturing Advisory Service, a business support body funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

KD Decoratives, which has 65 staff and annual sales of £4.5m, was founded more than 30 years ago by couple Richard and Gloria Kitchen-Dunn. It provides animatronics and themed displays for customers including Harrods, P&O, Tussauds, Alton Towers and the Trafford Centre.

Although the management team has been extremely successful, directors realised they had problems with issues such as time management and stock control due to the complex nature of customer demands and the seasonal nature of the business.

MAS adviser Dean Morgan led the firm through a 10-day manufacturing efficiency project, which resulted in estimated savings of £80,000 a year, a £300,000 increase in sales, an increase in productivity equating to £5,800 a year for each employee and two new jobs.

KD Decoratives chairman Richard Kitchen-Dunn said: “Thanks to the support of MAS and the expert advice of Dean Morgan, our family run business now has a more professional approach and a greater awareness and ability to manage our production time, operation costs, cash flow and profitability.

“We now have the right tools that we can build upon and, as a result, the business can handle a much larger number of projects during the run-up to our busiest time of the year.”

MAS is a government initiative delivered in this region by Yorkshire and Humber and managed by the business development division of YFM Group.

It aims to help manufacturing firms improve their competitiveness.

To date, the Yorkshire and Humber MAS has advised nearly 4,000 businesses and worked with 950 to introduce practical changes to their manufacturing products, processes and systems. The service includes free advice, diagnostic health checks and research and 50% grant subsidised consultancy.

YFM Group provides investment capital and business development services to small and medium sized firms throughout the UK. Its business development division has managed some £30m of grants to help manufacturers.

A NEW programme to help women climb the career ladder in Yorkshire’s textile industry has been welcomed by a champion of equal rights.

Baroness Prosser, deputy chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said the government-funded Women and Work Sector Pathways Programme would boost the skills and confidence of female employees in the sector.

She said: “Gender should not stand in the way of a successful career.

“It is crucial that women are given the support and training they need to embrace the opportunity to take on managerial or supervisory roles.

“The Women and Work funding is a great boost for employers and female employees, enabling them to plan their career progression and fulfil their potential.”

Skillfast-UK, the sector skills council for fashion and textiles, is running the scheme in Yorkshire as part of a programme of work to ensure that fashion and textiles businesses get a better deal from the investment government makes in skills.

Skillfast-UK chief executive Linda Florance said: “Our research has shown that women in the sector are often highly skilled, but feel that they need support and additional training in order to take on supervisory roles with confidence.

“Women & Work enables women to learn new skills and build on their talents making them more valuable in the workplace, and breaking down that glass ceiling.”

The programme is open to women who design or manufacture clothing, footwear or textiles and women working in the laundry, dry cleaning and shoe repair industries.

Employees who take part must belong to a registered company employing less than 5,000 people.

Following an analysis of training needs, employers will be able to access funding to cover 75% of any training their women employees undertake up to a value of £500 per employee.

Skillfast-UK will match each individual with an appropriate training provider and even organise the training if required.

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A COMPANY in Huddersfield providing name badges has landed a major order from health and beauty store chain Savers.

Newsome-based Recognition Express West Yorkshire was asked to supply 2,500 name badges for Savers staff following a recruitment drive by the high street retailer.

Carol Caton, of Recognition, said the company was enjoying a

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The firm has also supplied 1,000 name badges for Bradford Community Housing, branded sticky notes and conference folders for the Appointments Commission, the body responsible for recruiting non-executive directors to NHS organisations.

Recognition is also fulfilling

regular orders for customers including retailer Superdrug, soft furnishings chain Rosebys, Thistle Hotels and catalogue shopping firm Grattans.

Recognition, based at Ruth Street, provides staff name badges and branded corporate merchandise, including umbrellas, personalised computer accessories, business gifts and signs.

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4

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Focus turns to finance

Company news?

Contact Henryk Zientek on 01484 437766

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“Winter Games” – Sude Hill, New Mill, Holmforth and “Northorpe Hall, Mirfield” Cards can be individually printed with company details, logo and with a standard or personalised verse For further details please contact Jane Dutton at Kirkwood Hospice on

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Investment Management

■ MORE IN STORE: Chem Resist managing director Simon Hewitt (right) with chairman Seamus Quinn following the buy-out announcement

More in the tank following buy-out A FIRM building chemical storage tanks and equipment for some of the UK’s leading companies has a new owner.

Chem Resist, based at Ravensthorpe, has been bought by a team led by managing director Simon Hewitt from chairman and owner Seamus Quinn.

Mr Hewitt, 39, said the succession plan was put in place three years ago when Mr Quinn decided h e wa n t e d t o t a ke a l e s s “hands-on” role at the company when he reached his mid-50s.

Said Mr Quinn: “Succession issues can be a problem, particu-

larly within smaller businesses, so we elected to carefully progress the buy-out over a period of time – a process which has gone very smoothly indeed.”

Mr Hewitt said Mr Quinn would remain chairman of the company “as he is such a charismatic and influential figure within the industry and Chem Resist’s client markets”.

He said the company had already exceeded its target for turnover in 2007-2008 and was on course to hit its three-year sales target earlier than planned.

But he added: “There will be no

significant change to the direction of the business and we continue to make positive strides forward across all areas”.

Chem Resist, based at Ravensthorpe Industrial Estate, has annual sales of £3.2m and employs 40 people.

It designs and builds corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable chemical storage tanks, chemical mixing tanks, fume scrubbers and pumps for customers including pharmaceuticals company Glaxo Smithkline, steel manufacturer Corus, Kodak, Agfa and Thames Water.

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EMLEY businessman Nick Wilson met Prime Minister Gordon Brown at a Downing Street reception.

Mr Wilson, who runs Pink Pig Books at Emley Business Park, was invited to the event

by Wakefield MP Mary Creagh in recognition of firm’s success supplying sketchbooks online to schools, retailers and individuals.

They are pictured outside 10 Downing Street.

The reception, hosted by Mr Brown and his wife Sarah, brought together entrepreneurs from across the country to meet and discuss their experiences.

Several key cabinet members were also present to meet Mary and Nick.

Nick, who runs the business with his wife Emma, employ 11 people and have

turnover totalling more than £1m a year.

Said Nick: “It was a great honour to be invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister for doing what I consider to be ‘normal’ – running a business.

Our success is based on teamwork. I wouldn’t be successful without the staff I now employ, who work very hard together.”

The MP said: “I was delighted the Prime Minister took time out to meet with Nick Wilson, and to celebrate the great achievements of our country’s small businesses.

“Nick and his wife Emma have made Pink Pig a real l o c a l bu s i n e s s s u c c e s s story.”

NETWORKING group Forward Ladies put the focus on finances at a recent event.

The organisation staged the seminar, Access to Finance, in conjunction with Partnership Investment Finance, South Yorkshire Investment Finance, the Viking Fund, Business Link and the Business Enterprise Fund.

Guests at the event in Leeds were able to speak to representatives of the funding organisations and understand how they can help Forward Ladies member companies grow and develop with their financial assistance.

Forward Ladies managing director Etta Cohen said: “With the credit crunch now impacting on business it is important that companies consider alternative financing for their business.

“Access To Finance gave attendees an opportunity to meet with the region’s diverse range of funding organisations who can provide financial support through loans right through to significant private equity investment.”

Trophy for Syngenta A CHEMICAL company in Huddersfield has won an award for being a responsible business.

Syngenta, based at Leeds Road, won the Chemical Industry Responsible Care Award run by the Chemical Industry Association.

It recognises the company’s efforts to continually improve its health, safety and environmental performance – and to operate safely, profitably and with due care for future generations – while raising productivity and staff morale.

Steve Elliot, CIA chief executive, said: “Responsible Care is the cornerstone of a sustainable chemical industry. Syngenta recognises that excellence in Responsible Care is as critical to long-term manufacturing prosperity as production efficiencies.”

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Kirklees firms get funds to innovate

BANKER'S BLOG Jill Hague

Overseas opportunity MPORTING and exporting can be signiIsuppliers ficant business opportunities. Overseas often offer cheaper goods, giv-

ing you a cost advantage against your rivals; foreign customers can represent huge new markets in which to sell.

But as in any other area of business, you need to manage the relationship to make the most of the opportunities.

Here are some things that you may want to consider.

Plan your approach – Research local product requirements. Find out about customer preferences, local standards and product regulations.

You might need to change the product’s appearance, or to fundamentally redesign it. Find out how local commercial practice differs from the UK. For example, in some countries an extensive, written contract is the key part of any agreement; in others, the handshake is more important. Find out about local business behaviour. Investigate how products are marketed and sold, including any legal restrictions. Take legal advice before entering into a contractual relationship with an agent or distributor.

Get organised – make sure you have a clear agreement. Using an internationally recognised 'Incoterm' in your contract helps make it clear what your responsibilities are at every stage.

Make effective transport arrangements. Logistical problems and customs clearance can be a major source of friction.

Communicate regularly – consider visiting, particularly in the early stages of a relationship.

It is easier to build a relationship face to face.

You may need to make several visits if you are hoping to win high value orders from overseas customers. Visiting gives you an opportunity to get to know their business and to find out more about the country. Plan a regular communications schedule. E-mail is cost-effective and convenient, particularly if there is a long time difference between you, but lacks the immediacy and personal touch of a phone call.

Overcome the language barrier – carry out an audit of your language needs. The skills you require depend on whether your contacts can speak English and are happy to do so. While suppliers may use English, customers might expect you to make more effort. Train employees to speak and understand as much of the language as they need. Learn a little of the language yourself. Even if your contacts speak English, they will appreciate the effort.

Be culturally aware – learn how to behave. You may need to learn local rituals. For example, in Japan when you are given a business card you should study it carefully; putting it in your pocket without looking at it is considered rude.

The way you present yourself may need changing. For example, in some countries sitting cross-legged so that you show the sole of your foot is offensive. While British businesspeople are usually on first name terms straight away, other cultures can be much more formal. Watch out for potentially sensitive areas such as religion. Make yourself local – Establish local contact points. Consider creating a local language version of your website, and registering a local domain name. Consider recruiting employees with first-hand experience of the country, its culture and its language.

If you want more information on how to trade globally then please visit our web site http://www.knowledge.hsbc.co.uk Jill Hague is Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC in Huddersfield

5

■ SPACE RACE: David Cooper, managing director of Cooper's Coffee, standing outside the firm's existing warehouse at Cooper Bridge, which is to be converted to provide a barista training centre

Coopers plans for expansion

A COFFEE wholesaler in Huddersfield has announced plans to more than double the size of its headquarters after brewing up more sales.

Cooper’s Coffee will build a new warehouses and extend its existing building at Calder Trading Estate, Cooper Bridge.

The new warehouse will provide more than 2,500sq ft of storage space while the extended building will be converted into a 1,000sq ft barista training centre where customers can learn how to create the perfect cup of coffee.

An equipment showroom – complete with glass-fronted reception area – will also be incorporated into the building.

The area surrounding the warehouse will be landscaped to include a picnic area for staff and a new car park will provide more than 40 parking spaces for customers and staff.

Cooper’s Coffee is also adding to its 17-strong workforce – with the recruitment of a warehouse manager and two extra staff.

The company was founded 19 years ago by managing director David Cooper in a back bedroom in Leeds. Since then it has grown to become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of coffee equipment and ingredients with annual turnover of £2.4m.

Mr Cooper said sales had risen by 15% so far this year while sister business Dall Corte (Imports) UK had increased sales by 35%.

Dalla Corte was founded in February last year as the sole UK distributor of Milan-based Dalla Corte espresso machines. Since its launch, more than 200 espresso machines have been sold at an average cost of £5,500 each. The new showroom will exclusively showcase the full range of Dalla Corte machines.

Said Mr Cooper: “We’ve always had the vision to expand Cooper’s substantially and have spent £350,000 over the past three years buying the land surrounding our existing warehouse to make this vision become a reality.

“Our plans to expand are not only a testament to our success in what is proving a tough year for businesses, but also demonstrates our belief in the future of the company.”

The first phase of expansion, which includes building the new warehouse, will begin at the end of this month (June) with the final phase expected to be completed by the end of September.

Cooper’s Coffee is one of the leading suppliers of coffee equipment and ingredients in the UK – supplying restaurants and cafes with award-winning coffee, the latest espresso machines and also providing free barista training.

The firm is at the forefront of the coffee culture which has transformed the trade while Mr Cooper is a qualified international barista judge and a founder of the UK Barista Championships.

INNOVATIVE firms in Kirklees are being offered a multi-million pound boost to help them develop new products.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is making £43m available in grants to go towards the cost of researching and developing products which will help firms become more competitive in world markets.

Some £18.5m of the funding will support innovation among small and medium-sized firms.

The grants will meet up to 60% of a company’s research and development project costs with the company paying the remaining 40%.

Yorkshire Forward said it expected to be able to support at least 185 projects across the region over the next five years.

Head of enterprise Alex McWhirter said: “Innovation is vital to business growth and this funding comes at a particularly apt time for small businesses.

“In the face of the ‘credit crunch’ innovative small businesses have the opportunity to thrive because the economic climate affords them the opportunity to be more creative in their markets.”

A second fund worth £25m has been set up for large companies to accelerate the development of innovative products.

This is the second round of funding for larger firms, which has previously supported 19 companies.

Mr McWhirter said: “There is a great level of entrepreneurial spirit in Yorkshire and Humber – and a very strong knowledge base that is able to support new innovations.

“Our job is to help create an environment where innovation can thrive and provide support to get ideas off the ground.”

Small firms can apply for grants via the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/yorkshire The larger company scheme will be open for applications in the autumn when further details will be available for interested firms..

Camira is a winner A TEXTILE firm with sites in Meltham and Mirfield has won a national award.

Camira Fabrics was named Company of the Year at an awards ceremony in London for the UK contract textiles industry.

The firm, which supplies fabrics for items including office chairs and bus seats, was also shortlisted for a second award in the environment and social impact category.

The award recognises Camira’s double-digit growth in turnover and profitability over the past two years – as well as its leading role in environmental product development, introducing new fabrics made from recycled and renewable raw materials.

The firm is a major sponsor of Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton and supports the Business Language Champions project promoting the study of foreign languages in schools.

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August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Awards time again It’s award season at the EEF – that time of year when the manufacturers’ organisation recognises and rewards real achievement in raising health and safety and environmental standards across its membership But it’s also that time of year when it rewards the achievements of young people within the engineering and

manufacturing sectors; young apprentices who have been singled out as having made a significant personal contribution to their companies or industries.

Alan Hall, (right) EEF region director for the north, provides commentary on the background to these awards and pays tribute to all who take part in the contest each year

WE are very proud of the close relationship we’ve developed with many of our member companies over the years.

And for some time we’ve recognised the importance of rewarding individuals or organisations who have made significant inroads into improving health and safety standards, made a positive impact on environmental management or, as young apprentices, have shown that they are set to become the industry leaders of tomorrow.

EEF currently supports two award schemes, the first is the EEF Centenary Scholarship Fund and the second is the Health and Safety and Environmental Management Awards Scheme.

In 1997, in celebration of its centenary year, EEF first established its Centenary Scholarship Trust Fund.

The fund was set up through donations from EEF member companies and designed to

provide young people working in engineering or associated disciplines with financial reward to assist in their continuing education.

To date, EEF has awarded in excess of £28,000 and this year alone, there were 13 company-sponsored applications, for just 3 awards.

Richard Morley, managing director of Caparo Merchant Bar plc, speaking at the recent Metskills Awards Dinner, said. “There’s a widely held belief that the UK is a ‘post-industrial society’ and that the service sector is the main driver of wealth in the economy today.

This is simply not true. Recently, we have seen how fragile these service industries can be, as the impact of the global credit crunch is being felt by us all.

“It is my firm belief that engineering and manufacturing is still at the heart of wealth creation in the UK today and if we’re to compete in the global market, we need people

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We run a comprehensive range of courses throughout the year through our regional centres in Sheffield and Leeds and many of our courses are accredited.

Training areas include:- Other business services include:• Health & Safety

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For full details of all our courses, dates and venues visit our website at: www.training-eef.co.uk or email our dedicated support team at: team@eef-yandh.org.uk or call us on: 0113 289 2671

■ TROPHY WINNERS: World Cup hero Nobby Stile (second left) joins Richard Morley (centre) and the recipients honoured at the Metskills Awards dinner

with higher skills and better knowledge than ever before.

“We need to do all we can to encourage the best and most able young people to pursue their studies and to follow exciting careers in engineering and manufacturing.

“I’ve always maintained that in today’s world, it’s not the plant and equipment, nor the access to capital that gives a company a competitive advantage – it’s the way the company is run and managed and is due to the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm of the people who work in it.

“To be here today, rewarding and recognising the real achievements of the young people within our industry, who are set to become tomorrow’s captains of industry, is a real pleasure.”

After a rousing talk and humourous talk, Nobby Stiles, one of England’s 1966 World Cup winners, presentedall the winners with their awards.

The winners of this year’s EEF 2008 Centenary Scholarship pictured with Richard Morley and Nobby Stiles were Kevin Blackburn, of Corus Construction & Industrial; Leanne Green, of Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd; Carl Hunt, Moeller Produktion International GmbH. The other EEF award scheme, which has been running in conjunction with the selection process for the Centenary Scholarship Awards, is the much coveted Health and Safety and Environmental Management Awards.

This scheme was originally set up in 2006 to acknowledge and reward companies which had demonstrated significant improvements in raising health and safety standards in their organisations , or had shown a real commitment to environmental protection through

good practice.

It is proving increasingly difficult to choose a winner from all the companies taking part because the standards are so high.

Although this scheme has operated solely in the south of the region to date, discussions have already taken place to extend the scheme right across the whole of the newly formed EEF north east region.

This recently formed region is an amalgamation of three former autonomous EEF associations – EEF Sheffield, EEF Washington and EEF Yorkshire and Humberside and is part of a wider national restructuring programme for the whole of the EEF. Combined, the operating area for EEF in this region now stretches from North Lincolnshire to Scottish Borders and everywhere east of the Pennines in between.

So we expect the competition for these awards across this combined regional membership of over 1,600 companies to be very stiff indeed next year.

The winner of this year’s Health and Safety Award was Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East. Darren Ellis accepted this year’s award on behalf of the company from Gordon Bridge, the Master Cutler.

The awards were presented at a luncheon held at Broomgrove Training and Conference Centre, EEF’s Sheffield facility.

Spinflo Limited won the Environment Award and Dean Howson accepted the award from Gordon Bridge on behalf of the company.

For more information about EEF or any of its services contact Sheffield 0114 268 0671: Leeds 0113 289 2671: Washington 0191 416 5656 or visit the EEF website www.eef.org.uk

‘We need to do all we can to encourage the best and most able students to pursue their studies and exciting careers’

Getting together to help firms cope THREE organisations have joined forces to help small firms cope with staffing and health and safety issues in the workplace.

Brighouse-based Kirkdale Industrial Training Services has linked up with the Howarth Partnership, of Cleckheaton, and Composite Legal Expenses, based in Cardiff, to launch a new service helping companies manage their human resources and health and safety issues.

Howarth Partnership is an established human resources and employment law consultancy working with businesses of all sizes while KITS has a strong reputation in health and safety training.

Composite Legal Expenses provides insurance cover for firms in the event of tribunal claims.

Andy Howarth, senior legal director for the Howarth Partnership, said: “Under the new tripartite agreement, we can help companies manage HR and health and safety issues where they don’t have a full-time person to deal with them – typically smaller firms with up to 100 employees.

“We do understand the issues and the problems that these companies can face if there is an injury in the workplace or a disciplinary issue or redundancie to be made.”

David Dumaresq-Lucas, business development manager for KITS, said: “We act as a safety net to guide clients in the best way to minimise the lilkelihood of a claim.

“HR and health and safety are potential minefields for firms.

“Employers in small businesses cannot reasonably be expected to understand everything in terms of the legislation.

“There are eight new laws a day coming out of Whitehall and many of them are commercial laws affecting businesses.”

Said Mr Howarth: “Companies often struggle with procedure and fall foul of it when

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■ NEW TEAM: Andy Howarth (left) senior legal director for Howarth Partnership, with David Dumaresq-Lucas (centre), business development manager for KITS, and Andrew Kenyon, claims manager for Composite Legal Expenses, outside KITS’ Brighouse premises

a case comes to tribunal. The majority of our work is based around guiding human resource managers through this labyrinth of procedural correctness.!”

Mr Dumaresq-Lucas added: “In terms of health and safety, companies come to us because they have had an accident or a near-miss. Prevention is better than cure where health and safety is concerned. It could save someone’s life.”

The new service aims to help companies faced with rising costs for raw materials and

premises. Said Mr Dumaresq-Lucas: “Firms can make cuts where they can, but they have to factor in the element of risk at the same time.”

Mr Howarth added: “It is when companies seek to cut costs that HR problems can arise – such as a redundancy situation. Society is ever more litigious these days.

KITS and the Howarth Partnership are trying to help companies make sure they are equipped to cope.

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■ NUMBERS GAME: Accountancy firm Sheards has launched a financial services arm.

Pictured (from left) are partner and director of Sheards Financial Services Kevin Winterburn; partner Carolyn Atkinson; SFS administrator Ryan Whitehouse; partner Richard Lay; financial advisers and SFS directors Mark Smithson and Mark Stewart

Sheards has it all figured out A FIRM of accountants and business advisers in Huddersfield has set up a financial services operation to provide wealth management advice to clients.

Sheards, which has offices at New North Road in Huddersfield, has launched Sheards Financial Services.

The new service is led by independent financial advisers Mark Smithson, Mark Stewart and James Allan, who have more than 45 years industry experience in areas including personal and corporate pension and investment planning, retirement

options, life assurance and mortgages.

Sheards partner Kevin Winterburn said: “This is a very exciting time for the firm and our clients.

“We are determined to provide our clients with a one-stop financial solution complete with the best possible level of service.”

Sheards, owned by Mr Winterburn and partners Carolyn Atkinson and Richard Lay, provides accountancy, taxation and business advisory services to owner-managed businesses in the Huddersfield area.

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August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

ON THE MOVE

Actor goes back to the classroom

ANDREW Brown has been appointed group director for Elland-based direct mailing business The Lick Group.

Mr Brown (right) first worked in the printing industry in 1999 after working with a major marketing company.

In his new role, he will oversee all operational aspects of the group, including looking at working practices, dealing with suppliers and deciding on staff structure and recruitment.

He joins managing director Linden Kitson (left) and commercial director Jacqueline North on the group board.

The Lick Group has three divisions providing services including data management, machine and hand enclosing, point-of-sale kits, storage and distribution, digital print and e-commerce.

A C O M PA N Y p rov i d i n g materials promoting cultural d ive r s i t y i n s c h o o l s h a s announced two new appointments.

Primary Colours has appointed local actor Ayo Jones to help deliver Primary Colours’ Theatre in Education programme to schools UK-wide, while Tina Taylor has joined as administrator responsible for the smooth running of the company’s office.

Ayo will work closely with creative director Pete Tidy performing shows on topics ranging from slavery to the black origins of pop songs. Her appointment will allow

Council posting FOOD and drink sector skills council Improve has appointed Mark Carroll (right) as operations director.

Mr Carroll, 51, joins York-based Improve after 18 years with d r i n k s g i a n t B a cardi-Martini Ltd and will take charge of seven regional operations managers.

His appointment completes Improve’s executive team following the departure of commercial director Paula Widdowson.

Mr Carroll’s experience in the drinks industry covers 30

years and includes time with Matthew Gloag & Sons Ltd, maker of Fa m o u s G ro u s e whisky.

In his new role, Mr Carroll will take strategic responsibility for increasing Improve’s links with food and drink manufacturers UK-wide.

INDUSTRIALIST Tony Pedder has been appointed chairman of Business Link Yorkshire.

Mr Pedder, chairman of engineering company Sheffield Forgemasters International, has more than 30 years experience with British Steel and Corus plc and holds a number of non executive directorships.

Mr Pedder, pictured with Business Link Yorkshire chief executive Helen West, is chairman of Sheffield NHS Primary Care Trust and deputy chairman of regeneration company Renaissance South Yorkshire Ltd. Last year, he was appointed a deputy lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

■ PRIMARY ROLES: Ayo Jones (right) and Tina Taylor (below) have joined Primary Colours

Primary Colours to more than double the number of performances it delivers to schools each year.

Ayo has spent the past 17 years teaching dance in schools, colleges and universities. She trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds and gained an MA in performing arts at Leeds University.

Tina has more than 20 years of administrative experience, having most recently worked for Birkby-based Marshalls as financial accounts clerk where she was responsible for the financial accounts for four of the group’s companies.

Marcia Hutchinson, director and founder of Primary Colours said: “We are delighted to welcome Ayo and Tina on board.”

Honley man is law firm’s MD HONLEY man Richard Marshall has been named as the new managing director of commercial law firm Lupton Fawcett in Leeds.

Mr Marshall (pictured), who takes over next April, succeeds Kevin Emsley, who steps down after 15 years in the role.

Mr Marshall and Mr Emsley have worked closely together over the past 16 years to help establish Lupton Fawcett in the 20 of Yorkshire’s commercial law firms.

An insolvency lawyer

and chartered marketer, Mr Marshall joined Lupton Fawcett in 1992 as a partner and head of the firm’s insolvency and corporate recovery division.

After three months, he was appointed to the firm’s management board with responsibility for marketing strategy.

Since then, the firm has developed one of strongest and most distinctive brand images in the Yorkshire legal sector.

Mr Emsley will stay with Lupton Fawcett as a director.

Society names two key personnel TWO key appointments have been made by Leeds Building Society.

Paul Kaye (right) has been appointed general manager for sales.

He takes responsibility for the society's 68-strong national branch network and the UK-based direct mortgage unit.

Mr Kaye joins the society with a wealth of experience in financial services and

retailing, including roles with Barclays Bank, Greene King, HBOS and E-Loan.

Neil Lewis (far right) has been appointed as head of risk with responsibility for credit and operational risk and the society’s residential lending policy.

Mr Lewis gained a degree in maths at Sheffield University and previously worked for Skipton Building Society.

CALA calling

CALA Finance has appointed Barbara Holmes as sales and marketing manager for Yorkshire and the north-west.

Ms Holmes (above) joins the Birstall-based firm with 15 years experience in the property industry, most recently with developer Westbridge Homes, which has undertaken several developments with funding from CALA Finance.

Ms Holmes has also worked for Oakapple, Bryant Homes, Lowry Homes and Britannia Developments.

CALA Finance provides a unique form of up to 100% financing of all costs of residential developments in return for a profit share.

It employs only professionals experienced in the house building industry, enabling it to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of development from land acquisition and planning to sales and marketing.

Mike in charge

ROYAL BANK of Scotland has appointed Mike Needham as head of structured debt solutions in the north, based in Leeds.

Mr Needham (above) has more than 25 years banking experience and was previously regional director for the bank’s commercial banking operations in Yorkshire and the north-east.

During his career with the group, he has also held several other senior management positions.

10 Stephen is hero of business August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

A HUDDERSFIELD man who triumphed over personal adversity to set up his own successful company has been hailed as a one of the region’s business heroes.

Stephen Collins, who has cerebral palsy, was one of the winners in the Barclays Trading Places Awards.

The competition recognises men and women who have battled against the odds to change their lives for the better by setting up in business.

Stephen, 47, was presented with his trophy at a gala luncheon in Manchester.

He now goes forward to the national awards in October and the chance of scooping the top prize worth more than £13,000 at a black-tie awards dinner in London.

Stephen launched Lazarus Mobility last year to provide a range of mobility products which have been chosen, tested and endorsed by himself. He has already impressed Duncan Bannatyne, star of BBC programme Dragon’s Den, who has promised to back Marsden-based Lazarus Mobility during its first year by paying Stephen’s wages.

John Davis, Barclays marketing director for local business and one of the award judges, said: “The Trading Places Awards honour unsung heroes who have taken steps to grow their own sustainable business and in doing so have transformed their prospects for the better.

“We hope that with this recognition, Lazarus Mobility will continue on the road to success.

“We also hope Stephen’s story will inspire other budding entrepreneurs who face similar difficulties in their private lives to come forward and turn their own business dreams into reality.”

Firm’s fitting anniversary celebrations A FIRM making and supplying fitted furniture is celebrating 30 years in business.

Slaithwaite-based Daval, formed in 1978, employs 90 people and supplies independent retailers nationwide.

Earlier this year, the family-run company launched its Option-I manufacturing software system, which allows Daval to mass produce customised furniture by allowing customers to specify shapes, sizes, angles and finishes.

Unlike previous manufacturing systems, Option-I covers all the steps in the process – from when the customer places the order to the packaging of the finished products.

Daval chairman David Bodsworth said: “Daval is proud of its British heritage.

“Throughout the 30 years of trading, we have always been committed to investing in technology to ensure that we stay at the forefront of manufacturing in this sector.

“We are delighted to be the first in the UK to bring this to our customers. Daval has led the market in terms of design, innovation, quality and customer satisfaction – and now our Option-I manufacturing process means that we’re pushing the boundaries in this area too.”

Appeal for more entrants

■ ONLINE PRESENCE: Tom Kulczycki (left) and Scott Allison, of Cleckheaton firm Tradeclick

Business aims to click with groups A NEW website has been set up to put people with skills in touch with worthy causes.

Developers Scott Allison and Tom Kulczycki have set up Tradeclick Kindheart, an innovative website to help people become old-fashioned Good Samaritans through the modern medium of the internet.

The Cleckheaton-based business partners hope the website will help revive a greater sense of community spirit – by enabling people to donate their time and skills to helping other people and organisations, such as sports clubs or playgroups.

Said Scott: “It’s about bringing people closer and getting back to a simpler, kinder, way of life – seeing the good that can come out of just doing something for somebody else. We’re very proud of Kindheart and have already seen some great success stories.”

Examples of volunteering to emerge from the website so far include members offering time to have a friendly chat with those in need, provide technical advice to people with computer problems and even lend a hand at a local nursery.

Kindheart is one of three initiatives under the Tradeclick banner.

There is also a Trades area where people can swap skills and save money. Users can make connections online and engage in barter with other visitors to exchange tasks – perhaps a plumber offering his services in exchange for a decorator papering his front room.

A Sports area has also been set up to help keen golfers, tennis or squash players find partners or opponents online. It also includes such interests as running, hiking or chess.

Said Scott: “The three areas of the site complement each other. Our one aim with Tradeclick is to get people connected, but we think Kindheart is set to do for simple acts of community-based charity what eBay did for second hand goods” Visitors to the Tradeclick homepage can register themselves and their services, building a personal profile of their trades and sports. Tradeclick currently has 116 trades listed from accountant to youth worker as well as 39 sports listed from archery to volleyball.

Go to www.tradeclick.co.uk

MARKETING companies across Kirklees have been urged to enter a new competition.

The inaugural Northern Marketing Awards 2008 have been announced by organisers the Chartered Institute of Marketing North and Newcastle-based Nigel Wright Recruitment and Benchmark Communications.

The awards are open to nominations from companies, agencies, in-house departments and individuals with the presentations to take place in October at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel in Newcastle.

Joanne Elliott, vhice-chairman of the CIM North East branch, said: “The CIM are delighted to be involved in what promises to be a fantastic evening.”

Award categories include new marketer of the year, most effective use of digital media, most effective direct marketing campaign, best use of customer knowledge, most effective re-brand and best use of international marketing.

Nominations should be submitted at www.marketing awards.org.uk before September 19.

Shop window to put products on display A WINDOW and door manufacturer has opened a new showroom alongside its Dewsbury factory.

S&K Windows, based at Meadow Lane, has kitted out the showroom with display stands featuring the full range of products, including windows, doors and French doors manufactured using PVC-u profile from KBE Window Systems.

S&K Windows managing director Michael Oakes said: “We took the decision to invest in this showroom in order to give our customers the opportunity to view the quality of our products before making any decision on purchasing.

“We rate ourselves as the best – and certainly the busiest – window and door fabricator in the area.

“This investment will now give us an even more professional reputa-

tion.”

Established in 1980, S&K Windows supplies both the trade and domestic markets and has also manufactured windows for the last four years.

The firm fabricates about 80 to 100 windows a week using the KBE System70 profile.

James Robinson, sales director at KBE, said: “S&K Windows regularly undertakes projects in and around the Dewsbury community and has completed some outstanding work.

“The investment in this showroom gives potential customers the chance to see a selection of its work.

“We we are delighted that all this is being achieved with KBE profile.”

■ OPEN DOOR: Michael Oakes, managing director of S&K Windows, has opened a new showroom at its Dewsbury manufacturing site

11

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Testing off-road skills

EMPLOYERS' BRIEFING Neil Wilson

Follow the procedures ESPITE legislation introduced in D 2002 with the aim of ensuring employers follow statutory minimum

procedures in disciplining and dismissing employees, a recent survey of more than 1,000 UK employers and 459 employees has found that 80% of companies have admitted to dismissing staff without following any procedures whatsoever.

Furthermore, 63% of respondents stated that they had dismissed workers without any warning.

Under the Employment Act 2002, employers are required, when considering disciplinary action that may lead to the dismissal of an employee, to follow a basic three-step procedure.

Step one involves writing to the employee setting out the grounds for their attendance at a step two meeting. The reasons will, for example, be matters of misconduct, concerns about performance or that the individual’s contract may be terminated by reason of redundancy.

A step two meeting must then take place, and an employee is entitled to be accompanied at this meeting by a work colleague or trade union representative.

Following a decision given at this meeting, the employee must be allowed a right of appeal at step three which, if he exercises, will lead to an appeal meeting being held.

It should be noted, however, that employees with less than 12 months service are precluded from bringing a claim in unfair dismissal unless they are dismissed in certain limited circumstances – for example, for exercising their right to request flexible working or for asserting a statutory right. This may go some way to explaining why the percentage of dismissals without following procedures is so high.

The findings come in light of the conciliation service ACAS announcing that it has published a revised Code of Practice on discipline and grievance matters.

In advance of the Employment Bill becoming law next year, which repeals the statutory minimum discipline and grievance procedures, a new code has been brought out which will now become the main reference in discipline and grievance matters.

The code is considerably shorter and generally mirrors the existing three step procedure so it is likely there will be little change in the way employers should approach discipline and grievance matters.

The code will, however, not be legally binding and a failure to follow the code will not mean there is an automatically unfair dismissal unlike under the current laws.

The code is available on the ACAS website www.acas.org.uk.

Employers should be aware that Tribunals will also be entitled to consider the size and the resources of the company along with what is contained in the code along with awarding an uplift if there has been an unreasonable failure to comply with the code.

Neil Wilson is an Employment Lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors

■ DONE DEAL: David Hodgson (left), relationship manager of RBS Commercial Banking and Martyn Higgins, managing director at Shackletons

Bank funding new location

A LEADING firm has bought new premises to provide extra space for manufacturing.

Shackletons Ltd, most famous for supplying chairs for the elderly in nursing homes, ought the 8,500sq ft unit in a deal funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Huddersfield office.

The new unit stands next to the firm’s factory in Dewsbury. The company also has a site in Batley.

The acquisition will include production and allow the company to increase market share.

Shackletons, which was formed in 1959, is headed by managing director Martyn Higgins, who worked for the company for 10 years before purchasing the company. It has since expanded its range to include beds, other furniture and accessories.

Some 90% of its sales are accounted for by the private nursing home and healthcare sector with the other 10% going into furniture retailers and hotels. The firm has annual sales of £7m and has

already increased turnovr by 45% so far this year.

Said Mr Higgins: ““The additional unit allows us to bring our manufacturing process under one roof in line with company expansion plans.

“The new unit allows us to increase capacity while staying on site, putting us in a position of strength to gain a bigger market share which is vital in today’s competitive environment.”

He said: “The past 12 months have been remarkable and we expect that this will continue as we push forward through 2008.

David Hodgson, relationship mnager with RBS Commercial Banking in Huddersfield, said: “Shackletons is a well established local business that has gone from strength-to-strength.

“Acquiring this unit is another positive step in the company’s progression and will undoubtedly benefit both the customer and the company’s future opportunity for growth.”

MORE than 200 people tested their driving skills at an off-road event organised by a car dealership with operations in Huddersfield.

Customers of Colin Appleyard, which has operations at Lockwood Road, Folly Hall, got the chance to drive their own 4x4 vehicle or try out one of the Suzuki demonstration models on a challenging course at Parkwood Outdoor Centre.

Colin Appleyard director Robin Luscombe said: “Despite the gale force winds, it was an extremely successful day. It gave customers an opportunity to try out the capabilities of the different Suzuki off-road vehicles. If anything, the windy conditions added to the enjoyment.”

Other entertainment at the event included a trials bike demonstration by Graham Jarvis, one of the world’s top indoor trials riders.

Colin Appleyard was the first official Suzuki car dealership to be appointed in the UK in 1978. It now has a network of dealerships in Huddersfield, Keighley, Shipley and Ashton-under-Lyme.

Company news?

Contact Henryk Zientek on 01484 437766

Recruitment website Meet Bob... names chamber chief RECRUITMENT website Graduates Yorkshire has appointed former chief executive of Yorkshire and Humberside Chambers of Commerce Martin Hathaway as a non-executive director.

Mr Hathaway is the founding director of YourRail, the first company to supply train operators with a full system for purchasing, retailing, fulfilling and validating train tickets via mobile phones in the UK. Mr Hathaway has spent the last 15 years working in business support in

a number of management roles having previously worked in the City of London as a futures broker.

He is chairman of the region’s Young People’s Enterprise Forum and is Yorkshire regional chairman of the charity Young Enterprise.

He is also a non-executive director of Partnership Investment Fund Ltd, a £40m venture capital company.

The website is supported by universitieis across the region, including Huddersfield University.

Your very own Health & Safety expert from as little as £15 a month as part of the Competent Advice Service from Wilby Limited

INSURANCE RISK MANAGEMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY

Keep your business safe and legal contact us today on 01422 35 85 25 or email: bob.woods@wilbyltd.co.uk

women in

business BORN in Vancouver, Canada, Huddersfield businesswoman Julie Littlejohn is currently marking the fourth anniversary of opening her successful beauty salon Urban Escape.

Located in Station Street, the salon is a great place to enjoy a relaxing face or body treatment using the highly regarded Dermalogica range of products.

Julie, who came to Huddersfield at the age of 19 due to family commitments, was previously head of reception at a local beauty salon for 12 years before retraining and taking over the salon’s beauty section.

Four years ago she took the plunge and started her own business Urban Escape which is now a highly regarded local salon, popular with all ages and offering a great range of face and body treatments.

Julie, who has also recently become a grandmother following the arrival of her 20-month-old grandson, is shortly adding to her already busy schedule by leaving for a five-day Dermalogica seminar in Istanbul. The seminar brings everyone up to date with the latest research from The International Dermal Institute concerning the latest ingredients and technology for skincare. New Dermalogica products are now available at Urban Escape include the Age Smart anti-ageing system and new exfolliants.

Age Smart consists of five new products which offer firmer, smoother and healthier skin. The system works by impacting the main biochemical reactions that manifest the signs of skin aging.

To experience top quality treatments from Julie and her team, contact Urban Escape for an appointment on 01484 424244.

Tel: 01484 424 244

8 Station Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1LN Visit: urbanescape.co.uk email: info@urbanescape.co.uk

AS a woman in business, Caroline Smith offers a range of therapies, stress management and relaxation techniques to both individuals and to employees in the workplace.

Her business Positive Guidance is based in Heritage Exchange at Lindley from where Yorkshire-born Caroline offers hypnotherapy and guidance on how to deal with problems ranging from anger management to phobias, stopping smoking to low self-esteem.

With a background in counselling and a lifelong interest in alternative therapies, Caroline is in great demand from individuals and from local businesses keen to provide improvement therapies for individual employees or via group sessions.

In her chosen profession, she has enjoyed great success in helping individuals stop smoking and overcoming issues such as lack of confidence etc.

Often clients find their lives change for the better following therapy.

Although Caroline offers a range of therapies, she specialises in hypnotherapy on an individual basis and says the key to success is an individual’s desire for change.

Anyone interested in organising an appointment at Positive Guidance or asking Caroline to organise a workplace session can contact her on 01484 485360 (office) or 07967 666035 (mobile).

Positive Guidance, Heritage Exchange Wellington Mills, Lindley, Huddersfield

S

ASA LOVES was established in 2005 by Leoncia Murphy a Retail Marketing Graduate from Huddersfield University (2003) Leoncia has worked in the fashion industry for a number of years, including buying and merchandising and sourcing products across Asia for independent fashion chains.

"Working in the fashion industry I noticed a very big gap within the high street fashion multiples for women who wanted to be individual, I wanted to create a label that appealed to open-minded, free spirited individuals".

I took my inspirations from this and my worldwide travels and culture experiences and created the SASA LOVES brand (1).

Leoncia’s signature style is floral prints, a range of natural, feminine floral cotton printed dresses and camisoles. Floral prints that she spends a lot of time sourcing from local-run family businesses across India, Nepal and Thailand. "I only have limited pieces of each print so customers can leave knowing they have bought a very individual pieced that no one else will have". All garments are now made in Nepal in a small family run factory owned by Leoncia’s sourcing partner who is based is Bangkok.

This Spring /Summer 08 range has been inspired by a love of nature and far away places and "I hope my customers will be reminded of undiscovered beaches; tropical hide a ways, and watching the sunrise on carefree dreamy days."

The SASA LOVES range can be found exclusively in Leoncia’s boutique "SASA LOVES" within Huddersfield’s Byram Arcade on the 2nd Floor. The shop is a real treasure trove of travel inspired clothing, jewellery and giftware all sourced from around the world, you can also visit SASA LOVES online at www.sasaloves.com or within fashion lifestyle boutique Exile in Sheffield.

Extra Background (1)The SASA LOVES label started off quite small trading at small fashion markets across Manchester and Sheffield, then moving on to trade at some of the summer’s biggest music festivals Glastonbury, Womad and The Big Chill. The feedback from customers was so positive that Leoncia decided to look for a permanent base to sell her label. The first SASA LOVES boutique was opened in 2006 in Manchester’s Affleck’s Palace then after two years of successful trading Leoncia decide to establish her brand in her home town of Huddersfield

Byram Arcade,Unit 38-40, 2nd Flr, Huddersfield, HD1 1ND Tel: Head Office (+44) (0)1484 533122 Mob: 07866706356 Office Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am- 5:00pm email: leoncia@sasaloves.com website: www.sasaloves.com

For more information on how to take part in our

women in

business feature

please contact The Display Advertising Team Telephone

01484 430000

■ FENCING TROPHY: Colin Townsley (right), of Leyburn Fencing in Liversedge, receives his award from the ICAEW’s Mark Hale

Expert advice earns award

A COMPANY boss from Liversedge has won an award for providing expert business advice.

Colin Townsley, managing director of Leyburn Fencing, took the title of Young Enteprise Business Adviser of the Year for the north-west region in the competition backed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

It recognises his work helping students at Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College in Milnrow, Rochdale, in a project to set up and run a business. The students established Red Dragon to design and produce a board game to introduce basic business concepts to other young people at schools and colleges taking part in the Young Enterprise programme.

Mr Townsley was presented with his award by Mark Hale, north-west director for the

ICAEW at a presentation at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool.

Said Mr Hale: “Colin a really deserves this regional award. He has obviously inspired great confidence in the Red Dragon team.

Support from business figures like Colin is vital in encouraging entrepreneurs among the young people in our region.”

Mr Townsley, who has been involved in the college’s Young Enterprise programme since it was introduced three years ago, said: “I get great satisfaction from working with the students and a real sense of pride from their achievement.

“This year we introduced lots of new ideas, including team-building exercises, interviewing techniques and filling in an application form, which are all important skills for young people leaving school to find employment.”

Firm riding high A PRINTING group drawing employees from the Kirklees area is backing a winner.

The Charlesworth Group said its partnership with horse racing publisher Timeform, part of the Betfair Group, had continued to flourish since its announcement late last year.

Under the deal, Charlesworth won all the print production requirements for this prestigious horseracing publisher – also taking on a number of Timeform production staff who now work at Charlesworth’s manufacturing headquarters in Wakefield.

Charlesworth has produced the flagship “Racehorses” and “Chasers & Hurdlers” annuals on behalf of Halifax-based Timeform for many years prior to this latest agreement.

Charlesworth was selected to fulfil all Timeform’s printing needs, covering a full range of form guides and direct marketing material, periodicals and case bound books.

Chairman Neil Charlesworth said: “This is a very significant deal for us and was a major influence in the decision to invest in two new digital presses.”

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August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

TECH TALK

Honour for tourism chief YORKSHIRE’S tourism chief has been recognised for his distinguished career in marketing.

David Andrews (left), chief executive of Yorkshire Tourist Board, has been awarded a fellowship by the Char tered Institute of Marketing.

The award was conferred by Huddersfield businessman Andy Earnshaw, chairman of the Mid Yorkshire branch of the CIM, who said: “This is a well deserved award for a high achieving member who has been a member of the institute for 20 years.”

Since his appointment as chief executive 10 years ago, the value of tourism to the Yorkshire economy has risen from £3.8bn to £6.1bn – with a string of successful marketing campaigns to attract events such as the International Film Academy Awards to the region.

Mr Andrews said: “It is a true honour to receive fellowship of the institute – the most highly regarded marketing organisation in the world.

Mr Andrews, who lives in York, was the recipient of the Queen Mother’s Birthday Award in 2000, He is a fellow of the Tourism Society and a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors.

Roger Pearson

Changes at Microsoft

RE Microsoft applications a secret of A success or do you just need to work in Huddersfield?

Love ‘em or loath ‘em, there is no doubting that Microsoft have changed the way we work and play and the recent departure of Bill Gates has not only received significant publicity, but has caused many to consider what the future may hold for the Microsoft applications that we know (and love?).

So, what’s happening at Microsoft? Well, on the one hand there are those who are warning that Bill Gates’ departure is the end of an era, but as Mr Gates will remain the chairman and major shareholder at Microsoft is it really going to be all that different?

Standing a little to one side, although perhaps not hitting all our desktops just yet, emerging 21st century technologies are continuing to be based more around the internet – a market which Microsoft has struggled to dominate; highlighted by the recent failed takeover of Yahoo and ongoing competition from Google.

Because of this, there are those, such as Lotus Guru Mitch Kapor, who would say that the comings and goings at Microsoft are perhaps irrelevant.

I wouldn’t be so sure – while keeping an eye on the future technologies and adopting when appropriate, many of our companies depend on Microsoft products, so it is important to be informed on their developments.

As well as the personality changes at Microsoft, there have been several major product announcements over the past month.

Firstly, and finally, after months of debate and several last minute postponements, Windows XP has finally ceased...or has it? Well, driven by demands from our businesses who prefer the known quantity of XP to the bells and whistles of Vista, major manufacturers are continuing for now at least to supply PCs with downgrade rights for Windows XP. At the same time, we are also told to expect Windows 7 (the Vista successor) by the end of 2009, although many are expecting it to be 2010 or even 2011. Perhaps this will be one of those opportunities to skip a generation and move straight to Windows 7. Much of the hype surrounding new Windows 7 features is based on the touch style “surface” interface. Will this be more bells and whistles or really useful? I suspect this will depend on how applications are changed to make use of the new interface options.

Lastly and perhaps most relevant to today is the release to manufacture of Microsoft’s Virtualisation offering called “Hyper-V”. As mentioned in a previous article, virtualisation has some real benefits today for firms seeking value for money, disaster recovery and energy savings.

The technology is most closely connected to the operating system of our servers and PCs and since this is in most cases Microsoft Windows, Hyper-V is almost guaranteed to become strong competition for the current virtualisation topdog VMWare. Indeed, Microsoft are shipping Hyper-V with Windows 2008.

Just before you go, it may interest you to know that according to a team of economics experts, northern entrepreneurs are more successful than their southern counterparts. The study by St Andrew University, Hull University and the Cranfield School of Management highlights the entrepreneurial north-south divide based on the number of jobs created. GOOD FOR YOU! Roger Pearson is a project manager at P2 Technologies Ltd, Lockwood

Society leads for saving YORKSHIRE Building Society has collected another award.

The Bradford-based society, which has roots in Huddersfield, was named 2008 Best Regular Saver Account Provider by Moneyfacts, the independent provider of personal finance information and supplier of “best buy” tables to many newspapers.

Yorkshire’s Regular Saver account was recognised as being the most consistent in terms of rate and flexible terms for savers.

Chris Smith, senior product m a n a g e r, s a i d : “ We a r e delighted that Moneyfacts has recognised the account as leading the pack in the Regular Saver account market.”

Business veteran receives top prize A VETERAN businessman has received an award recognising his contribution to manufacturing.

Maurice Mosley, the 78-year-old chairman of Milnsbridge-based Trojan Plastics Ltd, was named Special Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 awards ceremony held in Manchester.

The award was presented to Mr Mosley by judging panel chairman Christopher Burnett.

Mr Mosley launched his own business manufacturing baths in 1970. Trojan Plastics was formed in 1975, producing 200 acrylic baths a week.

The business expanded as a result of continual investment in premises, plant and equipment to become a leading manufacturer and supplier of acrylic bathroom products, including baths, bath panels and shower trays.

Phillip Hilling, senior partner with accountancy firm Ernst & Young in Yorkshire, said: “The judges wanted to make this special award in recognition of Maurice’s outstanding achievements.

“He provides a prime example of the

■ TROPHY TIME: Maurice Mosley (right), chairman of Milnsbridge-based Trojan Plastics, receives the award for Ernst & Young Special Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year from the chairman of the judging panel Christopher Burnett

enterprise and determination of the entrepreneur with a passion for business that at the age of 78 shows no sign of diminishing.”

The 10th annual awards featured 13 trophies for winners in categories including Northern Entrepreneur of the Year, Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Products Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Services Entrepreneur of the Year.

Other winners included a York-based footwear retailer, a builders’ merchant chain

based in Hull, a Sheffield manufacturer of steel cylinders for the gas and oil industries and a Manchester-based company specialising in employment law, tax and health and safety services.

The judges included Christopher Burnett, chair man of confectionery retailer Thorntons; Simon Nixon, managing director of price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com; and Beverley Jordan, vice-president of drugs giant AstraZeneca UK Ltd.

Awards for technologically-minded!

BOSSES with a talent for using technology to boost their businesses have been urged to enter a regional award.

Telecoms company BT Business is searching for the most inspiring employers in its Essence of the Entrepreneur 2008 competition – and Kirklees business leaders have been invited to take part.

The contest, now in its third year, celebrates the business owners making the best use of technology to help their companies succeed.

Twenty regional winners will be chosen across the UK before a judging panel headed by Dragon’s Den panellist Peter Jones picks one overall winner to receive a trophy and a £20,000 grant from BT. There will also be category winners, including ones for best male entrepreneur, best female entrepreneur, best young entrepreneur and most outstanding business concept.

Gary McLean, BT local business regional director for the north-east, said:

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy.

They account for 99.9 % of businesses and 40% of UK turnover. We want to help and encourage them to succeed, applaud their determination and celebrate their spirit.”

The closing date for the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur competition is August 31, 2008. For full details a b o u t h o w t o e n t e r, v i s i t www.bt.com/entrepreneur

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KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Success in store

A COLNE Valley firm has won an award for its commitment to the environment.

Green Building Store received a major commendation in the Environmental Leadership Awards run by Business Commitment to the Environment.

The company was recognised for its Ecoplus System timber doors and windows range, which is made at its manufacturing site in Bolster Moor.

The award was presented to Green Building Store director Chris Herring by Pat McFadden, Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs, at a ceremony in London.

The Ecoplus System was launched in 1995 and has a number of “green” features.

They include the use of environmentally-friendly timber preservatives, double or triple glazing to reduce CO2 emissions and use of wood from sustainable, managed forests.

The Environmental Leadership Awards are made to businesses that can demonstrate how they are reducing their impact on the environment without affecting their ability to make a profit and develop the business for the future.

Said Mr Herring: “Green Building Store is committed to doing all it can to tackle the urgent threat of climate change.

“Buildings contribute up to 50% of the UK’s CO2 emissions.

“Our BCE Environmental Leadership Award will be a great boost to the company and will help us renew our efforts to improve the carbon footprint of buildings.”

PROPERTY FOCUS Housing schemes launched

■ PLEASING PROSPECT: Impressive Ponderosa Park at Heckmondwike is an award winner

Ponderosa’s property prize A BUSINESS park in Kirklees has won a top award.

Ponderosa Park – with its Woodlands Conference Centre – at Heckmondwike has named the best commercial industrial development in Yorkshire.

The venue provides offices, workshops and storage units starting from 950sq ft. Units can be taken in multiples while there is also a large two-storey rotunda available for conferences, training and m e e t i n g s. T h e r e a r e p l a n s t o o p e n a top-of-the-range gym in a second rotunda.

The park boasts ample car parking and an attractive cobbled court yard area as well as a state-of-the-art security systems that record 24 hours a day with on-site guard to protect busi-

nesses’ premises.

Ponderosa Park is part of the multi-million pound project to regenerate north Kirklees and help bring communities together by providing job opportunities and a safe and secure environment for businesses and residents.

Adam Cook, director of developer Howard Cook Builders, said: “We have a great mix of companies in the complex and will be promoting a real community feel with shared on-site facilities such as conferencing, a gym and a wine bar.”

Ponderosa Park stands on the site of a former scrap yard and vehicle dismantling business close to the entrance to Ponderosa Rare Breeds Centre, which attracts thousands of visitors a year to see its collection of animals.

HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon Homes has launched two new developments in West Yorkshire – Highfield Chase at Heckmondwike and Millside in Wilsden, Bradford.

Leeds-based Persimmon Homes said it was selling homes “at a steady rate” and the two new sites were welcome additions to the company’s 20-strong portfolio.

Millside comprises three and four bedroom homes including a range of apartments, townhouses and detached properties.

Highfield Chase on Occupation Lane includes a mix of two, three and four bedroom designs.

Andrew Demain, a director for Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: “These new developments are in locations where there is an ongoing demand.”

15

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Architects leading showroom design A CAR showroom has reopened after a £600,000 extension and refurbishment designed by a Huddersfield architecture firm.

Above & Beyond, based at St George’s Square, provided the new look for the JCT600 Bentley showroom on Gelderd Road, Leeds.

The showroom has expanded into a neighbouring building, which has been extensively revamped.

Above & Beyond’s 15-strong team designed a new entrance to the buildings, which prominently display the Bentley logo and branding.

Yorkshire firm PDR Construction tackled the building work on site to provide a tailored workshop and after-sales services.

The two showrooms on the 3,584 sq ft site will handle new sales and bespoke commissioning as well as the sale of pre-owned vehicles.

Melody Griffiths, interior designer at Above & Beyond, said: “The Bentley brand manual was written for new build showrooms, so the challenge for Above & Beyond was to translate it into a workable solution for a refurbishment project.”

Mark Taylor, group property director of JCT600, said Above & Beyond had drawn on its knowledge of the interior design

suppliers’ market to help keep costs down – at the same time as adhering to the JCT600 and Bentley brand guidelines.

John White, procurement director at PDR Construction, added: “This is yet another contract we have delivered for JCT600 on time and on budget and builds on our recent experience of completing the company’s Porsche showroom, also in Leeds.”

Above and Beyond has won a clutch of contract wins. Among recent projects, it provided a six-figure facelift for two railway stations on the busy trans-Pennine rail route.

Above & Beyond revamped Scunthorpe and Grimsby stations as part of a programme of improvements for the First TransPennnine Express network.

The £500,000 contract included reshaping and refitting waiting rooms, staff rooms and buffet areas with new flooring, lighting and seating. It also introduced new ticket desks.

Above & Beyond has also designed and built transport interchanges and information centres for South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive as part of a five-year framework agreement.

■ DRIVING DESIGN: The refurbished JCT600 Bentley dealership at Leeds which has been designed by Huddersfield architects Above & Beyond

Forecourts in demand DEVELOPERS are keen to acquire petrol station forecourts, a property expert said.

Nick Nunn, retail negotiator with property agency Christie + Co, said: “Forecourt sites in prominent locations are still highly sought-after and often generate competitive bidding when they are presented to the open market.

“As well as generating interest from experienced independent operators looking to expand their estates, forecourts are seen as a major area of expansion for a number of leading convenience and fast-food operators, who are actively pursuing acquisition, franchise and brand

partnership opportunities.”

Mr Nunn said: “Despite the fact that property market conditions have proved more challenging in recent months, Christie + Co has continued to broker many significant high value single asset and group transactions.

“Demand for our specialist valuation and advisory services has also increased.”

Among deals completed by Christie + Co, a package of seven forecourts in North Yorkshire and Cleveland were sold on behalf of QMP Ltd to the Co-operative Group for an undisclosed sum.

£7m scheme begins WORK is under way on a £7m speculative mixed-use development in West Yorkshire.

Maple Leaf Securities, which specialises in revitalising run-down sites, has quickly let its Tribeca House development in Leeds and is now on site with Indigo Blu, designed by award-winning architect Architecture 2B.

Indigo Blu is located at the corner of Crown Point Road and Hunslet Lane, south Leeds. It features two floors of more than 10,000sq ft of high quality office space and the opportunity for a further six floors of apartments. Work is under way and completion is scheduled for 2009.

ABSOLUTE POWER THE BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production Bentley ever and the first to top 200mph (322km/h). Power that doesn’t compromise space. Handling that doesn’t compromise comfort. Technology that doesn’t compromise handcraftsmanship. Above all, true Grand Touring performance complemented by the luxury of Bentley legend.

For more information please call us today on 0844 844 3099.

102 Gelderd Road, Leeds LS12 6BY Tel: 0844 844 3099.

Calls will be recorded for training purposes

JCT600 LEODIS COURT

The names ‘Bentley’, ‘Continental GT Speed’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2008 Bentley Motors Limited.

Model shown: Bentley Continental GT Speed, price £137,500. All prices mrrp. Official fuel consumption figures for the Bentley Continental GT Speed in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.2 (25.3); Extra Urban 24.3 (11.6); Combined 17.0 (16.6). CO2 emissions (g/km): 396.

16

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Built by Birstall designers

TAX TALK Colin Barratt

Tax issues to ponder HIS month I will have a look at a few T tax considerations when starting a business.

It is also of course important to assess the commercial implications and so that the optimum route is adopted for your own particular circumstances. he ideal model is a robust business structure kitted out to take advantage of the best tax incentives.

Some key tax ideas are as follows: ● Likely results in early years – If losses are likely, then operating on a non-limited company basis might be best as it can be possible to offset trading losses against employed income from previous years to generate a tax refund. On the other hand, if good profits are forecast, a limited company structure might offer the most tax-efficient way of extracting funds from the business. ● Buying an existing business – The acquisition of a business often involves a payment for goodwill. If you are set up as a limited company, your company can claim tax relief on the goodwill as it is written off in the books. This relief is not available to sole traders or partnerships. ● Research and development – Enhanced tax breaks for R&D costs are restricted to limited companies so this is worth bearing in mind if you are likely to be incurring quite a lot of expenditure in this area. ● Financing structure – The way in which finance is raised for working capital and other business expenditure can impact on the tax profile of the operation. Some up-front thought here can help reduce the overall cost of borrowing and assist both profits and cash flow. ● VAT – This can be a tricky area and needs as much as attention as direct taxes.

The timing of registration is important as this can have a direct impact on the profitability of the business. There are also various special schemes which might assist cash flow including cash accounting, annual accounting and various retail schemes. For smaller businesses, the Flat Rate Scheme can be attractive to both save VAT and simplify accounting procedures.

In summary, some careful thought at the outset is well worthwhile to get your business set up in the right way.

Besides commercial issues such as risk protection, branding and credibility, a number of tax opportunities and pitfalls are lurking.

Grabbing the former and avoiding the latter will help you to succeed.

As with most things, it is easier to set off on the right foot rather than try and unscramble things later on.

Colin Barratt is tax partner at Wheawill and Sudworth, chartered accountants, Huddersfield

■ TABLE PLAN: Stephen Oakes (back, right) senior partner at Chadwick Lawrence, with (centre) Steven Bonfield, of Chadwick Lawrence, and Graham Hallam (back, right) of HSBC, serve Brett Woodward (seated, left) and Nigel Denham , of Bertie's

Expansion is on the menu

A BANQUETING operation in Elland has welcomed a new business partner.

Businessman Nigel Denham has taken a stake in Bertie’s of Elland – joining the management team of Mike Swallow and Rebecca Shaw – while founder Brett Woodward remained on board as a “significant and active” shareholder.

Law firm Chadwick Lawrence, which has offices in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, acted in the deal, which was funded by HSBC. The Chadwick Lawrence team was led

by Steven Bonfield, head of the firm’s corporate division, with partner Cheryl Largue overseeing the property side of the deal.

The business started out life as Bertie’s Bistro, which Mr Woodward launched 30 years ago following a return to his Yorkshire roots from London, where he worked at the Savoy Hotel.

In 1988, Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms opened its doors. Over the

past 20 years, it has developed three spectacular banqueting rooms – the Crystal Ballroom, the Rennie Mackintosh Room and Number One Brook Street Room.

Bertie’s also has a thriving outside catering division, which Mr Woodward will now oversee. It will focus on larger events, including ones to be held at Carr Hall Castle, a £3.7m turreted property at Stainland, which won Channel Five’s ‘ I Own Britain's Best Home’ for owner Terry George.

Mr Woodward said: “Nigel and I have known each other since childhood and over the years, we have worked together on catering projects with Nigel’s company on the wines and bars and Bertie’s on the food.

“I remain firmly committed to the business and our complimentary skills, including Nigel’s business acumen, give us the opportunity to plan an exciting future including exploring the

possibility of purchasing a hotel.”

Mr Denham, a former Yorkshire county golfer and former non-executive-director and shareholder of Bradford Property Trust, said: “Investing in Berties is a natural progression as I was looking to add to my property portfolio and the business also dovetails well with my interest in the wine and drinks trade.”

Chadwick Lawrence senior partner Stephen Oakes said: “We have enjoyed a long, professional relationship with Nigel and also held many of the firm’s corporate events at Bertie’s.

“We are delighted to have been able to serve Nigel with our expertise and look forward to continuing to work with Berties in the future.”

Chadwick Lawrence is one of the top 25 law firms in the Yorkshire and Humber region with 14 partners and 220 staff.

New network group A NEW networking group has been launched to support the business leaders of the future.

West Yorkshire Young Chartered Accountants’ Group has been set up to provide a programme of professional and social networking opportunities for all qualified accountants up to six years post-qualified.

The launch event was held at Sam’s Chop House in Leeds and included a wine-tasting by George Bergier, chairman of the Guild of Sommeliers.

There was also a prize draw and a

charity raffle in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Esta Andrews, West Yorkshire regional executive for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said: “Similar YCAG groups exist all around the UK and provide great support for young professionals starting out in their careers in terms of practical and technical help.

“Many groups also do really incredible amounts of charity work and fund-raising.”

■ NUMBERS GAME: Esta Andrews

A BIRSTALL-based design and marketing firm has built a new world-class website for an international architectural practice.

Fantastic Media created the website with sharp graphics and lots of high quality photographs for Careyjones, which has offices in Leeds, London and New York.

The site showcases work from all three offices as well as providing information and designs for clients.

Fantastic also designed and built a bespoke client-exchange area into the site, enabling the exchange of information to take place online.

The website includes an array of residential, commercial, educational and cultural projects by Careyjones. They range from the Clarence Dock in Leeds and IndigO2 at the O2 Arena in London to the 18th Street Subway in New York and Victoria Quarter in Leeds.

Fantastic managing director Andy Hobson said: “Careyjones creates some of the most spectacular buildings in the world and we’ve created a website which captures the vibrancy and energy of its brand.”

Kelda is one of the top six YORKSHIRE Water parent group Kelda and sofa manufacturer DFS are among six Yorkshire firms to make feature among Britain’s biggest 100 privately-owned companies.

A new survey ranks Kelda as the region’s biggest company with sales of almost £880m in 2007. The company, which has more than 3,840 staff. Kelda is ranked 47th in the national listings for the Sunday Times Deloitte Top Track 100.

York-based construction company Shepherd Building is second in the regional ratings and 72nd UK-wide with sales totalling £683m while Doncaster furniture firm DFS is third in the region and 86th nationally with sales of £611m.

Quality Commercial Blinds ■ WINNERS ALL: Andrew Jones (left), winner of the Business of the Year Award, joins runners-up, guests and representatives of the organisers Eaton Smith and the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce at the presentation event staged at the Cedar Court Hotel, AInley Top

Reach for the pies as Andy wins prize THE pies have it! Pie-maker Andrew Jones has won a business award for firms across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

He was presented with a trophy, a certificate and a bottle of champagne at the Business of the Year Awards run by Huddersfield-based law firm Eaton Smith and the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Meltham-based washroom supplies firm Disposables UK was first runner-up in the competition with Crossway Scaffolding, of Elland, as second runner-up.

Representatives of both firms also received trophies, certificates and champagne.

Andrew Jones (Pies) Ltd was launched in 1994 above a Brighouse butcher’s shop.

The firm now has a manufacturing site at Old Leeds Road in Huddersfield as well as two shops in Marsh and Brighouse.

It also supplies more than 100 other butchers, farm shops and stores.

The company has won a clutch of awards for its pork pies, pasties and other savoury products, including the best food products category in the 2007 Yorkshire and Humber Great Taste Awards.

It has also invested in new machinery to provide a range of frozen food.

Mr Jones said: “I am totally and utterly shocked, but really proud to win this award. It is down to having a great team, who work as a team.

“I’m proud of my roots and passionate about the business. I’m very proud to be using local ingredients to make pies and pasties for local people.”

Disposables UK, led by directors Trevor and Diane Storer, was formed in 1987 and employs more than 100 staff at four sites.

It distributes the Bay West and Optimum ranges of toilet

paper in the UK and to Europe.

Crossway Scaffolding, launched in 1996 by managing director Steve Fearnehough, has annual sales exceeding £2.5m.

It works on a variety of commercial contracts with clients ranging from small builders to national construction groups.

More than 200 leading business figures from across the region attended the 13th annual awards held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top. The winners were chosen from 12 winners of the Business of the Month Awards organised by Eaton Smith and the chamber.

The audience included Kirklees Mayor Clr Karam Hussain, representatives of the monthly winners and guest judges as well as past winners, bankers, accountants, property agents and business support organisations.

Malcolm Tracey, a partner at Eaton Smith. said: “We have been delighted with the level of interest and the response to the awards.

“It never ceases to amaze us how much talent, enterprise and innovation we have among businesses in our part of the world.

“Our monthly winners come from a wide range of business sectors, including manufacturing, retailing, construction, design and marketing.

“But the people behind them all have the drive, the determination and the boundless energy to succeed.”

Chamber director Andrew Choi said: “At the moment, the economy presents a fairly gloomy state of affairs.

“That it why it is timely and inspiring to be here with such a diverse range of talented people.

“It gives us a feeling of confidence that the local economy is in good hands.”

Don’t be scared to take part!

TIMID would-be tycoons have been urged to attend a series of free advice sessions – and bring a friend for moral support!

Government-backed support organisation Business Link Yorkshire said: “Two of the barriers to starting a business can be finding a good idea and having confidence to take the first step.

“Now we have launched a new

series of free workshops, one of which is on good ideas. And we are inviting aspiring entrepreneurs to attend these with a friend or supporter to give them confidence.”

The workshops in Huddersfield will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm on July 24 and September 10 at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street; and from 6pm to 9pm on August 14 and

September 26 at the George Hotel, St George’s Square.

Business Link is encouraging accountants, lawyers, business advisers, friends and community workers to take the initiative and offer to take people to the workshops.

To register for a place call 0845 6048048 or go to www.businesslink yorkshire.co.uk

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18

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Major boost for exporters

UNIVERSITY VIEW Janet Handley

Glass ceilings CCORDING to national statistics, A the gender pay gap – as measured by median hourly pay – nar-

rowed to its lowest value at 12.6% since records began in 2007.

However, women still earn a mean average of 17.2% less than men per hour and huge differentials in terms of representation in the higher echelons of both the private and public sector remain.

Women are still far more likely to work part-time and to use flexible working whereas men are still more likely to be found in the board room. Stereotypes about “male” and “female” occupations remain, with women being much more likely to be employed in secretarial or administrative roles (22% of female workers compared to 5% of male workers) and men being 10 times more likely to work in the skilled trades.

Such inequalities persist despite the efforts of various governments to address the problem, indicating a potential wasted resource in an economy increasingly dependent on a highly qualified and knowledgeable workforce.

The proposed new Equalities Bill is the latest in a series of moves to address gender and other inequalities through the use of legislation. Under the proposals of the Bill employers will, for the first time, be able to favour female and ethnic minority candidates over white male candidates when they are equally qualified for a job.

The Government has also recently l a u n c h e d t h e N at i o n a l E q u a l i t y Taskforce, which will focus on research into the multi-dimensional relationships between gender, race, disability and aspects such a social class and income.

The “glass ceiling” has become an often-quoted term when considering the roles of men and women at work and the factors contributing to the vertical segregation described above.

This was highlighted by Jo Haigh, head of corporate finance at MGR , one of the UK’s leading accountancy and financial management practices, during a guest evening on July 3 at the University of Huddersfield.

Jo gave a fascinating and humorous account of the barriers facing women in business and how they can be overcome during the launch of her latest book, Tales from The Glass Ceiling – A Professional Business Women’s Survival Guide.

Jo was born and educated in Huddersfield and is an excellent role model for women aspiring to succeed and break through the glass ceiling. Her book provides insights into Jo’s career and also includes interviews with over 100 female entrepreneurs and celebrities, including fitness expert Rosemary Connelly; Denise Collins, group HR director of 3i; and Rolline Frewen, managing director of the Admirable Crichton.

Janet Handley is head of management at the School of Business, University of Huddersfield

■ TOP TEAM: Bang Marketing team (from left) creative director Warren Watts, marketing director Chris Garratt and production director Matt Skelland

Bang’s on target with new clients A MARKETING firm in Huddersfield has notched up a record rise in profits and new account wins.

Bang Marketing, based at King’s Mill Lane, logged a 32% increase in net profits during the past financial year and clinched 24 significant new contracts– including a number of national and international clients.

Marketing director Chris Garratt said: “This incredible success has been achieved by executing a new business plan with a sharper focus, changes at board level and improving value and service to clients.

“We are practising what we preach – we know how to help businesses grow and increase the value of their brands.”

Mr Garratt said the new contracts have been split equally across Bang’s three key divisions – commercial, public sector and social housing organisations.

They include a six-figure branding contract with Central Borders Housing Group, one of the largest social housing, property development and maintenance services groups in the Midlands; and the branding and launch strategy for the Clayton Hotel Collection, a Yorkshire-based luxury hotels group.

Said Mr Garratt: “The Clayton Hotel Collection is bringing a breath of fresh air to the English country house hotel market, blending classic antiques and fine informal dining with the highest

levels of modern comfort. Our solution challenges the traditional marketing approach in the sector and will expose our client to a national audience.”

Bang is also devising a campaign for Thames Valley Housing in London to tackle anti-social behaviour within its communities and encourage people to report it.

Working alongside the local authority and police, the campaign includes literature and an incident diary for tenants to record repeated anti-social behaviour.

Bang’s housing sector expertise was instrumental in the successful Kiss Your Debts Goodbye campaign to reduce rent arrears for Sheffield Homes in South Yorkshire. The campaign helped bring in an extra £1m after tenants and residents were urged to use their rent-free week in December to clear their arrears.

Creative visuals with clear and easy-to-follow messages were displayed on bus sides in target communities, and on flyers, posters and direct mailers. This was at a time when changes in the organisation’s rent recovery system meant it had forecast a higher rate of arrears.

The new account wins strengthen Bang’s existing client roster covering regional organisations such as Thornton & Ross at Linthwaite and Bradford Council to London-based Selectamark Group and Southwark Council.

Comfort zone!

CLIENTS are sitting comfortably at a Huddersfield accountancy firm.

Wheawill & Sudworth has completed the refurbishment of the reception area of its Westgate offices.

Managing partner David Butterworth said: “The

new lay-out will present a welcoming environment for our clients and other friends and colleagues in the business community.

Mr Butterworth is pictured with accounts trainee Lauren Hirst (right) and receptionist Karan Gettka in the new-look reception area.

COMPANIES in Kirklees are set to share in a multi-million boost for exporters.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has approved a £6.9m scheme to help firms in key industries begin exporting or expand overseas sales.

The funding for the latest Targeted Export Support Scheme will be delivered by the Government’s export support arm UK Trade and Investment, So far, TESS support schemes in the region have helped more than 1,200 companies increase export sales by more than 100m.

Companies to benefit in the past include translation services company Applied Language Solutions, based at Armitage Bridge. The company, which was founded in 2003, received funding from TESS to expand its network of overseas offices.

Applied Language Solutions now has nine offices across the world, including ones in Chicago, Chennai, Paris, Barcelona, Sofia and Guatemala City.

The new TESS scheme will offer grants to help firms with everything from identifying and visiting potential markets to modifying their websites for international customers.

TESS grants will average £5,000 and will require a matching contribution from the company.

Details are available from Business Link Yorkshire on 0845 6048048 or UK Trade and Investment Yorkshire on 0113 3949825.

Flying off with prize MANCHESTER Airport has flown away with a top award.

The airport was named winner in the 10m to 25m passenger category at the 4th Annual Airports Council International Europe BEst Airports Award in Paris.

Judges praised Manchester Airport for its commitment to the environment following a decision to make the airport carbon neutral by 2015 and its community relations.

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

CITY TALK

Simon Kaye

Pressure starts to tell HE markets appear to have given up T their attempt to put the Bear Stearns crisis behind them, with equity indices

heading back towards the March lows in late June.

The reasons are different, however. Then it was all about fears that implosion of the financial system would lead to an uncontrolled squeeze on credit, leading to an economic slump. Now, financial markets are concerned about the medium term economic hangover caused by tighter credit and the inability of the world’s central banks to do anything to counteract it, owing to rising inflation.

Economic growth forecasts for mature industrial nations have been slipping in recent months, increasing the pressure for lower interest rates to stimulate demand. Unfortunately, the problem in emerging economies is the opposite, with rampant economic growth requiring higher interest rates to restrain inflationary pressures. The effect of these rapid growth rates on expectations for the price of oil and other commodities such as wheat has spread inflationary pressures worldwide, in contrast to recent years when globalisation had been associated with access to low-priced manufactures from emerging economies.

The resulting rise in inflation has hampered the Bank of England’s and other Central Banks’ ability to stimulate activity by cutting interest rates. Indeed, the European Central Bank has strongly hinted it may shortly raise rates to head off the risk of current higher inflation rates becoming embedded.

So, we are faced with a slowdown in economic activity that is (so far) some way short of recession but where the authorities are relatively powerless to deliver quick relief. It therefore seems likely that the slowdown will be slower to end, until demand for resources comes into step with available supply (the current imbalance being the root cause of rising prices).

It is possible that better harvests or changed sentiment in the oil market will reduce prices independently but this cannot be relied upon.

In the meantime, living standards are coming under pressure.

The other major adjustment underway is the deflation of the credit boom, as banks have become more cautious in the wake of losses suffered on mortgage securities, while borrowers have grown warier of taking on new commitments in the face of falling house prices. The banks are raising additional capital to replace their losses and enable them to extend lending to creditworthy borrowers but this process has some months to run .

This is one of those times that economics rudely barges into our lives with problems that cannot be solved by the wave of a central bank wand. We shall have to wait for the financial system to repair itself and the recent rise in inflation pressures to abate.

However, choppy seas need not be a reason for excessive caution, since much of this is already factored into financial markets. There is no point in selling what you wish you had sold a year ago, if markets have already adjusted to the intervening bad news. It just becomes more important to seek good advice and pay attention to portfolio quality.

Simon Kaye is Divisional Director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management

Tasty triumph for sandwich maker A SANDWICH firm in Huddersfield has proved to be the upper crust.

Shaw and Lisle, based at Shaw Business Park, Moldgreen, was one of the winners in The Sammies 2008 – the annual awards run by the British Sandwich Industry Association.

The award recognised Shaw and Lisle’s marketing campaign to promote its Deli-Fresco range of sandwiches, which include mouthwatering combinations like crayfish and sweet chilli; poached salmon, creme fraiche and asparagus; and brie and apple.

Shaw and Lisle product development director Simon Shaw said the company spent £50,000 on marketing the Deli-Fresco range. It won the award in competition with major food firms, including Ginsters, which had lavished £5m on television advertising to promote its products.

Judges were impressed by the Shaw and Lisle product range, the use of biodegradable packaging and eye-catching point-of-sale material.

They also praised the inclusion of vegetarian options such as a Bean Feast Wrap and a spicy Mexican bean wrap.

It is the second time Shaw and Lisle has won the marketing award at The Sammies – after lifting the trophy in 2004.

Other winners in the 2008 awards included Bradford-based Morrisons, Marks & Spencer, Costa Coffee and catering group Sodexho.

Shaw and Lisle was formed in 1994 in Halifax by Mr Shaw and

■ TROPHY WINNERS: Richard Lisle (left) and Simon Shaw with the Sammies award

sales director Richard Lisle. They moved to Shaw Business Park in early 2000 as a two-man business – and have since grown to employ 180 staff producing millions of sandwiches every year.

Said Mr Shaw: “We started out from a 12sq ft unit. We now have 15,000sq ft of production space, 4,000sq ft of offices and 4,000sq ft of warehousing.”

Shaw and Lisle supplies sandwiches to the NHS, universities and colleges and vending companies – with combinations ranging from BLT; egg and cress; and tuna and cucumber to a meaty Fifth Avenue Pastrami.

Mr Shaw said the company

was not resting on its laurels. “It is a competitive industry and things are difficult due to factors such as rising prices,” he said.

“But we have more ranges planned for this year to ensure we continue to supply all sectors of the market.”

The Sammies were launched 13 years ago to acknowledge leaders in an industry worth about £5.25bn a year and employing 300,000 in the UK. Winners ranged from high street chains to single shop enterprises and specialist ingredient suppliers. The awards were presented ay London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Blue caps first year with Singapore office A FIRM set up by Huddersfield-based businessman has completed a successful first year of trading – by opening offices in Singapore.

Public relations business Blue Communications was established last year by Julian Kynaston, who chairs its parent company Propaganda.

Blue now has a turnover of £1m, has opened offices in Singapore and has just appointed a new managing director in the region to drive expansion throughout Asia.

Blue Communications specialises in PR, communications and lobbying for the marine and energy industries.

The company has more than 10 major clients, including Chemoil, one of the world’s lead-

ing marine oil companies with a turnover exceeding 5bn dollars, as well as the New York Mercantile Exchange, the world’s largest commodities trading platform.

Said Mr Kynaston: “Blue has shown real growth in a relatively short period of time.

“As well as securing blue-chip clients, we have also established a new office with a fantastic team in Singapore.

“It’s a great example of Propaganda’s entrepreneurial instincts.

While the majority of regional agencies would take London as the obvious route for expansion, we wanted to capitalise on the growth in the Asian markets. This has shown a great return, and we now have all the ingredients in place for further expansion within the Far East.”

■ TRUE BLUE: Julian Kynaston, chairman of Propaganda, aims to capitalise on growth in the Asian market

19 Website has extra benefits A GROUP working to support Yorkshire’s electronics industry has introduced a new service to its website.

Electronics Yorkshire, based in Leeds, has set up a dedicated section focusing on the expertise in electronics and engineering available from the region’s world class universities.

The section includes detailed information on each university with relevant website and communication links to help firms pursue potential collaborative research and development ventures.

It also has information about start-up and incubation support, details of areas of expertise, including rapid prototyping and surface microscopy as well as listings on specialist laboratories and courses.

Peter Brooks, chief executive for Electronics Yorkshire, said: “The university resources section on our website indicates the wealth of support which is accessible to the region’s electronics sector.

“It is just one of many new initiatives we have introduced to make our website an even greater source of information for electronics companies in Yorkshire and Humber.”

Visit the website at www.electronics yorkshire.org.uk

Water warning KIRKLEES firms have been urged to save water – or face price hikes and restrictions that will make the fuel crisis “pale in comparison”.

Environmental advice group Envirowise said firms needed to reduce the millions of litres of water they wasted every day.

A spokesman said water was becoming an increasingly expensive resource – with UK water companies set to increase the average bill by 18% over the next five years.

He said: “The fuel crisis will pale in comparison to the impact that limited water supplies and resulting price hikes could have on business at current consumption levels.”

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Amanda joins the team HOUSEBUILDER CALA Homes (Yorkshire) has appointed Amanda Simpson, of Dalton, as a new sales negotiator at its Hexagon development at Birkby, Huddersfield.

Ms Simpson (pictured) joins CALA Homes from Taylor Wimpey and has “It is a real bonus that we have found an experienced sales negotiator who lives three miles from our development and knows Birkby and the surrounding area

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21

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Gladman to embark on phase four DEVELOPERS have launched the third phase of a speculative office development in Wakefield – and unveiled plans for phase four.

Gladman Developments launched the latest phase of development at Calder Business Park before an invited audience of 40 commercial property agents from across Yorkshire.

It marked the practical completion of the first three office buildings at Mariner Court, a 58,000sq ft development, which is expected to help create some 500 new jobs at the out-of-town office park.

More than 10,000sq ft of the scheme is already under offer.

Cheshire-based Gladman Developments also announced that it had gained planning permission for a further 59,000sq ft office.

That scheme, known as Grove Court, will be built on a three-acre site next to Mariner Court.

“The success of our previous phases of speculative office development at Calder Business Park – Appleton Court and Navigation Court – prompted us to build Mariner

Court and to obtain planning for Grove Court,” said Paul Roberts, of Gladman Developments.

“Our offices are attracting all types and sizes of organisations, particularly local businesses wanting purpose-built, well specified offices close to Wakefield, as well as footloose organisations looking for a base in Yorkshire.

“The proximity to Junction 39 of the M1 puts Mariner Court within easy reach of Leeds and other key business centres.”

Calder Business Park is already home to more than 50 national and regional organisations. A planning application has been lodged for The Water’s Edge, an amenity area which will include two restaurants, a coffee shop and convenience store.

There are already two pubs, a hotel and car dealerships on the park.

Robin Beagley, of jopint agent Lambert Smith Hampton in Leeds, said: “The development is low density, with more than 100 acres being given over to a nature reserve.

“It is sustainable and a very pleasant place to work.”

■ WINNING WAYS: This detached house designed by Dewsbury architects Martin Walsh Associates impressed judges in the West Yorkshire Building Control Awards

House proud designers A DETACHED house designed by a Dewsbury firm has won a prestigious property award.

Architecture practice Martin Walsh Associates designed the new bespoke house at Woodthorpe Lane in Sandal, Wakefield. The property won the category for new dwellings under 10 units at the West Yorkshire Building Control Awards in Bradford.

The awards are organised by the building surveyors representing Kirklees, Calderdale, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield councils to recognise and acknowledge quality buildings across the region.

The Sandal development, which was built

Development scales the city centre heights A NEW £10m development is under way to create 90,000sq ft of office space in Leeds.

The nine-storey Toronto Square – replacing the Cloth Hall building in the heart of the city’s commercial quarter – will be ready for occupation in May, 2009.

The development involves adding three floors at roof level and an extension to all the lower floors. New aluminum-framed windows will be installed and the building's facade will be cleaned.

Secure car parking will be provided beneath a courtyard extension.

Chris Mills, development director for developer Highcross, said: “The property’s excellent location and existing planning consent for expansion offered an exciting opportunity to significantly enhance its asset value and rental prospects.

“Once complete, the high quality refurbishment will make it a very attractive solution for companies seeking prime office space in the heart of the city centre.”

Guy Cooke, partner with property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, said: “The redevelopment will create fantastic office accom-

by CD Construction in Keighley, was praised by judges as “an outstanding detached house with great attention to detail”.

Craig Dyson, of CD Construction, said: “The company was delighted to have been nominated for the awards – but absolutely over the moon to have won.”

A spokesman for Martin Walsh Associates said: “After vehement opposition from local residents during the planning process, I hope receiving this award now proves that a beautiful new house has been created in Sandal.”

Category winners now go forwards to a national final.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENTS CONSULTANT ADVISOR •

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■ HIGH SOCIETY: Computer generated image of the nine-storey Toronto Square development now under way in the heart of Leeds modation in almost an unrivalled business location.

“The new additions and specification proposed by Highcross is exactly what the Leeds market requires.”

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agents CBRE said: “This is a fantastic project and its completion will coincide with a shortage of prime offices.

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22

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Rok hits the road BUILDING firm Rok is hitting the road with a nw hybrid van – as one of only three UK companies taking part in a pilot project.

The van will cut carbon dioxide emissions and slash fuel costs by at least 20% at a time when oil prices are at a record high.

Rok, which has offices in Wakefield, Leeds, Rotherham and Hull, is carrying out detailed trials of the new diesel-electric hybrid technology as part of its drive to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Rok’s regional leader for Yorkshire, Paul Franklin, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Rok to be at the forefront of this new technology and we are continually looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

“Our directly employed teams have a

fleet of more than 50 vans in Yorkshire providing a wide range of planned maintenance, reactive maintenance and building services.

“If this trial goes well then we will look at converting other Rok vans and our fleet replacement programme means we are well-placed to take advantage of the very latest technology in the future, including all-electric vehicles.”

Rok has just taken delivery of the new Ford Transit hybrid from its fleet provider Lloyds TSB Autolease.

The van will feature a 48-volt motor powered by super capacitors that draw their charge from the energy that would normally be lost through braking.

This means there is no need for large batteries and no loss of van payload.

■ GOING UP: Neil Emmott, of James Bedford & Co, inspects work on the company's new warehouse at Birstall

Expansion for the company in great demand A MANUFACTURING firm is building a new warehouse to help it meet increased demand.

Birstall-based James Bedford & Co Ltd is constructing a 4,000 sq ft warehouse as the latest in a series of major investments.

The company has more than doubled turnover in the past five years and is on target to become one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of workbenches and hazardous storage cabinets.

Marketing manager Neil Emmott said: “Over the past few years, our feet have not touched the floor. We have moved to new 2 5 , 0 0 0 s q f t p r e m i s e s, p u r c h a s e d state-of-the-art machinery, achieved the ISO quality standard and won valuable new contracts.”

The family owned business employs 35 people. Its key product range includes industrial workshop equipment, including workbenches, cabinets, trolleys and toolboxes. It

also offers a bespoke service to customers.

James Bedford has also built up a strong relationship with industrial mail order companies and other resellers, supplying the likes of Bentley Motor Cars, DHL and the Ministry of Defence.

Said Mr Emmott: “Like many British manufacturers, we are facing increasing competition from overseas – particularly Eastern Europe and China.

“However, providing customers with outstanding quality, value for money and exceptional service has proved to be the cornerstone to our success.”

Mr Emmott said: “Our new warehouse facility is an essential component to us achieving our ambitious plans for the future.

“It will give us the valuable extra capacity needed to ensure that we hold our best selling line in stock and can turn customers’ orders around quickly and efficiently.”

Workplace praised A BUILDING and roofing firm in Brighouse has been named as one of the best workplaces in Britain.

Ploughcroft Ltd scooped top prize in the specialist contractor section of the Best Places to Work in Construction Awards 2008, run by leading industry magazine Contract Journal.

The competition, now in its fourth year, is open to all firms – from the largest to the very smallest contractor and from consultants to product manufacturers. Employees are invited to nominate their firms – and a high percentage of staff have to do so before the company can be considered.

Ploughcroft was shortlisted with five other companies – but was found to be outstanding in its category by judges who

presented the awards in a ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

The firm was praised for its team-building days away from the workplace that involve employees in activities ranging from quad biking to driving Land Rovers around a lake blindfold!

It also came tops for its personalised career progression programmes, which make full use of its own training centre in Owler Ings Road.

Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins said he was delighted at the company’s success, adding: “Some of our site read about the competitionand suggested we should enter. I think it’s great that the idea came from them – it shows we must be doing something right!”

■ STYLE COUNSEL: Pictured in the kitchen of the new show apartment at College Green, Bingley, are (from left) sales negotiator Anne Tewfik; Rachel Stuttard, of rsdesign; Land and New Homes Countrywide’s regional manager Sandra Horsfield; and Jason Rose, of Rose & Co Interiors

Designers put on a real show AN interior design company with offices in Holmfirth has helped kit-out a new show home on a property development in Bingley.

Rose & Co Interiors, of Bull Green, H a l i f a x , a n d H u d d e r s f i e l d Ro a d , Holmfirth, worked with Rachel Stuttard, of rsdesign in Bingley, to design the state-of-the-art show home at College Green, Bingley – a new-build project by Keighley-based Kelly Developments.

Jason Rose, of Rose & Co, said the show apartment had been equipped with top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings, including silk curtains, Andrew Martin furniture and Osborne & Little and Harlequin wallpapers.

He said: “We have tried to fashion a show home that is both memorable and will create a lasting impression among potential purchasers. It is unique – there is nothing like it in this area. It’s a Kensington apartment in West Yorkshire.”

All apartments at College Green are pre-wired for multi-room home cinema and audio entertainment with remotely-controlled integrated sound and vision. Most have two en-suite bathrooms, along with individually controlled electric heating in all rooms and a heat recovery ventilation system that reduces fuel costs and produces cleaner air.

Other features include video entry systems, down lights with coloured mood lighting, choice of hardwood flooring, high quality kitchen units and timber worktops, and carpets to all bedrooms. There are also parking spaces, landscaped gardens and an on-site private gymnasium.

Sandra Horsfield, regional manager for Land and New Homes Countrywide, letting agents at College Green, said: “There is already a great deal of genuine interest in a slow housing market and we are confident of converting this into sales.”

Developer reaches competition finals A PROPERTY developer based in the Holme Valley is celebrating after reaching the finals of two prestigious property awards.

Brockholes-based Conroy Brook was a finalist in the Northern Design Awards held in Chester for its Somersbury Court apartment development in Almondbury.

And it was a runner-up in the West Yorkshire Built In Quality Awards for its retirement living complex Holme Valley Court in Holmfirth.

Managing director Ivan Conroy said: “We are delighted to have reached the finals in these two awards and be recognised for the time, effort and workmanship we put into each development we build.

“We always pay particular attention to design and architecture, embrace new technology where appropriate and always have the eventual home owner in mind.”

Holme Valley Court, which has been built in the grounds of Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, features full disabled access, 24-hour alarm call system in all apartments, video phone entry and even a plug-in point for electric buggies.

Somersbury Court, which is nearing completion, features 30 modern apartments and innovative features such as curved glass balconies and the latest ecologically-friendly, cost-efficient heating system.

Leeds Road, Huddersfield

FOR SALE – NEW INSTRUCTION

580 m² (6,200 ft²) Lofty modern warehouse. Generous secure yard / car parking area. Established industrial location.

Walkley Works Walkley Lane, Heckmondwike FOR SALE – NEW INSTRUCTION

(2,629 m² (28,300 ft²) Prominent position fronting B6117 Walkley Lane.

Generous yard/car parking area extending to 2.58 acres Extensive craneage provision.

Unit 1 Ellis Hill Trading Estate Leeds Road, Huddersfield TO LET

1,087 m² (11,702 ft²) Brand new warehouse / workshop. Prominent frontage to A62 Leeds Road opposite the Mercedes Garage.

Large secure service yard extending to approximately 0.6 acres. Rental incentives available

Unit D, E & F Ainley Industrial Estate Leeds Road, Huddersfield TO LET

2,142 m² (23,058 ft²) Close proximity to junction 24/M62. Large secure service yard and car parking. Rental incentives available.

Wakefield Road Lepton, Huddersfield TO LET – NEW INSTRUCTION

82-190 m² (890 - 2,000 ft²) Newly refurbished retail and office unit. Prominent position fronting A642 Wakefield Road. Generous parking provision.

office/retail

PROPERTY FOCUS

industrial industrialindustrialindustrialindustrial industrial

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125a Fitzwilliam Street Huddersfield TO LET – NEW INSTRUCTION

100 m² (1,071 ft²) Self contained office suite. Convenient for access to M62.

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43 Market Street, Huddersfield TO LET

93 m² (1,006 ft²) Prominent town centre retail unit. Close to Sainsburys supermarket. Short term lets and rental incentives available.

Contact Paul Andrew or Philip Deakin

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Birmingham Bradford Bristol Glasgow Huddersfield Leeds London Manchester

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Eddisons

24

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Slowdown puts occupiers in control of negotiations

THE retailing slowdown – triggered by consumer jitters over the economy –is helping to give occupiers the whip hand in striking deals in Yorkshire’s industrial and distribution property market, it is claimed.

A study by property consultancy King Sturge showed that an explosion of speculative development in the region during the past few years means that large shop units are staying empty for longer.

And as owners now faced added financial pressure with the introduction of rates on empty buildings, tenants were in a position to drive better deals.

The national report said that available industrial floor space in Yorkshire rose by 2.3% in the six months up to January 1 – an increase of 59,000sq metres to 2.596m sq metres.

Wilson Access is now going higher!

AN Elland-based company has taken delivery of a new truck-mounted access platform to add to its growing fleet.

Wilson Access Hire Ltd has a 15-tonne Wumtag WT350 machine has a reach of 30 metres and has been decked out in Wilson’s distinctive red ,white and blue colours scheme.

Ted Williams, of UK dealer Skyking, said another Wumag machine was scheduled for delivery to Wilson Access Hire in November.

He said: “Judging from the continued orders that Wilson Access Hire keep placing with us and the feedback from their operators and hire controllers, I’m sure that we will be delivering more machines to Wilson Access Hire in 2009 and 2010.”

Tom Wilson, managing director of Wilson Access Hire, said: “Our new 35 metre Wumag looks impressive with our existing fleet of machines and I’m sure it will be as reliable as the other Wumags we have in our fleet.

“It is a great machine with many benefits such as a compact chassis, large outreach and the speed it sets up and operates at. I can see it being a big hit with our customers for many varied applications.”

Available floorspace in buildings of more than 10,000 sq metres rose by 8.6% to 731,000sq metres – the same as in January, 2007. New floor space increased by 23.8% to 416,000sq metres, representing 16% of the region’s available industrial floor space.

However, the region saw “quite a significant” fall in overall speculative development in the final six months of 2007 – with only 14 schemes under way with a total floor space of 118,004sq metres.

The report said: “Much of the region’s development is the tail end of financial deals completed six to 12 months ago and this figure may fall again over the coming six months.”

The initial decline in new developments caused by a slowdown in funding following the credit crunch is now being made worse by falling consumer confid-

ence – triggered by increasing fuel and energy costs, falling house prices and general fears over the economy.

Richard Harris, partner with King Sturge in Leeds, said : “The current ‘occupiers market’ is enabling tenants to demand shorter leases, lower rents and other incentives – but, despite this, they are taking longer to close deals.

“This caution maybe due to the tougher economic climate and because some feel they may be able to drive an even better deal in a few months time.”

He added: “Although there has been a fall in activity at all levels, demand remains steady and – barring no further economic shocks – the underlying market remains robust and may well pick up in the second half of the year.”

Building firm is a winner A BRIGHOUSE building firm has won an industry award.

Ploughcroft Building Services was winner of the award for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Constructing Excellence Awards for north-east England held at the National Railway Museum in York.

The company was one of nine award winners in the annual competition, which recognises innovative companies and projects across the sector. The regional winners go forward to the national awards to be held later this year.

Ploughcroft, which was established in 1997 by father and son Bill and Chris Hopkins, provides roofing and building services for clients including local councils, schools, colleges, hospitals, commercial businesses and property management companies across the north.

It also operates a training and development centre, which opened in 2005, and offers courses for other construction companies to improve skills and encourage a level of professionalism and pride in the industry.

New role for DTZ PROPERTY agent DTZ has been appointed by KeyLand Developments Ltd to act as its joint agents on the final two phases of the Mid Point Business and Leisure Park at Thornbury, Leeds.

DTZ and Jones Lang LaSalle will jontly market Aquarius House, one of the original flagship buildings, constructed in 2002 and providing 32,500sq ft of office accommodation.

They have also been appointed to work jointly with Carter & Co on the recently completed Courtyard office phase which provides small unit accommodation from 2,500sq ft to 3,800sq ft for small firms.

25

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Offices prove the top seller

A PROMINENT office building in Huddersfield town centre was one of the star performers at a property auction.

The property, which is at the corner of John William Street and Brook Street, was bought by an unnamed local investor for £856,000. The figure was well above the guide price of between £725,000 and £750,000 set by property auctioneers Eddisions.

The 6,300sq ft property is let to Calderdale and Kirklees Careers Ltd – a joint venture between Kirklees and Calderdale councils offering careers education and advice and work experience. It has a 10-year lease on the property, dating from 2002, and pays £60,000 a year in rent.

Tony Webber, auctioneer with Eddisons, said the property proved popular with bidders.

“The building is in a central position opposite Huddersfield Railway Station and close to the George Hotel,” he said.

“The immediate area has seen significant development recently with the opening or refurbishment of quality restaurants, bars and professional offices giving it good long-term investment potential.”

The building was one of 43 lots sold for a total of £8.6m in the auction. While more than half of all lots featured were sold, only 40% of commercial sites coming under the hammer found buyers compared with well over 75% of residential lots.

Mr Webber said realistic pricing and competitive bidding were key factors in the success of the residential lots.

He said: “The revised expectations of the sellers led to far more realistic pricing, which in turn generated more competitive bidding – which we haven’t seen in the room for some time.

“In the current climate, the results were excellent. We even received a comment from an investor who had come to buy five or six properties but went away empty handed as the selling prices were too high.”

Said Mr Webber: “It was apparent that the cheaper commercial lots, offered at about £20,000 to £50,000, were of interest to both new investors and those who were not reliant on sourcing external funding.

“A number of our customers clearly have wool on their backs! This was in contrast to the bulk of properties in the middle value range where there was very little appetite.”

TO LET / FOR SALE

A QUARRY company in Huddersfield hosted a high-profile industry health and safety event.

About 100 delegates from firms across the north attended the first-ever North Region Health and Safety Awareness Day staged at Johnsons Wellfield Quarries at Crosland Hill and organised by the Quarry Products Association.

Major companies represented included Tarmac Ltd, Hanson Aggregates, Lafarge Aggregates and Cemex.

The day-long event was aimed at employees, foremen and supervisors and included practical demonstrations of health and safety issues, including slips, trips and falls; gas safety; use of mobile cranes; first aid; lifting and manual

handling and working at height.

Delegates are pictured being instructed in slinging cranes at the safety day The eight practical demonstrations were held at different locations in the Johnsons Wellfield Quarries site and led by association representatives or relevant specialists in the field. Delegates were split into seven teams and visited each site in turn throughout the day.

Delegates were welcomed by John Myers, managing director of Johnsons Wellfield Quarries and chairman of the QPA north region. He said: “The event was well-received with 100 delegates in attendance. Health and safety remains an important issue, despite the cost restraints created by trading conditions.”

Award win for firm A PAINTING and maintenance contractor in Huddersfield has been awarded a top accolade from the industry.

J&S Seddon Painting, based at Upper Bankfield Mills, Almondbury Bank, received the 2008 Special Award for Excellence from the Painting and Decorating Association.

Independent judges selected the company for its work in training, quality and a

commitment to promoting the industry.

The presentation was made at Painter’s Hall in London by the association, which is the trade body representing painters and decorators across the UK. Stuart Seddon, chairman of the company, said: “It came as a real surprise, but we are absolutely delighted our work has been recognised in this way.”

On instructions of Traditional and Contemporary Bathrooms

HQ Warehouse and Distribution Unit Unit 2 and Unit 7 Jubilee Business Park Grange Moor, Wakefield

35,000 ft² and 55,000 ft² Prestigious business/industrial park location Generous 10 m minimum eaves height Within 5½ miles of junction 25 of M62 and junction 38 of M1 Year 1 rent from £4 psf Contact Paul Andrew at Eddisons Contact Ian Greenwood at Carter & Co.

014 8 4 5 3 3 1 5 1

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e d d i s o n s . c o m

26 Serious worries among firms August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

FIRMS in Kirklees are now “seriously concerned” about the UK economy and prospects for the rest of the year, a survey has revealed.

Latest figures from the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce showed fortunes had declined in all major areas of activity – prompting a call for the Government to cut fuel duty and cancel plans for increasing corporation tax on small businesses.

The survey of chamber member firms across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield, showed that home sales and orders continued to decline during the second quarter of the year. Export sales and orders had “slumped dramatically” compared with the first quarter of the year.

Firms were also gloomy about the prospects for recruiting more staff while investment intentions were also weak. Business confidence was “very fragile” as bosses braced themselves for further increases in prices of raw materials and energy.

The survey showed that business taxes and competition were the main issues worrying firms.

Chamber senior policy adviser Steven Leigh said: “This worrying economic outlook mirrors the national picture.

“The Government should surely now begin to alleviate business concerns over new taxes and regulations and must stand ready to support vulnerable small businesses.

“We consider that in all the circumstances it would be appropriate for the Government to be seen to be helping business by measures such as progressively reducing taxation on fuel – to compensate for rising oil prices – and by cancelling their plans for increased corporation tax for small firms in order to help business and the economy.”

Ringing up fresh success

■ WINNING TEAM: Mike Webb (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the Business of the Month Award to (from left) David Hall and Craig Hall, of Deco-Pak Ltd, with Chris Brooksbank, of Mazars; Jill Hague, of HSBC; and Daphne Leach, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

Deco-Pak proves a winner A COMPANY selling decorative stone and gravel to garden centres and builders merchants has won a business award.

Directors Craig and Mike Hall, of Deco-Pak Ltd, were nominated for the title Business of the Month by their banking business manager – and collected their certificate from the offices of law firm Eaton Smith, who run the contest with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Deco-Pak, based at Alder Street, Fartown, was launched in 2004. The family-run firm took on a derelict site which has been developed to allow for the delivery and collection of stock by articulated lorries.

The site now also includes office premises and a large packing shed. Bulk materials are delivered loose, loaded into large hoppers and fed through a state-of-the-art packing machine. The materials

are then stored ready for distributiopn to outlets across the country.

From a standing start in 2004, Deco Pak now has a team of eight staff in addition to the family members and has increased annual turnover to £2.2m. There are plans in the pipeline to extend the range of products, which will result in further new jobs.

Said Craig Hall: “It was an honour to be nominated by our bank for this prestigious award and when we found out we had won, we were delighted.

“It recognises the hard work of everyone involved here at Deco Pak, and we hope that our success will inspire other young, local businesses to achieve success in their future development.”

Drive to secure skills

■ TRAINING AIM: Robin Luscombe, director of motor dealers Colin Appleyard

A CAR dealership has launched a drive to boost employee skills.

Colin Appleyard, which has a site at Lockwood, has set up its own vocational development programme for people seeking a career in car or motorcycle sales.

The company has teamed up with Yorkshire Sales & Marketing Development Ltd to deliver the programme, which includes individual training and development.

Yorkshire Sales & Marketing Development is the authorised and fully accredited provider of professional national sales qualifications for the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management in Yorkshire.

Colin Appleyard director Robin Luscombe said: “We are looking for up-and-coming trainee sales people who have got what it takes to become top performers.

“The ambition to hit targets and earn high rewards is a prerequisite, as well as two or three years’ driving experience, educational achievement and good numeracy and computer literacy skills.”

Selected applicants will undertake an intensive and varied 18-week training course which will lead to ISMM certificates in sales and marketing at NVQ levels 2 and 3 – as well as a permanent sales post with the company and an on-target earnings potential in excess of £30,000.

Running alongside the new sales training scheme will be two new in-house training initiatives.

The Colin Appleyard Leadership Coaching Scheme is for existing management and will provide essential team leadership skills designed to get the very best perform-

ance from their staff. This course will be run in conjunction with training company The Blue Water Partnership.

The Continuous Knowledge Improvement Scheme is aimed at ensuring staff in sales and service departments are always on top of the latest product developments, techniques and procedures plus external regulations.

This programme is the first in the country for vehicle sales. Others in the industry are so impressed that the Institute for the Motor Industry has invited Mr Luscombe to take part in an expert working group to develop national occupational standards for automotive sales.

Colin Appleyard, one of the country’s top Suzuki car dealerships, has four car showrooms in Yorkshire and Lancashire and two multi-franchise motorcycle dealerships in Keighley and Leeds.

The company already runs highly successful apprentice schemes for young technicians, parts assistants and administration staff and also operates a policy of promoting from within.

Said Mr Luscombe: “By launching these schemes, we are demonstrating our total commitment to staff training. After all, our staff are the lifeblood of the company.

The sales training scheme is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career in motor trade sales and beyond.”

Go to www.colinappleyard.com or contact Cherry Connolly on 01535 606321.

A MOBILE phone distributor in Brighouse has gained a top accreditation.

Talk + Business has been chosen as one of only 18 dealers in the country to become part of the Orange accredited Business Mobile programme.

Mainline Digital Communications, the UK’s leading distributor of Orange mobile phones to independent dealers, created Business Mobile to help business-to-business dealers target new opportunities for growth.

As part of the programme, Talk + Business will be provided with a business “toolkit” to help the company develop its Orange business within the SME market.

This will include website support, email campaigns and public relations support as well as access to sector-based data.

Talk + Business has been specially selected by Orange for their knowledge and experience of the industry and their reputable customer service.

Mainline’s Business Mobile programme manager, Gail Hollinshead, said: Talk + Business has been selected as they are one of our top performing dealers.

“By being part of Business Mobile the company will benefit from additional business through its Orange accreditation.”

Opening doors A FIRM making panels for plastic doors is set to boost sales by £500,000 after securing funding from Cattles Invoice Finance at Birstall.

Barrick Mouldings, of Barnsley, plans to increase its business by 50% over the next five years.

Sales director Keith Wilson said: “In the four years we have worked with Cattles, we have grown by 20%.”

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

27

Sign maker is a good neighbour

Franchise weathering the storm

A SIGNAGE company in Huddersfield has completed a contract close to home.

Signs Express (Huddersfield) has supplied graphics for its next door neighbour at Queen’s Mill Road Industial Estate, Lockwood – electrical and cabling specialist Smith Bros (Contracting).

The signs company was approached to provide vehicle graphics for several of Smith’s vans – and completed the assignment without disrupting the daily running of the client’s business.

Martin Davis, owner of Signs Express (Huddersfield), said: “Smith Bros use their vehicles on a constant basis throughout the day, so it was important that we didn’t take up much of their time when it came to application.

“We prepared the vinyl in advance and were able to slot the vehicles in one at a time at short notice – some of them even on the same day. We also had to prepare masked window graphics for the rear of two of the vans as a safety measure to protect its contents. The whole project was completed inside of two weeks.”

Richard Smith, of Smith Bros, said: “The overall finish on all of the vans was just what we were looking for. The fact that Signs Express is one of our neighbours made the whole process much more convenient and efficient, especially as we could only spare the vans for a short time.”

Signs Express (Huddersfield), which opened at the end of last year, is part of the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics company.

A LEADING high street franchise said it expects to remain in a strong position to weather the current economic storm.

Cartridge World, a retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges, said it was optimistic for continued growth over the next 12 months and expected to open more outlets to add to its existing 86 sites, which include ones in Huddersfield, Brighouse and Cleckheaton.

The upbeat comments follow a survey by the British Franchise Association Survey which showed that the franchise sector contributed £12.4bn to UK economy in 2007 – while the sector grew by 18% against 3.1% for the UK economy as a whole.

Ben Smith, head of franchise recruitment UK for Cartridge World, said: “This report echoes what we are witnessing on the ground.

“There is an inherent risk in operating any business, but by operating within a franchise system that risk is proven to be reduced.

“Franchise systems such as Cartridge World are well-established and franchisees not only receive thorough training but also ongoing support. The study reveals that the level of commercial failure remains historically low within the sector.”

Said Mr Smith: “This survey is a great boost of confidence to franchisees across the country, especially when many other small businesses are feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.”

VOLUNTEERS from financial services firm Birstall-based Cattles went back to school.

They spent a day at Christ Church CE School in Armley, Leeds, improving the playground as part of a Leeds Cares challenge organised by Business in the Community.

Twenty volunteers, including Mark Wilson (pictured, above), descended on the school and were soon busy marking out a giant numbered snake, a map of the UK and hopscotch. The team also painted planters and carried out some general tidying up including weeding.

Regional manager Nichola Marsh said: “We held a ‘reward and recognition’ within the region which raised £200 and then used the money to purchase materials for the challenge.

“Although we all enjoy our work, it was a brilliant opportunity to leave the stress of our office behind for the day and do

Bumper payout for Yorkshire’s Co-op members

Lifelong learning the key for Ann A STUDENT attending Dewsbury College has been recognised for her achievements.

A n n Wo o d , w h o i s e m p l oy e d by K i r k l e e s Primary Care Trust, was among seven winners in the West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network’s first annual West Yorkshire Adult Work-Based Learner Awards.

The winners were chosen for their commitment to learning and for the example they set to any employee wishing to continue in or return to education to gain a higher level qualification.

Ms Wood, winner of the business services sector, received her award at a presentation held at Leeds Civic Hall.

She successfully completed an NVQ in business administration level 3 with Dewsbury College.

She said: “I’m really pleased. Both Dewsbury College and my employer

something completely different and very rewarding.

“When the kids saw the results of our efforts they were really happy and that made all the hard work worthwhile.”

Head teacher Pat Richards said: “We put a bid in through Business in the Community for work we wanted to be done at the school but could not afford. We are a small school and never have spare money, so to get this help was absolutely marvellous.

“The hopscotch markings which had faded have been brought back to life by the volunteers and, along with the other new items in the playground, will bring the children great enjoyment.

“It’s great for them to have games to play during their playtime. The volunteers were fantastic and got on with the job without any disruption and we are delighted with the results.”

■ AWARD WINNER: Dewsbury College student Ann Wood with her certificate

h ave re a l ly h e l p e d m e d evelop my skills and improve my career prospects.

Ms Wood’s employer, Liz Butterfield, said: “Ann has embraced the opportunity to undertake training, coped admirably under pressure and having enjoyed the learning experience has embarked on further study.

The benefits to Ann and her employer are clearly visible to all.”

Stephen Challenger, executive director of the West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning

Network, said: “Learning in the workplace not only helps employees achieve their own career potential, it makes their companies more profitable.

“Having a highly skilled workforce is essential if the country is to meet the challenges of a globalised economy.”

Ann will be presented with her award at the West Yorkshire Lifelong Learning Network Celebration Event on 12th June at Leeds Civic Hall.

MEMBERS of the Co-op in Kirklees are set to share in a bumper dividend payment totalling £850,000 this month – more than double the amount they received last year.

The top payment of £500 goes to a customer in Honley under the Co-operative Group’s share of profits scheme, which rewards members for their custom with cash pay-outs twice a year.

Generous members in the region are also donating more than £13,600 to local worthy causes through the scheme’s Community Fund – and local organisations can apply for a share by picking up a leaflet in their store.

The share of profits dividend is based on points customers earn when they trade at any of the Group’s businesses, which include food shops, travel, pharmacy and funeral outlets as well as the Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Insurance.

The Manchester-based Co-op has foodstores in Almondbury, Crosland Moor, Golcar, Holmfirth, Honley, Kirkburton, Marsden, Marsh, Meltham, Skelmanthorpe, Slaithwaite and Penistone.

The Co-operative is paying a share of profits equivalent to 2.63p per point – up from 1.43p in 2006 – earned across its businesses. The June

payout is based on members’ trade in the second half of 2007. Overall in 2007, payments to members across the UK doubled to £38.1m.

As well as being rewarded for their custom, Co-op members are encouraged to bring pressure for change on a range of issues, including climate change and social exclusion.

In the past year, more than 100,000 members responded to the consultation on the Co-op’s new food ethical policy which will shape the strategy of the business.

Regional chief officer David Mockford said: “We are committed to delivering value to our members, who ultimately own and control the business and share in our success.

“Last year the group as a whole delivered a strong performance, which resulted in a significant increase in profits.

“At a time when communities are becoming increasingly dominated by a handful of large and impersonal businesses, we are showing consumers that being a member of the Co-operative is a totally different experience from being just a loyalty card holder with another retailer.”

WE BRING BUSINESS FACE TO FACE WITH BUSINESS

Firms face shockingly high fines MANY firms still face the prospect of unlimited fines – because they are unaware of regulations making them responsible for the proper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

The warning was sounded by manufacturers’ organisation the EEF – a year after the introduction of the Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE).

Alan Hall, EEF director in Yorkshire and the north-east, said: “The requirements of the directive are a maze for many companies who are unaware that they are covered and risk being fined.

“One year on, there is still a need to provide more help and guidance for companies in understanding their obligations.”

Under the regulations, producers of electrical and electronic equipment are financially responsible for the recovery and recycling of the equipment at the end of its life.

However, the definition of where the ultimate responsibility lies has been far from clear as supply chains are often complex and identifying where the full producer obligations fall has been difficult.

This has caused problems for

small and medium size firms, who often think they are exempt. There also remains an absence of any risk based principle which means the obligations are disproportionate to the impact of the equipment on the environment.

The EEF is urging the Government to apply its principle of simplification and better regulation to the review of the directive later this year by the European Commission.

Said Mr Hall: “The review should be used to cut administrative costs and bureaucratic burdens caused by the directive, while improving legal certainty for companies.

“It should also shape WEEE in a sustainable manner rather than introducing yet more environm e n t a l a n d a d m i n i s t r at ive requirements without considering the competitiveness of electrical and electronic manufacturers that operate in global markets.

“The scope should not be widened to other types of products unless a clear case can be made on environmental and economic grounds.

The EEF has updated its guidance on the WEEE regulations at www.eef.org.uk

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Time for tea and cakes!

■ SWEET CHARITY: The staff at Approach PR led by managing director Suzanne Johns (right) get set for their fundraising 1950s-style tea party

STAFF at a public relations firm staged a 1950s-style tea party to raise funds for Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.

The five-strong all-girl team at Approach PR, led by managing director Suzanne Johns, of Gomersal, donned 1950s attire and served homemade cakes and freshly brewed tea to guests who included the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Howard Middleton.

The team, based in Little Germany, Bradford, also ran raffles to help add to the charity haul.

Said Suzanne: “After a recent visit to Bradford’s Marie Curie hospice, I was thoroughly inspired and moved by the commitment, care and sheer dedication of staff and knew at once that the Approach PR team would want to do something to show our support.

“The charity’s ‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ seemed a perfect opportunity to welcome people into our office and is a fitting celebration of our first a n n i ve r s a r y i n Pe c kove r Street.”

Approach PR was formed in Cleckheaton in 2001 and has s u p p o r t e d s ev e r a l g o o d causes such as the National Eczema Society, Allergy UK and Adoption Matters.

Adare strengthens ties with retailer to win award A FIRM providing marketing services has won an award for work done for retailer Tie Rack.

Adare, based at Clayton West, scooped the European Retail Solutions Award for best use of business-to-business internet marketing after using its MC2 technology to allow Tie Rack to organise and manage marketing campaigns online.

Adare received the award at a dinner attended by more than 700 people from the UK’s top retailing organisations in London. The awards recognise retailers and their

suppliers for excellence and innovation in the field of information technology.

Judges heard that the system installed by Adare enabled Tie Rack to work much more efficiently with greater control of its marketing campaigns – as well as delivering significant cost savings and more than halving campaign delivery times into its 260 stores worldwide.

Adare worked with Tie Rack over an eight-week period. All its stores in 26 countries were audited to create an up-to-date store profile d at ab a s e a n d e s t ab l i s h

point-of-sale requirements.

New store details can be added easily to the system.

Before Adare was appointed, Tie Rack’s marketing campaigns were managed manually by a single team in the UK – a process which proved time-consuming, labour-intensive and prone to human error.

Alistair Cane, executive director at Adare, said: “MC2 has streamlined Tie Rack’s overall campaign management process, giving the marketing team greater control over its whole communications process.”

Published by Trinity Mirror Huddersfield Ltd, PO Box A26, Queen Street South, Huddersfield HD1 2TD. Printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Oldham Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham. OL9 8EP. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.

August, 2008

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

True Town fan aiming to rekindle the good times SUCCESSFUL businessman Dean Hoyle is stepping straight off the Kilner Bank to shape Huddersfield Town’s future.

The 40-year-old boss of £110m-turnover Card Factory knows exactly what the fans want because he’s been one of them since Mick Buxton’s side lifted the Fourth Division Championship in 1979-80.

Living in the Spen Valley with wife Janet and sons Daniel, 11, and Joshua, six, he’s been a regular at Leeds Road and the Galpharm.

And after 10 years of business success, Town’s chairman-elect is now in a position to put his own stamp on a club he’s followed through thick and thin.

“The reason I want to get involved is to make a difference,” said Mr Hoyle, whose second shop in a chain now numbering 400 was in Huddersfield’s Pack Horse Centre.

“I want to play a part in bringing the excitement back to the club – to see a Town team playing aggressive, attacking football – and I firmly believe the Marcus Stewart situation (when the club’s leading scorer was sold to a major rival) should never be repeated.

“The club is sound financially, we have an infrastructure on which to build and, with a quality manager on board who will husband the extra funding carefully I think we can deliver real benefits to the club and our supporters.”

Mr Hoyle, whose company has been in the Sunday Times Top 100 Fastrack table of Britain’s fasfest-growing firms for the past two years. is a former student at Heckmondwike Secondary School.

He became hooked on Town from the moment Ian Robins’ double against Hartlepool secured the Division IV title under Mick Buxton.

“There have been some real highlights, like Mark Lillis crossing for Dave Cowling to score

the winner against Leeds at Elland Road in the Milk Cup in 1982,” he beamed.

“I was on the Lowfields and it was fantastic!

“It was also great to be in the crowd against Barnsley in 80-81 when there were 28,901 in Leeds Road and we were all claiming to be ‘the one.’

“The Dave Cowling goal against Newport is another I’ll never forget and the two Wembley appearances under Neil Warnock back in the 90s were fantastic.

“I couldn’t go to the Millennium Stadium in 2004 for the promotion play-off under Peter Jackson because I was in Majorca. But I watched it in the pub!

“Of course there have been some real lows as well. I was at Maine Road for the 10-1 defeat to Manchester City and it’s a recent one – the home defeat to Southend – which really pushed me to get my involvement completed, after initial talks with Ken Davy had gone well.

“I looked at the fans walking out of that game and there was no passion, no anger, no nothing.

“The reaction to football shouldn’t be like that, and I thought that now I’m in a position to be able to make a difference I should try to do so as quickly as possible.”

Mr Hoyle watched from the terrace at Leeds Road and has been a season-ticket holder in the Antich Stand since the Galpharm – then the McAlpine – Stadium opened in 1994.

He said: “My favourite player in the old days was Malcolm Brown, who was a fantastic player. I loved Steve Kindon because he chased lost causes.

“That’s what people want to see from the team now, an attractive mix of aggression and good football with people giving 100%.

Said Mr Hoyle: “These are exciting times ahead and with Stan Ternent at the helm –

■ WELCOME ABOARD: Huddersfield Town chairman Ken Davy (right) welcomes chairman-elect Dean Hoyle to the Galpharm Stadium boardroom

especially with the new signings – we are surely one of the teams to be feared next season.

“We have introduced numerous opportunities for businesses to be involved and support the club – and I hope that the business community of Kirklees and beyond back these initiatives “Every bit of support we receive from business

Club is building strong beneficial partnerships TOWN pride themselves on forming partnerships with the club’s advertisers and sponsors.

As far as the club is concerned, it’s more about building relationships to benefit both parties rather than simply generating revenue.

Sean Jarvis, business development director at the club said: “Once they are involved in Town, we like companies to feel part of the family and share in the success.”

Over the past few years, Town have created many partnership with firms – to bring benefits to both parties and to the wider supporter base.

Here, we focus on a few initiatives that have proved very successful. ● Yorkshire Building Society and the Terriers Account has proved immensely popular – with more than £15m now deposited in accounts and a percentage coming to the club.

More than 4,000 accounts are now held by Town supporters.

3

The account has been established for more than 10 years – contributing almost £1m towards nurturing new talent at Town’s Academy. ● A tie-up with Thomas Cook was set up two years ago whereby for every Town fan booking a holiday through the travel company, a percentage comes to the club.

To date, more than £1.6m has been spent on holidays by Town fans.

The club is ranked fourth in Thomas Cook sales, close on the heels of other football clubs like Manchester City and Glasgow Celtic. ● Sticking with the travel theme, First Bus has become the latest to enter discussions with the partnership.

The agreement will see matchday travel to the town centre and shuttle buses to the stadium – and for every person that uses this facility, a percentage of the ticket fare will go to the Academy.

backers helps us to get closer to our goal.”

Mr Hoyle added: “Businesses who back the club can rest assured not only will they be reaching a large and very supportive audience but will also be opening up new contacts as we actively encourage our sponsors to work together.”

support in style

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN FC A CENTURY OF PRIDE

foR moRe infoRmation contact:

enquiRies and booking: 01484 484140 email: commeRcial@htafc.com

www.htafc.com

THE BEST CLUB IN TOWN

THE BEST CLUB IN TOWN The 1908 Club is the perfect venue to enjoy a drink with friends and colleagues in a friendly family club atmosphere before taking your seats on the half way line.

WE BRING BUSINESS FACE TO FACE WITH BUSINESS

Opportunity knocks for our sponsors SPONSORSHIP is only one of several ways to get your message across this season.

Perimeter boards, a new giant stadium screen and wireless technology all have a part to play.

Perimeter boards cost from as little as £650 for 12 months exposure as a minimum of 23 league games.

They provide a cost-effective way of advertising to a captive audience of more than 16,000. Advertising encompassing both Huddersfield Town and the Giants Rugby League club give advertisers an effective 52-week campaign.

A variety of sites are available around the stadium – including behind the goal on the touchline and even facing the crowd. The latest addition to the Galpharm Stadium facilities is the giant screen, which measures 29sq metres. A number of organisations are already using it for advertising purposes, including Thomas Cook and the University of Huddersfield.

New technology also extends to Bluetooth. Last year, the club experimented with a Bluetooth messaging service, which proved very popular as it included offers to encourage fans to try out the service. This season, the club will be using it to undertake research and link it to the big screen.

On other fronts, the club is looking for a sponsor for the half time entertainment. Initiatives to keep the crowd entertained at the break include Hit the Target, Catch the Bomb, a competition to win a car, a Dizzy Penalty Shoot Out and much more.

The club has also opened up Academy sponsorship opportunities.

The Fans of the Future scheme is also available for sponsorship.

Last year, the club was the proud winner of Family Club of the Year.

Fans of the Future is the club’s grass roots initiative which aims to encourage youngsters to follow Town’s fortunes. It incorporates the 7s scheme, the Schools Initiative and the new Club Together scheme. Sponsoring these schemes brings your message to the notice of thousands of schoolchildren.

Additional sponsorship opportunities include player and programme seller sponsorship. There’s lots for sponsors and advertisers to get involved with – including a Centenary Legends dinner, a Centenary Golf Day and a Centenary end-of-season ball.

Commercial manager Tracy Nelson said: “Huddersfield Town is the perfect vehicle to get your brand across and with your association with the club you will receive additional benef i t s t h ro u g h n e t wo rk i n g w i t h like-minded businesses.”

Business gets the grand tour LUNCH is served!

Hundreds of businesses ensured a great turnout for an event to launch Town’s 2008-2009 centenary season at the Galpharm Stadium.

Companies from a wide range of sectors – including financial services, legal practices, engineering and manufacturing – attended to enjoy lunch and get an insight on how the club has embarked on a “revolution” to attract record attendances of 16,000 for the coming season.

One of those attending, Marc Turner, of New Start Mortgages, said: “It was an excellent lunch and very informative.

“These are clearly exciting times at the Galpharm and a great time to being involved. We look forward to supporting the club and seeing a very exciting season.”

As part of the presentations, businesses were given the opportunity to sign up to the wide range of advertising and sponsorship opportunities available this season.

A tour of the stadium was also held to show sponsors everything from the capabilities of the new big screen to the benefits to be gleaned from taking your own company box.

For more information on the ■ SPORTING ARENA: The entrance to the Galpharm Stadium – opportunities now available, contact the commercial team. and the starting point for firms to take up a wide range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities with Huddersfield Town Contact the commercial team on 01484 484140 or email as the club embarks on its centenary season commercial@htafc.com

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New group built on strong foundations A NEW organisation has been launched to bring benefits to business – and Town’s stars of tomorrow.

The Corporate Blue and White Foundation costs as little as £10 a week to join and all the proceeds go to the club’s academy to help nurture Town’s stars of the future.

B e n e f i t s f ro m j o i n i n g include the opportunity to win cash prizes for your company – including an annual draw of £20,080 and monthly draws of £1,908 as well as a weekly prize of up to £2,200.

Additional prize draws include ones for tickets to the directors’ box and FA Cup Final tickets.

The foundation is also an effective networking group with the chance to meet like-minded corporate clients.

Those who join the foundation also get a plaque to commemorate their membership as well as an acknowledgement in the matchday programme.

Sean Jarvis, commercial director for the club, said: “This is a new product for the new season.

“We have witnessed a desire

from many sponsors and advertisers for something new which enables them to support the academy specifically.

“Consequently, following some research into what business wanted, the idea of having a club where businesses can meet each other and win a cash prize for their company seemed to be the natural choice.”

And he added: “Already, there has been considerable interest as many companies have signed up.”

Contact the commercial department on 01484 484140 or commercial@htafc.com

Published by Trinity Mirror Huddersfield Ltd, PO Box A26, Queen Street South, Huddersfield HD1 2TD. Printed by Trinity Mirror Printing Oldham Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Oldham. OL9 8EP. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.