www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 1
Batley & Dewsbury Towns
Business Newsletter
Summer 2013
New homes in Heckmondwike The biggest of the Excellent Homes for Life sites to date is complete with 40 brand new affordable homes in Heckmondwike now ready for letting. This latest completion brings the total number of new homes finished to 166, including 50 homes that were completed in Huddersfield in March. Excellent Homes for Life is a partnership between Kirklees Council and Regenter Excellent Homes for Life (a consortium of companies including Wates Living Space and John Laing). Cllr David Sheard, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council said: “By the end of
next year, 466 individuals and families will be living in brand new affordable homes thanks to the Excellent Homes for Life scheme. These homes are much-needed and are being spread across the district, all with good access to bus links and local amenities. The new homes at Lobley Street, Heckmondwike have been allocated to people on the council’s housing register, based on their priority of housing need. Over the next few weeks, Pinnacle PSG, who manage and maintain the new homes on behalf of the council, will show people around the homes and arrange their tenancies.
All new Excellent Homes for Life homes, and other affordable homes in Kirklees, are advertised for rent on www.choosenmove.org.uk.
Festival of World Cups in Batley and Dewsbury 2013 is the year of Rugby League World Cup. See international rugby league at the Love RugbyLeague.com stadium in Batley and the Tetley’s Stadium in Dewsbury as they host fixtures in the Women’s, Student and Police World Cups this summer. Enjoy the thrills and excitement of the sport played at its very best. The Festival takes place between 5 – 14 July 2013. Visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/rlwc2013 to find out more about the Festival and other rugby league initiatives in Kirklees.
Green Deal Scheme Create New Jobs The eleven local authorities across the Leeds City Region Partnership including Kirklees have agreed to work together to deliver the Government’s Green Deal initiative.
The £100m Leeds City Region scheme could create over 600 new jobs over three years and support up to 24,000 direct and supply chain jobs over the next 25 years.
This progamme will enable more than 12,000 homes and businesses to make energy saving improvements which will reduce bills and carbon emissions.
Councillor Mehboob Khan, Leeds City Region lead on the Green Deal said: “We are taking a dynamic approach to tackling fuel poverty, reducing health
inequalities and creating jobs. Our scheme will be the largest in the country and our residents will be able to get a much better deal due to the economies of scale we are going to achieve by working collectively.” For further details please see www.leedscityregion.gov.uk
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 2
Batley School is a Great Improver Headmaster, Ian Dutton is proud to announce that Batley Business and Enterprise College (BBEC) is in the top 100 most improved schools in the country based on 2012/13 exam results. When you add to this that the school, whilst it still is working hard to improve, received it’s best ever Ofsted judgement at its most recent inspection, then this is further validation of the marvellous progress that they are making as a school.
Ian said “We are thrilled that our hard work is being acknowledged and the improvements that the school are making are being recognised not just in Batley but nationally. These improvements are as a result of the hard work of the staff, students and the support of the Governors, together with the parents, as well as our other partners. Thanks and congratulations go to all for their commitment to providing the very best education for the boys that attend BBEC.
Council Tax Changes The government has introduced changes under the Local Government Finance Act 2012, allowing local authorities to set the level of discount on certain empty properties. From 1 April owners of the following types of properties no longer receive a discount or exemption and are charged 100% of the council tax rate: • empty and unfurnished properties undergoing structural repair (previous exemption Class A) • empty and unfurnished properties (previous exemption Class C) • empty second homes (previously received 10% discount)
An additional 50% premium will be charged for properties (not otherwise exempt), which have been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, including periods where a previous Class A or C exemption had been granted. The premium will apply from 1 April if the property has already been empty and unfurnished for two years at this this date, or from the date the property becomes empty and unfurnished for two years. For more information visit: www.kirklees.gov.uk/counciltaxdiscounts Or contact Steve Mellor, Council Tax Team Manager 01484 221095.
Dancers, Poets, Painters, Jugglers and more... at Batley Festival 2013 The Batley Festival is organised by The Batley Festival Volunteers and supported by Kirklees Council. Planning for the Festival is well underway and the organisers are building on the successful format of last year. They are hoping to have more stalls, both inside and outside Batley Town Hall and the dance workshops are filling up fast. More local acts have been secured to provide the entertainment for the day as well as the ever popular facepainters, henna artists and a bouncy castle. One of the new additions for this year is an all day circus skills workshop, so come along to the Memorial Gardens and have
a go at juggling, mini-stilt walking and plate spinning to name just a few. Batley Library and Art Gallery will feature activities including ‘Storytime’ for young children and art activities for all. If you are aged 11-15 you can enter the ‘Batley Poets and Painters 2013’ competition which has been organised by the Gujarati Writers Forum and supported by BatleySmile. Contact: Ahmad Lunat ahmadlunat@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07980 611808. The last date for your entries is Friday 14th June 2013 and a selection of poems and paintings will be included in a publication to be launched at the Batley Festival on 21st September 2013.
Any business who is interested in getting involved either in planning the Festival, helping on the day or having a stall should contact the organisers below. Contact: mandy@batleyfestival.co.uk / jennifer@batleyfestival.co.uk / Tel: 07730 456656
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 3
Connect to Support Have you heard about the new Connect to Support website? Grow your business and increase your customer base while helping more people to get health and social care support through Kirklees Council’s “Connect to Support” online service. Connect to Support has been developed to make it easier for people to find out what services and activities are available in their neighbourhood so they can buy
the support they need and have more choice and control over the help they receive. Together we can deliver powerful solutions that help meet people’s needs and support them to do more for themselves. To take part in this unique opportunity contact Karen Winstanley on 01942 614074 or email Kirklees@shop4support.com.
Stepping Back in Time It was grab your gas mask and get your dancing shoes on at St Mary’s Parochial Hall in Batley on 27 April when the 1940’s came back to town. The Batley Business & Retailers Association, The Birstall Chamber of Trade and The Heckmondwike Business Alliance joined forces to host a 1940’s swing dance night. There was a full turn out, with nearly everybody in full 1940’s regalia. It was a real step back in time. The 140 strong crowd were treated to live music from the Dewsbury and Mirfield music school swing band, who together with specialist 1940’s DJ Geoff, soon had the room up on their feet and dancing the night away. With a half time breather for a hot supper and a
drink, and a chance to win a prize on the raffle, all that was missing was some powdered egg! “It was a fantastic night, and a great big thank-you must go to the organising team for volunteering their time and effort. We have had lots of great feedback and people are already asking when the next one will be” said Andrew Marsden of the Batley Business group. “And as well as being a fun night for everybody it has also helped raise funds to enable the groups to continue to support community functions, and to put on future events”. The groups are hoping to stage further events in the future, so watch this space for more details!
Batley Resource Centre The Batley Resource Centre is a much loved and well used community building and has become part of the Yorkshire Children’s Centre from April 2013. Projects already running from the centre: •
A befriending service for the elderly
•
Every Thursday Leisurely Lunch Club
•
Car Companions volunteer led supportive journeys.
•
Lets Move helping elderly and vulnerable people to move home, downsize & de-clutter.
Blind Society Car Companions – Guide Dog Friendly Service Car Companions are volunteers who offer their time to accompany clients to appointments, such as hospital visits, or even social groups. They may drive a client in their own car or go with them in a taxi. They offer company and friendship, not just a lift. How does it work? Anyone wishing to use the service needs to register to become a member then call Batley Resource Centre on 01924 326331 to request a Car Companion when required (giving at least 3 days notice).
The client will be charged per mile and may also have to pay car park charges where applicable. If they have a blue badge, we ask them to take it. If travelling by taxi, they pay the fare directly. For more information or to become a volunteer contact Christine White on 01924 326331 or email christine.white@yccuk.org.uk
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 4
Stop, Drop and Go Zone, Road Safety Initiative St Paulinus School and Kirklees Council are working together to improve road safety and congestion on Temple Road, Dewsbury. The school is asking parents to use the new designated ‘Stop, Drop and Go’ zone to drop off their children. The zone is on the same side of the road as the school
and is as close as safely possible to the school entrance so parents can use it without holding up the traffic. Cllr Cathy Scott, Kirklees Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said: “We are hopeful that drivers will use the Stop, Drop and Go Zone correctly to help keep pupils safe and ease congestion.”
Spirited into Dewsbury One of Europe’s top street theatre companies, Theater Titanick from Münster in Germany came to Dewsbury for Spirit 2013 to stage their Firebirds open-air spectacular!
on Corporation Street and Madhouse Cakes, based on Dewsbury Market, set up a café/cake shop in the old Hudsons unit in the arcade.
All three pop ups proved popular throughout the late afternoon and into the evening as well as after the main show.
Spirit, the annual street theatre event took place in Dewsbury on Saturday 16 March. The audience experienced fire effects and explosions plus lots of fun as each of the pilots deliberately tried to sabotage the others attempts. Feedback suggests that this Spirit event has been the best attended and best received event since the first event which was staged in Dewsbury in 2009. Three pop up units were created on the day in empty units in the town centre. Aroma, based on Bradford Road, set up a curry house in the old Priceless Shoes unit in the market place, The West Riding from the Railway Station set up a real ale bar in the empty jewellers unit
Free Town Bus Success The Dewsbury free town bus has carried its millionth passenger! This service is free for everyone and is financially supported by the council and Metro in order to: • Improve town centre accessibility • Encourage people to shop in Dewsbury • Support and encourage sustainable travel and interchange between public transport modes Recent survey data shows that two thirds of passengers are 65+, 50% have a mobility impairment and 1 in 5 would not have come into town if the free bus service wasn’t available.
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 5
Kirklees Jobs Fund The Kirklees Jobs Fund is a new programme which builds on the success of the Future Jobs Fund and brings together funding from five sources - the council’s Growth and Employment Fund, Talent Match (BIG Lottery funded), the council’s Stronger Families funding, JobCentre Plus and the Department for Education’s Trajectory Building Fund. Many young people lack the skills or experience to get a job but the Kirklees Jobs Fund aims to address this by providing a flexible and tailored offer which will give approximately 270 young people: • Pre-employment support and training
• A paid job lasting 13 or 26 weeks, working with local employers with wrap around support provided throughout • Assistance to make a positive progression after the job ends As a result it is expected that the participants will gain the vital work skills required to move closer to the labour market, either to secure future employment or access other local provision on their journey back to work and not return to benefits. For further information telephone 01484 221679
Funding to Encourage Sustainable Travel Last summer Kirklees Council successfully bid for £515k from the Department of Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The funding has enabled the employment of two dedicated officers to work with school staff and students, Kirklees College and the University of Huddersfield, to help encourage them to make more sustainable travel choices.
A number of fun activities, events, workshops and campaigns have already been held, with more in the pipeline. In addition our officers are busy recruiting volunteers and talking to course supervisors about student placements in the project, to maximise its impact and ensure long-term sustainability once the funding runs out in March 2015.
As well as funding events and activities, the money is also being used to finance infrastructure projects that encourage walking and cycling and help make vulnerable road users feel safer. For further information please contact Joanne Waddington on 01484 225360 joanne.waddington@kirklees.gov.uk.
Pick Up a Passenger! To find out how you can save on your fuel bills visit www.WYcarshare.com today!
It’s Time to Talk Local government has taken by far the largest percentage reduction of any part of the public sector. As school funding has been relatively protected the potential cuts facing the rest of the council are significant. Our objective remains to deliver the outcomes and services that are important locally within a financial plan that is sustainable for the long term, as well as continuing to invest in wealth and job creation and in our young people. We’ve already significantly reduced our management and back office costs and will continue to do this – our programme has saved £17.2 million so far. There
are painful cuts in this year’s budget, but more fundamental changes and cuts will be necessary in the future. That’s why we will need to have a more wide-ranging conversation with people in Kirklees about the future over the coming we months. are changing, so...
4 June 7 - 9pm Birstall and Birkenshaw St Peter’s Parish Church, Kirkgate, Birstall 6 June 7 - 9pm Batley Batley Town Hall, Market Place, Batley 18 June 7 - 9pm Spen Valley Cleckheaton Town Hall, Bradford Rd, Cleckheaton 19 June 7 - 9pm Dewsbury Dewsbury Town Hall, Wakefield Old Road, Dewsbury 24 June 7 - 9pm Mirfield Northorpe Hall, 53 Northorpe Lane, Mirfield
We will have much less money from central government to run local services in the future.
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk Over the coming weeks everyone is invited to
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 6
City Car Club
City Car Club helping you to make your journey across Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Manchester and Leeds. Cars and vans are now available from only £4.13 an hour (excluding VAT) and can reduce costs and administration time when replacing fleet vehicles and mileage claims. For further information contact Vicky Shipway: E: vicky@citycarclub.co.uk T:
07894 692616
W: www.citycarclub.co.uk
Working Smarter Vouchers Still Available Support of up to £750 is still available for local businesses to spend on developing their workforce. Working Smarter Vouchers provide businesses with up to 250 employees, an opportunity
to support the development of high performing, smarter work practices. To apply, download and complete an application form at: www.kirklees.gov.uk/workingsmarter.
Green Future Building Green Future Building (GFB) is a ‘not for profit’ social enterprise based in Heckmondwike. It was founded to help local disadvantaged people gain access to education opportunities and employment in sustainable green building, joinery and conservation. GFB manufacture a wide range of products including conservations items, garden furniture and small outdoor buildings. They also complete large scale green building projects and are currently working at Todmordon High School in Calderdale, where they are building an ‘Eco Food Hub’ which will house an innovative fish farm and education centre.
At the beginning of April, GFB supplied eight Sand Martin Banks made from 100% recycled plastic to the Lancashire Wild Life Trust for their reserve at Brockholes. They were constructed by trainees in the workshops and put in place in time for the Sand Martins return which is expected this month. In the coming months GFB will be attending many horticultural and agricultural shows to launch new product ranges including a squirrel proof bird table a convertible bench / picnic table and green roof structures.
Visit www.greenfuturebuilding.org.uk for more information about what they do.
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
aPage 7
Get the Party Started! Dewsbury Town Hall can help you make your 2013 Christmas Party an unforgettable experience. Bookings are being taken for two dates - Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th December. We can provide ideas for themed parties, a fantastic way to get into the Christmas spirit! •
Stunning building providing a perfect back-drop
•
Red carpet arrival
•
Three-course meal
•
Live Cabaret
•
Music and dancing until the early hours
Book before 30th August to take advantage of our early-bird offer of £27.95pp or £29.95pp after that date.
For further details or a brochure please call Dewsbury Town Hall Box Office 01924 324501 or visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/townhalls for a brochure
To Lease or not to Lease? In business it is common to rent, or rent out business premises. But people may not have as much understanding around what the terms and conditions in a lease actually mean, and what responsibilities they are taking on by signing one.
them it can have potentially serious and expensive repercussions. Unfortunately leases, especially commercial leases, are complicated documents and contain lots of technical clauses that aren’t always easily understood.”
Martin Oliver, a partner in local solicitors Brearleys says, “A Lease is a contractual agreement - once you sign you are bound by its terms. If you fail to meet
There are a lot of things that need to be considered and understood before committing yourself to a commercial lease.
Most local solicitors will be able to offer specialist advice. It may not always be necessary to instruct solicitors to be involved in the whole process. It may be possible to only get advice on certain areas. What is important is that you make certain that you understand what you are signing before you sign it.
The Vibrant Town Centre Project in Dewsbury Compliant food businesses in Dewsbury town centre had the opportunity to gain the Kirklees Healthy Choice Award as part of the Vibrant Town Centres initiative. The Healthy Choice Award recognises food businesses for having good food hygiene and safety practices as well as healthy options on their menu. The award can be achieved at a bronze, silver or gold level and is absolutely free. On achieving the award, the food business receives a certificate, window sticker and they are listed on the council’s Healthy Choice Award webpage.
The Project also focused on encouraging food businesses to achieve a higher food hygiene rating. Businesses with a rating of less than 3 received an informal advice visit on what can be done to improve their hygiene standards. For more info on the rating scheme visit www.food.gov.uk/ratings
The Vibrant Town Centre Project in Dewsbury was such a success that it is is being replicated in Huddersfield town centre. If you require more information on the project, please contact the food safety team on food.safety@kirklees.gov.uk
The project involved working closely with Environmental Health Officers and the Kirklees FINE (Food Initiative and Nutrition Education) project. Following an invivation to take part, businesses were visited and ‘mock’ assessments were carried out. As a result of the project, six businesses achieved the Healthy Choice Award, - three at gold and three silver level.
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
www.batleyanddewsbury.co.uk
Page 8
Batley & Dewsbury Towns’ Management 01924 326428/326413 info@batleyanddewsbury.co.uk