FTSE 100
ANITA CROWTHER Banker’s account
-189.45 5102.58
Full inter view - Page 3
CLARE QUARTERMAINE The moral message Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Firm flying high at Heathrow Airport ELLAND firm Andy Thornton is flying high after completing a prestigious contract at Heathrow Airport. The supplier of interiors for bars, hotels and restaurants provided bespoke furniture for the new No.1 Heathrow Airport Lounge and Travel Spa in Terminal 3 of the busy international airport. Andy Thornton previously supplied furniture for lounges at Gatwick and Stansted airports, which are both operated by client No.1 Traveller, the leading supplier of contract hospitality furniture. The company worked closely on the Heathrow commission with the project’s interior designers, Inside Out Architecture, on the exacting specification and choice of finish ahead of its opening last month. Andy Thornton spokeswoman Liz Brown said: “The client’s aim was to provide the ultimate pre-flight experience and create a space that suits the needs of all of Terminal 3’s departing passengers. “They achieved this by creating a lounge with something for everyone, from the bustling bar and bistro, through to the quiet snug and soothing spa.” Andy Thornton, headed by managing director Andy Tolley, provided furniture for all key areas. In the main lounge area, the firm supplied a mixture of two and three-seater Chesterfield sofas and matching cubes, with button-back leather upholstery as well as chaise longue in colourful fabric. In the terrace lounge area, which provides panoramic runway views, the company provided swivel chairs in chrome. More cubes and a selection of
black and white circular coffee tables with solid marble tops were also used. The client also specified two quirky basket egg chairs – to be suspended from the ceiling by the “Green Wall” , a living wall of exotic tropical plants that creates a tranquil space for weary travellers. In the bar area, Andy Thornton combined high-back lounge chairs upholstered in contrasting velvets with black pedestal coffee tables. Behind these and fronting the corian-topped minimalist walnut bar are elegant contrasting black on black bar stools. In the bistro, Andy Thornton provided elaborate seats and backs in white plastic on chrome frames with matching gloss white tables. The No.1 VIP room is home to more bespoke high back chairs from Andy Thornton, while the company supplied the luxurious armchairs with substantial cushions upholstered in a mix of rich-coloured soft leathers for maximum comfort in the discreet cinema room. The company also provided bespoke furniture for the drawing ro o m , Wi i room and g a m e s room. A n d y Thornton is a leading supplier of standard and bespoke contract furniture to the i n t e r n ational hospitality market.
INSIDE Down on the farm FARMERS across Kirklees have been given a powerful reason to invest in renewable energy. Barclays has launched a £100m fund for UK farmers investing in renewable energy and generating new income. The fund, developed with sector specialists, is available for solar, wind, and hydro projects in the UK.
● Full story - Page 6
■ HIGH LIFE: The luxuriously furnished lounge (above) and the well-appointed bar area (below) which have been created by Elland-based Andy Thornton as part of a “super-lounge” development at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3. Left, managing director Andy Tolley
The most trusted news brand in the business
examiner.co.uk
6 , S e p t e m b e r, 2 0 1 1
Connect celebrates HUDDERSFIELD man Richard Tadman is celebrating 10 years of his outplacement consultancy Connect with the launch of a new service to help people facing redundancy get back into the jobs market.
● Full story - Page 8
Solicitors for business inYorkshire www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Wakefield | Halifax | Leeds
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
Page 2
Debt worries send UK shares reeling ROYAL Bank of Scotland shares slumped by 12% as litigation fears, weak economic data and the eurozone debt crisis drained market confidence. The FTSE 100 Index closed yesterday nearly 4% or 189.4 points lower at 5102.6 – broadly in line with markets in Europe where signs of higher borrowing costs in Spain and Italy hammered stocks in Paris and Frankfurt. With markets also lower on Friday following weak jobs data in the USA, yesterday’s bloodbath took losses in the FTSE 100 Index to £82bn over its last two sessions – erasing tentative recovery signs in previous days. The latest sovereign debt fears meant the euro tumbled by about 1% against the US dollar, while it was broadly flat against the pound at 1.14. Downbeat readings from purchasing managers in Europe’s service sector
economies added to the recession fears, with the survey from the UK showing the worst performance since the foot and mouth crisis of 2001. Banks and insurers bore the brunt of the latest sell-off, with RBS down 3.1p to 21.8p after the US Federal Housing Finance Agency filed claims against three UK banks as part of actions relating to the sub-prime mortgage scandal. The claims allege that the banks misrepresented the quality of billions of dollars of home loans sold to America’s state-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. RBS said it would vigorously defend itself against the claims, but shares still slumped to near their recent low of 19.6p after it was singled out by a broker as the most vulnerable British target of the claims.
■ TRADE WOES: Asian markets were the first to take a beating amid fears of another global recession
Barclays fell by 11.05p to 154.15p and HSBC slipped by 20p to 504.5p, while Lloyds Banking Group was 2.5p lower at 30.65p – despite not being on the FHFA list. Earlier in the day, fresh concerns
Non-food sales slip
over the eurozone debt crisis saw Germany’s Dax and France’s Cac-40 both slide by 4% while a national holiday in the US meant there was no direction from the other side of the Atlantic. The decline followed a slump in Asian markets, prompted by fears that the US economy was heading back into recession. There was more gloom for the banking sector in a report by forecasters at the Ernst & Young ITEM Club. The financial services sector in the UK faces sluggish growth, the ITEM Club warned, threatening the recovery prospects of the wider economy. Renewed concerns over growth hit mining stocks, oil prices and retail. Gold continued to be favoured by traders. Gold miner Randgold Resources was one of two risers on the FTSE 100 Index, adding just 0.6%.
Alexon reports slump in takings
US bid interest in Charter
THE owner of womenswear chains Kaliko and Ann Harvey delivered more bad news for the high street by revealing a slump in sales during August. Alexon, which has six brands available in more than 990 outlets in the UK and Europe, said same-store sales fell by 9% in the first three weeks of August and that it now expects full-year profits to be “well below” expectations. The board said it was considering selling the company as one of a number of options to restructure the struggling retailer and was in discussions with more than one interested buyer.
A BRITISH engineering firm at the centre of a £1.4bn takeover battle confirmed it is in talks over a rival bid from US manufacturer Colfax. Charter, whose businesses are focused on welding, cutting and automation and on air and gas handling, has been the subject of takeover interest for more than two months following an approach from buy-out firm Melrose. A deal looked to be on the cards last week after Melrose upped its offer for a third time to 850p a share, equivalent to £1.4bn, and Charter opened its books for due diligence. However, Charter said it is in talks
The bleak outlook came as a survey from accountancy firm BDO revealed the high street recorded its worst sales in two years in August as the riots that shook the UK took a heavy toll on the retail sector. Luton-based Alexon, which is also reportedly considering a multi-million cash call to investors in a bid to reverse its fortunes, returned to profit in the year to January. But the company has struggled in the current financial year, with like-for-like sales in the first six months increasing 0.7% – although total sales dropped by 8% as it slowed its store opening programme to conserve cash.
with Maryland-based Colfax, after it revealed last month that it had received other takeover interest. Colfax said Charter’s Howden division, which focuses on air and gas handling, would complement its own fluid handling operation, while the ESAB business, which provides welding and cutting solutions, offered it a new growth platform. Charter said: “These discussions are at an early stage and there can be no assurance that they will lead to an offer for the company.” In 1994, Charter acquired ESAB followed by Renfrew-based Howden three years later.
RETAILERS confirmed another bleak month of trading – amid a continued squeeze on those firms selling clothing, furniture and electrical goods. In a report showing contrasting fortunes for food and non-food retailers, the British Retail Consortium said sales fell by 0.6% on a like-for-like basis in August compared with the same month a year ago. Poor consumer confidence and high inflation were blamed for the lacklustre performance, with the riots in the early part of the month “not widespread or prolonged enough” to have a significant impact on the sales figures. Food sales growth was similar to the level seen in July, but the BRC said non-food sales fell further below their year ago level, with footwear and homewares showing the largest declines despite further promotions.
Deputy promoted DEPARTMENT store chain Debenhams has confirmed the retirement of Rob Templeman as chief executive and said his deputy Michael Sharp had been promoted to the top job, as announced in April. Mr Sharp, 54, has worked for Debenhams or former owner Burton Group since 1985.
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £30.12 Gannett 648.17 Hess Corp £36.02 Microsoft 1601.79 Motors Liquidation 46.56 Wal-Mart Stores £32.30 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 282 -8 BAE Systems 2575/8 -87/8 1 Rolls-Royce 607 /2 -231/2 AIM Brady Plc 73 +1/4 Dawson Intl 17/8 Man Brnze 41 -1 Uniq 953/4 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 1811/4 -101/2 BANKS Barclays 1541/8 -11 HSBC 5041/2 -20 Lloyds Banking Gp 305/8 -21/2 Ryl Scotland 213/4 -3 Stan Chart 12991/2 -74 BEVERAGES Diageo 1210 -30 -5/8 SABMiller £215/8 CHEMICALS Croda 1679 -73 Elementis 98 1453/8 -47/8 Johnsn Mat 1566 -89 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2371/4 -101/4 3
3
ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 517 -11 Intl Power 3221/4 -45/8 Scottish & Sthrn 1248 -28 Energy ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1451/4 -55/8 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 329 -93/4 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 1633/8 -33/4 Cable & Wireless 363/4 -5/8 Comm 1 Cable & Wireless 32 /8 -21/8 Wwide Colt Group 1027/8 -75/8 KCOM 741/2 -23/4 Talktalk Telecom 127 +3/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2851/8 -67/8 Sainsbury 2871/8 -101/4 1 Tesco 361 /4 -133/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1038 -28 Tate Lyle 570 -18 Unilever 1993 -55 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 2861/4 -91/4 National Grid 609 -10 Pennon Grp 638 -4 Severn 1420 -21 United Utils 5831/2 -81/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL 3
1
ICAP 4627/8 -33/4 London StockExch 8751/2 -351/2 Man Group 2113/4 -71/4 Provident Financial 1083 -30 Schroders 1445 -36 Schroders NV 1146 -27 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 4641/8 -307/8 REXAM 3391/8 -113/4 Smiths Grp 935 -391/2 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 181/8 -1/8 Carphone Whse 338 -121/4 Dixons Retail 11 -1 Home Retail 115 -91/4 5 Inchcape 296 /8 -141/4 Kingfisher 227 -9 3 M&S 302 /8 -121/2 3 Mothercare 343 /4 -15 Next £23 -1/2 WH Smith 4801/4 -123/4 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 5931/2 -321/2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 941/2 Barrat Dev 781/2 -33/4 Persimmon 4341/4 -111/8 Reckitt Benckiser £317/8 -11/8 Taylor Wimpey 313/8 -15/8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Charter 7821/2 -3 IMI 805 -48 INDUSTRIAL METALS Ferrexpo 350 -25
BBA Aviation 1603/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 3071/8 Lgl & Gen 941/2 Old Mutual 1125/8 Prudential 5641/2 Resolution 2541/8 Standard Life 1903/8 MEDIA BSkyB 641 D Mail Tst 3771/4 ITV 543/4 Johnston Press 5 Pearson 1064 Reed Elsevier 4891/8 STV Group 109 Trinity Mirror 401/2 Utd Business 4383/4 UTV 1231/2 WPP 5941/2 Yell Group 43/4 MINING Anglo American £235/8 Antofagasta 1233 BHP Billiton 1954 Eurasian Natural 625 Res Fresnillo 1986 Kazakhmys 9891/2 Lonmin 1207 Rio Tinto £347/8 VEDANTA 1317 RESOURCES Xstrata 9573/8 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4551/4 1
-5 -18 -63/8 -35/8 -321/2 -113/8 -75/8 -16 -123/8 -21/2 -1/8 -24 -133/8 -3 -21/2 -241/4 -61/2 -231/2
-7/8 -67 -78 -331/2 -47 -501/2 -48 -17/8 -54 -611/8 -253/4 7
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
270 97 609 1767
+1/8 -31/2 -10 -83
FTSE closed at
5102.58 Down 189.45 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1324 RSA Insurance Gp 1091/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1234 BP 3631/4 Cairn Energy 3031/8 Royal Dutch Shell A 1948 Royal Dutch Shell B 19591/2 Total £28 Tullow Oil 1075 OIL EQUIPMENT & SERVICES AMEC 861 Petrofac 1279 Wood Gp(J) 5541/2 PERSONAL GOODS
-38 -33/8 -67 -111/4 -157/8 -881/2 -89 -11/4 -37 -251/2 -30 -241/2
PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £273/8 -3/4 Axis-Shield 480 +23/4 GlaxoSmithK XD 34 Shire 1913 -50 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 4983/4 -161/4 Captl Shop Cent 3183/8 -63/8 DTZ Hldgs 391/2 -1/2 1 Hamrsn 388 /8 -123/8 Land Secs 721 -121/2 SEGRO 2503/8 -61/8 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Autonomy Corp £251/4 Invensys 246 -133/4 Logica 823/8 -23/8 Misys 276 -33/4 3 Sage Group 247 /4 -73/4 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 4695/8 -53/8 Bunzl 772 -19 1 Capita 698 /2 -121/2 De La Rue 798 -12 Electrocomp 2037/8 -65/8 Experian 684 -201/2 G4S 258 -91/4 Hays 721/4 -33/4 3 Homeserve 457 /8 -51/4 Menzies J 4953/4 -11/4 Rentokil 771/4 -3 Smiths News 841/2 +1/2 Wolseley 1515 -47 IT HARDWARE ARM Hldgs 5331/2 -17 Psion 561/2 -13/8 5
3
TOURIST RATES
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£27 £203/8
-5/8 -1/2
LEISURE & HOTELS Bwin.Party Digital Carnival Compass Grp easyJet Enterprise Inns FirstGroup Go-Ahead Gp Greene King Intercontl Htls Intl Cons Airlines Gp Ladbrokes Mitchells & Butlers Natl Express Rank Org Stagecoach Group TUI Travel Whitbread
1107/8 1830 535 3245/8 347/8 3491/4 1420 4311/2 993 1583/8
-85/8 -63 -171/2 -81/2 -31/2 -121/4 -33 -123/4 -23 -85/8
1217/8 2177/8 2363/8 125 247 1401/2 1457
-35/8 -97/8 -63/4 -61/2 -33/4 -6 -37
FTSE 100
INDEX 5102.58
-189.45
FTSE 250
INDEX 10084.11
-296.91
Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.45 dollars Bangladesh................. 112.20 taka Brazil.............................. 2.37 reals Canada....................... 1.52 dollars China ............................. 9.22 yuan Czech Republic ...... 25.67 korunas Denmark....................... 8.11 krone Euro............................... 1.09 euro Hong Kong................ 11.95 dollars Hungary................... 283.25 forints India.......................... 65.43 rupees Japan........................... 118.08 yen Mexico ....................... 17.91 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.79 dollars Norway ......................... 8.36 krone Pakistan.................. 132.84 rupees Philippines ................. 58.43 pesos South Africa................. 10.74 rand South Korea.............. 1505.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 167.82 rupees Sweden......................... 9.92 krona Switzerland.................. 1.21 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.99 dollars Turkey....................... 2.66 new lira USA ............................ 1.54 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS ANITA Crowther is back in Huddersfield – and she’s more than happy to be here! The 38-year-old Heckmondwike mother of two became manager of the town centre branch of the Yorkshire Bank only in June, but knows the town well from earlier in her career when she worked at the New Street site for a couple of years. “I didn’t know that 12 years later I would be back at the branch in a different role, but it is good to be here,” she says. “I think the town is growing, which is partly thanks to the development of the university. The shops are full and Huddersfield feels like a town where there is an awful lot going on and a lot to get involved in.” One of Anita’s aims following her return to Huddersfield is to get to know her fellow professionals in the town through the many regular networking sessions and events such as the forthcoming Kirklees Business Conference at the Galpharm Stadium. “Huddersfield is a much busier town that some of the others I have worked in,” she says. “It is very friendly and welcoming.” The Yorkshire Bank has been part of the Huddersfield business community for many years and Anita values its strong local ties. The New Street branch was refurbished a few years ago to make the most of its Victorian decor, creating more space and light. The branch has several rooms for customers to talk to branch staff – with each room named after “local heroes” such as Harold Wilson, Roy Castle and James Mason. The Yorkshire Bank is part of the National Australia Banking Group, which also owns the Clydesdale in the UK. But Anita says: “We began as the Penny Bank in Halifax and we have retained our Yorkshire identity. Many of our customers have been with us for many years. Looking after the customer and meeting their needs are our priorities. We strive to provide exceptional customer service and we seek to differentiate ourselves from the competition. “Banking has changed because it is not always necessary to go into a branch to do everything. There is internet banking and telephone banking, but we still value local branches. In the current climate, customers are coming in for advice and they are thinking more deeply before making financial choices. “There are 20 staff at Huddersfield with a team of 16 in the bank as well as a savings specialist and a mortgage adviser. We also have a business
profile
Town gets the credit banking unit. “Part of my job is to make sure the staff are highly motivated, to help them progress their careers as they move onwards and upwards. Services and sales are our top priorities and to have the team in one location makes communication much easier. “We have good morale in the branch with a good mix of people with different interests.” The branch is proud of its community links. The Yorkshire Bank is working with its charity partner Help for Hospices, which means Anita and her team have linked up with Kirkwood Hospice at Dalton. “We have had a number of fundraising events,” says Anita. “Ten members of staff took part in It’s A Knockout at the DRAM Centre in Dalton and raised £600, which the bank will match.” Bank worker Sarah Whitworth aims to
overcome her fear of heights by taking part in a 10,000ft sky-dive on September 18 to raise cash for the hospice. The bank is helping to boost Sarah’s takings with a cake sale this Friday when a hospice stall will also be set up. “It is very important to support communities and good causes,” says Anita. “It is something we are keen to do and we enjoy doing as an organisation. It is not just about raising money, but giving back through volunteering.” Anita’s career with the Yorkshire Bank began 20 years ago after she completed A-levels at Heckmondwike Grammar School. “I was wondering which career path to follow,” she says.”As a small girl I’d wanted to be a vet, but I had become interested in banking. I applied for a place on a management development programme with the Yorkshire Bank, which provided full training
Page 3 Anita Crowther
from cashier upwards. “I wanted to go to work rather than go to university and the programme still gave me the opportunity to study.” Anita started working at the Dewsbury branch, where she completed most of her training. She was at Dewsbury for seven years, during which time she qualified as an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Anita moved to Huddersfield, where she spent a couple of years before becoming branch manager at Heckmondwike. She went on to become a sales manager looking after five West Yorkshire branches and later took responsibility for 10 sites before the opportunity came to return to Huddersfield as manager. “It was too good an opportunity to miss,” says Anita. “Huddersfield is one of
■ TEAM LEADER: Anita Crowther, manager of the Yorkshire Bank’s New Street branch, says every day is different
the biggest branches in the network and it is a great place to work. It is a flourishing town. The retail side of banking is very busy and every day is different. You meet a lot of interesting people.” Anita is unusual in being a “job-share” branch manager. With two small children – George, six, and four-year-old Ruby – she finds sharing duties with colleague Helen Toon provides the ideal work-life balance. “We have always worked quite closely together and we have similar ways of working,” says Anita. “We make a good management team. “Job-sharing meant that after I had the children I could continue my career at the same level,” says Anita. Working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays leaves lots of time to spend with the children. “We get involved with all the usual children’s activities,” says Anita. “George is a typical boy, who wants to play football, while with Ruby everything’s got to be pink! We go camping, cycling and walking in the Lake District. George also goes to watch Huddersfield Town.” Anita is also a Guide leader at a Guides unit in Dewsbury, having been involved with the movement since Brownies. “I enjoyed it when I was young and I continue to enjoy taking the Guides through the Guides programme now,” she says. “It is a way of giving something back and it is fun. Guiding touches on a lot of skills and provides people with opportunities they might never have had otherwise.”
HENRYK ZIENTEK
Role: Branch manager Age: 38 Family: Married to Andrew with children George, six, and Ruby, four Holidays: We enjoy holidays in Majorca and the Scottish Highlands Car: Saab 93 First job: Working on a market stall selling material. We went to Skipton, York and Batley markets Best thing about job: Meeting customers and doing our best to help them Worst thing about job: There are never enough hours in the day to do everything you want to do Business tip: Ensure you always deliver what you promise and provide fantastic customer service
Yorkshire Bank Work: Financial services Site: New Street, Huddersfield Employees: 20 Phone: 07734 894551 Email: anita.j.crowther@eu.nab group.com Website: www.yb online.co.uk/
local
Page 4
Safety issues for young workers SAFETY issues affecting apprentices and people on work experience come into focus at an event next week. Kirklees and Calderdale Occupational Health and Safety Group has organised the seminar to take place from 8.45am to 11am on Wednesday, September 14, at the Buckley Lecture Theatre, Huddersfield University. Kirkdale Industrial Training Services will give a presentation on the health and safety aspects of apprenticeships while Calderdale and Kirklees Careers will look at health and safety as it relates to work experience schemes and employing young people. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health will explain its online Wiseup2work information and activity hub for the under-21s, training providers, teachers and employers to raise awareness and ensure better understanding of health and safety. Contact Michael Metcalfe on 01422 388318 or go to www.kcohsg.orh.uk
Biggest fare best BRITAIN’S largest companies have reported the biggest fall in business failure rates, according to a survey. Business information group Experian said firms employing 501 or more staff saw a 13% fall in insolvencies in August compared with July, 2010. The overall UK business population reported a 0.10% rise.
creative marketing solutions 01484 483194 info@qtcreative.co.uk www.qtcreative.co.uk
One of Yorkshire’s leading commercial law firms based in Huddersfield and Leeds, delivering comprehensive legal advice in corporate and commercial matters, commercial property, litigation and intellectual property.
Tel: 01484 483 033 Fax: 01484 741 442 www.austinkemp.co.uk
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Break-ups and the ‘golden egg’ HAT does it cost to keep W the goose that lays golden eggs?
You’ve worked for years to establish your business. It has gone through all the usual stages. There were the sleepless nights of the early days, when you didn’t know if you would have a customer to sell to or the money to pay your suppliers. There was the elation of your first really big order and your pride when you heard that you had been recommended by one customer to another to be its new supplier. You received an industry award, presented at a black tie dinner. Perhaps you spent more time on your business and less time on your marriage and as one has taken off, the other has stagnated. Now there are real problems with your marriage, what are the implications for your business? Well actually it depends on its nature and your future commitments. The first question is, has the business a value at all? Mr V was an optician. He had his own business but in truth, all it did was generate his income. He traded from rented premises and apart from the second hand value of his optician’s equipment, it had no assets.
FAMILY BUSINESS
Jonathan James
However, it was argued that an income stream is capable of having a capital value put on it. Mr V should have his income stream assessed and capitalised. That would then be an asset and his wife should get a share. Not so, said the judge. If his wife got a lump sum payment from the capitalised value of the income, and maintenance as well, she would be getting her share twice. She got maintenance alone. Because businesses aren’t cash in themselves, courts look at them differently from other assets. Extracting money from a business isn’t always straightforward and almost always gives rise to a tax payment, so even an agreed valuation for a business can be a hindrance – one party sees the cash value and thinks of a cash payment. The other sees the damage to the business if working capital is
withdrawn and the tax which is going to have to be paid on a dividend or salary payment. That’s not to say, though, that a court will never make an order which will result in a business being sold. As one judge put it: “Those taboos against selling the goose that lays the golden egg have been laid to rest. Nowadays the goose may well have to go to market for sale”. In that case, the business owner, the husband, was given three years to finance his wife’s settlement giving him time to sell one of his businesses. When it comes to divorce, securing the business can be a complicated thing and creative solutions may well be needed. Will you have to sell it? Probably not. Will your spouse get a share of it? Maybe. To know for sure, there are no shortcuts – you’ll need specific advice.
Jonathan James is head of private client and family department at Austin Kemp Solicitors
Clear round for Equi-Trek AN award-winning Huddersfield company is riding high with its latest development. Meltham-based Equi-Trek Ltd has built up an international client list for its range of high-quality horse trailers and transporters. Now it has launched special edition vehicles to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the world-famous Burghley Horse Trials. Visitors to this year’s event had the opportunity to order the vehicles, which have a specially-designed plaque to commemorate the milestone. Equi-Trek supplies horseboxes and trailers to many top professional riders, including John and Michael Whitaker, Oliver Townend and Robert Smith. The family-run firm teamed up with Norfolk-based dealership H & C Bearts to sell the special edition vehicles at
the trials, which took place last week in the grounds of the Burghley Estate in Stamford, Lincolnshire. H & C Bearts, official Equi-Trek dealer, has been attending the Burghley Horse Trials for more than a decade. Equi-Trek was named International Business of the Year at the 2010 Examiner Business Awards and landed the trophy for SME of the Year at the 2009 event. The firm’s starting point was to design a unique side-loading trailer to make loading and unloading less stressful for the horse and provide better accommodation for its human companions. Over the years, the company has widened its range of products and has exhibited across Europe to achieve export sales to Belgium, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden.
■ STADIUM CALL: Galpharm managing director Gareth Davies wit Karen Borowski, of Revell Ward
It’s that suite taste of succes
A NEW sponsor has been signed u at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadiu Chartered accountancy firm Revel Ward has taken over sponsorship the English Partnership Suite – the stadium’s biggest conference and banqueting facility. The newly-named Revell Ward Sui is used for everything from private parties to corporate events, conferences and matchday entertainment. As part of the partnership, Revel Ward, which has offices at Market Street, will use the space on a regu basis for its networking and corporate events. Revell Ward already has a long-standing partnership with Huddersfield Town. Karen Borowski, partner at Revell Ward, said: “I am delighted to take this professional partnership a sta further, Moreover, we see it as an opportunity to work with many mo organisations and add value.” Gareth Davies, managing director Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd said: “The Revell Ward culture and ethos is one that I relate to and ca work alongside. Karen Borowski is strong adviser and this is just another step in working in partnership with Revell Ward.”
Slight increase in bank lending
■ FLYING HIGH: Equi-Trek made an impact with its latest products at the famous Burghley Horse Trials
LEVELS of lending to manufacturin firms have improved slightly – but the cost of borrowing has gone up according to a survey. Figures from manufacturing organisation the EEF showed that more firms are reporting a rise rath than a fall in the cost of borrowing although the availability of busines loans is slowly improving. The EEF said it would use the surv results to call for greater competiti among banks to improve business lending. EEF Yorkshire region director And Tuscher said: “While conditions ar slowly heading in the right directio the overall picture remains far from being as supportive as we’d like. “There is clearly more finance available, but the fact more companies are still reporting an increase in cost rather than a decrease suggests that firms are paying a price for it.”
INESS NEWS
ith
ss
up um. ll of he d
ite e
t gular
e age
ore
of d, d an sa
e g
ing t p,
t ther g. ss
vey tion s
dy re on, m
local
Moral message for big business ECENT events such as the riots R and the consequential looting are raising fundamental questions about
the role of big business in our society and as a marketer, I am aware of the clash that sometimes occurs between making money and morality. But where is the boundary when it comes to marketing to young people and can big business be to blame for recent events? The riots certainly provided a great deal of passionate debate for everyone. And for some, in particular youth targeted brands, this was a wake-up call to address a little of the complacency and to address the influences that their brands have on the wider society. We might ask the question; where are the ethics of targeting under age people to covet goods they cannot expect to afford? Are these brands using positive messages to sell their products or exploiting youthful instincts? This may not be to blame for recent events but many think this had some influence. There are strict guidelines in the industry when marketing to children – and I quote one of them: “Marketing directed at children must not actively encourage [them] to make a nuisance of themselves to parents…” This doesn’t address the issue of young people that aspire to brands not associated with children and therefore outside of this
MARKETING MATTERS Clare Quartermaine
remit. There are many brands that can be associated with rebelliousness and are seen as aspirational by young people – possibly for the wrong reasons. With business having almost as much influence on our lives as governments and often clashing with them – the public can expect some brands to look again at how they communicate their marketing. It’s okay to make money, but exploitation is being recognised as more than about who makes the products, it’s also about who you’re targeting. So now, not only do businesses have to be green, socially responsible and trade fairly – they now need to be morally responsible as well. It’s yet another yard stick upon which we may judge a business or product’s credibility and thus buying power. This is certainly the case for businesses that trade on other shores where different
moral rules may apply. One might also ask the question – who’s morals? When Google acquiesced to China’s censorship demands of its search results it was accused of conveniently forgetting human rights, but after moving operations to Hong Kong to escape the censorship was then accused of imposing its values on China. Who’s right? It’s all getting science fiction here – but how does this apply to our local area? The point of addressing these issues here is that it is more than likely that recent events will change our expectations of business and its message. It would therefore be sensible for businesses to consider this. If we want consumers to buy our products, they might well expect us to have some morals. This is an opportunity for brands to send out positive messages about their values and build positive images about their business.
Clare Quartermaine is director of QT Creative
Judges find the clear winner A GLAZING company has time to reflect on its latest success. Novaglaze Gardner & Newton Ltd is the latest winner of the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award in recognition of a string of successes. Gardner & Newton started bending glass in 1836. In 2006, after 170 years in the industry, the company joined forces with another leading curved glass manufacturer, Novaglaze, based in Huddersfield and relocated to a 46,000sq ft factory in Lockwood. Now, NGN offers its clients a wide range of products and services and is continually investing in new machinery to keep more work in-house. The firm recently commissioned a second state-of-the-art bending and toughening furnace resulting in orders being completed to the highest standard and with the shortest possible lead times. Such financial investment has enabled NGN to establish itself as a leading provider across the region and nationally. Contracts include ones to manufacture and supply new curved glazing panels for the famous London Eye. In addition, the company has developed links with Huddersfield University by project working with the surface design department of design and employing a number of local graduates. Despite the slump in the construction market, NGN has a strategy to continue to
Page 5
■ WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: Deborah Melluish (third right), of Eatom Smith, presents the award to Gary Smith (second right) and Peter Farley (right), of Novaglaze Gardner & Newton, watched by (from left) Kathryn Shuttleworth, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Kevin Newson, of Yorkshire Bank; Jason Metcalfe, of Hanson Chartered Surveyors; and Peter Ransom, of Business Link meet its clients’ demands through further investment, growth and expansion plans. NGN director Gary Smith said: “In these extremely challenging times, the company has expanded its range and through a major training programme ensured we grow both customers and the business, too.”
The Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award, which is run in association with the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Yorkshire. Go to www.eatonsmith.co.uk or contact Ian Greenwood on 01484 821389.
Firm’s told not to forget the filing SMALL firms across Kirklees have been urged not to neglect their Companies House filing responsibilities after figures were released showing that more than £90m of fines had been issued in just 12 months. The fines were levied against firms filing company accounts late. But fines can also be issued for late delivery of annual returns. Annual returns are designed to gather a snapshot of company information including company secretary and directors, registered office address, shareholders and share capital. If documents are delivered late, Companies House also has the power to prosecute company directors and secretaries and even remove companies from the Register, in which case, the company assets become the property of the Crown. Nick Brook, of TaxAssist Accountants in Lockwood, said: “With the deadlines and demands of filing with HMRC, too often Companies House filing is overlooked or even forgotten until it is too late. “In these challenging times, businesses need to be using their cash and resources effectively, rather than incurring late filing penalties – especially given that Companies House can now levy eye-watering penalties of up to £3,000 for late filing of accounts.” During the year to March 31, 2011, Companies House prosecuted and convicted 1,904 directors for failure to file either an annual return or set of accounts on time with Companies House.
Making friends with Hong Kong HONG Kong as a gateway to the Asia market will be the topic of a seminar to be staged in West Yorkshire this month. Batley-based China Connections has joined forces with organisations including the Hong Kong trade Development Council and the British Chambers of Commerce to promote the event, Hong Kong – Your partner for Sourcing and Marketing in Asia. Speakers at the event, which takes place at 2pm on Wednesday, September 14, at the Hilton in Leeds, include Raymond Yip, assistant director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Brig Christopher Hammerbeck, executive director of the BCC in Hong Kong; and Josh Wong, partner at DLA Piper. A spokeswoman said: “This seminar will provide practical advice on how to access the Asian market through Hong Kong, with a special emphasis on the Chinese mainland. “Case studies will be shared by our speakers from Hong Kong and the UK that will provide insights on how to grasp the significant business opportunities in the Asian region.” In addition to the speakers, Hong Kong services providers from several sectors, including legal, accounting, consulting and logistics services, will offer free business consultations on doing business in Asia. Go to www.thinkasiathinkhk.com
local
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS Green light for alliance A LAW firm in Huddersfield has made a public commitment to slashing its CO2 emissions. Ridley & Hall has agreed to adopt and pursue challenging emissions reduction targets – and encourage others in the legal sector to follow suit. The implementation of targets has been agreed by the 20 executive members of the Legal Sector Alliance, an inclusive movement of law firms and organisations committed to working together to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt environmentally sustainable practices. LSA members have calculated their organisation’s carbon footprint according to a measuring system designed for the LSA. Ridley & Hall is now urging other law practices across the town to join the initiative by hosting a Legal Sector Alliance Huddersfield Environment Forum from 4.30pm to 6pm on Wednesday, September 21, at the firm’s offices in Queen’s House, Market Street. The free event will cover energy and cost-saving advice, case studies from Ridley & Hall’s environmental initiatives, information about the benefits of collaboration and networking.
Page 6
Dean’s message for entrepreneurs HUDDERSFIELD Town chairman Dean Hoyle is a man with a message for business. Now the founder of Card Factory will offer delegates in a question and answer session at this year’s Kirklees Business Conference a forthright insight into how he set up, grew and sold his business – and what it’s like to own the football club he has supported man and boy. Together with wife Janet, Dean set up greetings card retailer Card Factory in 1997 and built a business empire consisting of more than 500 shops nationwide – an achievement that saw him named Ernst & Young North and Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year in June, 2009. Dean became chairman of Huddersfield Town that same month, having joined the board of directors as chairman-elect in April, 2008. In March last year he became sole owner of Huddersfield Town and on April 8, 2010, Card Factory was sold to private equity group Charterhouse. Danny Matharu, event director of KBC said: “Dean is a true entrepreneur, an icon of enterprise and a real Kirklees champion who started
his business with very little and grafted his way to achieve astonishing success. “This Q&A format will allow for a more interactive seminar and allow Dean to share the secrets of his success in a two-way format. “For me, Dean is a real modern-day national business leader. After creating a business empire and selling it, he continues to support our local economy when he could have easily retired and led the easy life. This really is a one off opportunity to pick the brains of our district’s best.” Dean said: “Kirklees Business Conference is our district’s flagship business event and I’m proud to have been asked to participate and impart my knowledge to the local business community. “KBC is key to the success of the Kirklees economy as it encourages local businesses to open up closer trade links with each other.” KBC takes place on Thursday, September 29, at the Galpharm Stadium. For more information and to book your free tickets, visit www.kirkleesbusinessconference .co.uk
■ TOWN TALK: Dean Hoyle (left), chairman of Huddersfield Town, with Danny Matharu, organiser of the Kirklees Business Conference
Bank makes energetic efforts for farming sector FARMERS across Kirklees have been given a powerful reason to invest in renewable energy. Barclays has launched a £100m fund for UK farmers investing in renewable energy and generate new income. New figures released by the bank reveal that 37% of the UK's farmers are expecting to invest in renewable energy – with the majority doing so within the next year. Farmers are further expecting the investment to generate returns averaging £25,000 a year. The fund has been developed with sector specialists, including National Farmers Union. The fund is available for solar, wind, and hydro projects in the UK – with Barclays including projected feed-in-tariffs (FIT) when assessing each loan. “For farmers investing makes sense,” said Martin Redfearn (pictured), head of agriculture at Barclays Business. “It’s good for the environment, but for the majority it’s about good business. “Over the years, farmers have struggled with low commodity prices and increasing costs, and Barclays
has already supported many farmers as they seek new ways of making money. “Renewable energy production offers farmers a further opportunity to develop their businesses and add to their traditionally vital roles of producing food and managing the countryside. “What farmers see is a win-win – lower costs and increased income –
and the majority expect the investment to pay for itself in under 10 years, meaning they are looking forward to many further years of lower energy costs and a potentially new income as they sell energy back to the grid.” Four out of five farmers questioned in the bank survey said they recognised that renewable energy could provide significant cost savings – with 60% of the 300 people polled expecting it to generate additional income for their business. In the medium term, increased investment in renewable energy appears even more likely, with Barclays predicting the costs of wind and solar projects to fall by up to 50% in the next three to five years. The new fund will support the government’s recent commitment for the UK to generate 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. For more information on Barclays renewable energy fund, contact Barclays’ relationship managers or go to the Dairy Event and Livestock Show website www.dairyevent.co.uk
property
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Mirfield land up for auction
BRITISH Waterways is hoping to sell surplus land at Mirfield at a forthcoming property auction. The vacant parcel of land, comprising more than an acre, is alongside Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, and has a guide price of £15,000 to £20,000. It is among more than 200 lots scheduled to come under the hammer at a two-day sale by auctioneer Eddisons later this month. Among other lots, a vacant detached three-storey building at High Road, Dewsbury, which has planning consent for conversion into six apartments has a guide price of £35,000-plus and is offered on the instructions of the LPA receivers. Residential stock coming under the hammer includes a vacant, part fire-damaged inner terrace house on Bankfield Road, Huddersfield. The property is currently arranged as six bedsits and is in need of complete
repair and refurbishment. The guide price is £50,000 plus. The sale takes place on September 13 at the Premier Inn, Trafford Park, Manchester and on September 15 at Leeds United FC, Elland Road, Leeds. Both sales start at 12.30pm. The 202 lots include tenanted and vacant commercial and residential property, development sites and parcels of land, some of which have
declared nil reserves. Eddisons said the auction market in the first half of 2011 had been “brisk” with all sales attracting large attendances and much of the stock being in demand. The firm report that in the 10 sales between February and July, total proceeds generated were £43.7m. At the most recent sales in June and July, 245 of the 326 lots offered were sold – a success rate of 75% – generating proceeds of more than £18.2m. Tony Webber, of Eddisons, said: “Throughout the first half of the year, we have seen consistently high attendances at our auctions. “With traditional investment vehicles continuing to under perform, it is clear investors are once again turning to auctions on the look out for well-priced property which will provide strong rental returns or longer term capital growth.”
Success for Somersbury Court
■ WINNING LOOKS: Conroy Brook’s Somersbury Court development
AN award-winning property developer is set to round off a successful 2011. Brockholes-based Conroy Brook said its Somersbury Court apartment development at Almondbury had continued to sell at a steady pace over the past two years – with the pace picking up in the past eight months as the company recorded twice as many sales as in 2010. Now the company is staging a special open weekend on Saturday and Sunday in a bid to showcase the remaining few apartments remaining at the 30-apartment complex. Somersbury Court was named best designed apartment building in the UK at the 2010 Housebuilder of the Year Awards. Conroy Brook was also named overall winner of the Housebuilder of the Year for the small or medium development category. The two-bedroom luxury apartments, which start from £144,950, have been craftsman built in natural stone, with curved glass balconies, spectacular views and high quality fixtures and fittings. Somersbury Court is set in fully landscaped gardens featuring an imposing sculpted stainless steel water feature. There is also a summer house in the grounds of the development for the use of residents.
Page 7
Lateral thinking pays off for DTZ Yorkshire team PROPERTY agency DTZ has sold a Leeds city centre office investment for £24.25m. The agency was acting on behalf of receivers Bryn Williams and Philip Glenn, who were appointed by Lehman Brothers on behalf of Oregan Financial Trust Services Ltd. The asset was sold to German fund manager RREFF. DTZ’s Leeds and London investment teams were appointed by the receivers to sell the property, which totals almost
97,000sq ft. Built in 2005, the asset is currently let by way of two leases to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The property provides a total
rent roll in excess of £2m a year. James Lawlor (pictured), associate director with DTZ in Leeds, said: “Although the regional commercial property investment markets remain challenging, the disposal of Lateral highlights that demand does exist from a number of different purchasers for the correct product. “It represents one of the most significant office investment transactions in the region in 2011.”
Refurbishment work proves just the ticket A WEST Yorkshire construction company has completed work to refurbish a bus depot. GMI Construction, which is contracted to build Kirklees College’s new engineering centre at St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield, has completed the £6m project for First Bus in Wigan. Work to the previously redundant site on Lockett Road started in January. The completed project was handed over at a ceremony which also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by North Western Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell. The refurbishment has provided a state-of-the art maintenance facility, featuring the latest in safety equipment and environmentally-friendly systems as well as a modern bus wash which is designed to limit the amount of water
needed to keep First buses clean. The development also included refurbishing the existing administration block to provide a new mess room, drivers’ rest area, toilets, locker rooms and offices. A new learner centre allows staff to take qualifications in a range of subjects when off-duty. More than 300 of First’s staff will be based at the site, which will house and maintain up to 120 buses. Paul Whitaker, commercial director at Leeds-based GMI, who has been involved in the project, said: “The site has undergone a considerable transformation. “It is heartening to know that the wider communities of Wigan will benefit from the new facilities as it also incorporates an educational centre to boost skills development with staff.”
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • AGENTS • CONSULTANT • ADVISOR
TRAFALGAR MILLS • LEEDS ROAD • HUDDERSFIELD • HD2 1YY
Broadfield Mills, Lockwood, Huddersfield Industrial unit to let 9,000 square feet Good yard area and ample parking
Trafalgar Mills, Leeds Road, Huddersfield 1st and 2nd floor offices to let up to 4,376 square feet Main road location Contact: Paul Andrew Walker Singleton 01484 477600 Christine Eccleston MB Services 01484 557102
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Birthday offer is guaranteed!
Andy Lee, Lynne Noble & Andrew Voice
Wilby Ltd CHARTERED insurance broker Wilby Ltd has appointed three new members of staff (pictured above). Andy Lee (left) joins from Towergate as an account executive. He has experience in dealing with many aspects of insurance, including commercial insurance. Lynne Noble joins Halifax-based Wilby from another national broker, Marsh Insurance Brokers, where she worked as an account executive. She has been in the industry for more than 25 years. Also joining from Marsh is Andrew Voice, a chartered loss adjuster with more than 19 years experience. Richard Blackburn, managing director of Wilby Ltd, said: “We are delighted at the level of talent we have added to our team. We believe their experience and expertise will be invaluable to the company and will add to the already impressive level of service our clients receive.”
Sue Douthwaite
Santander
AN outplacement specialist with a Huddersfield man at the helm is celebrating its 10th anniversary – with a present for people facing redundancy. Connect, headed by founder Richard Tadman, offers outplacement services to companies across the UK who are making redundancies. The agency’s consultants offer employees support in areas such as dealing with the loss of their job, identifying new career paths, CV writing and interview techniques – giving them the best possible chance of finding employment again. At the company's celebratory m e e t i n g , M r Ta d m a n announced the launch of The Connect Guarantee – a pledge to provide candidates with help until they are resettled by finding a job or starting their own business. It is believed to be the first guarantee of its kind in the outplacement industry where,
traditionally, companies are sold a fixed number of sessions, or credits for their employees to spend on different services. “Most outplacement companies work with candidates for as long as the contract requires,” said Mr Tadman. “We will continue to work with candidates until they are resettled. It’s a first for the industry and seems to have chimed with people.” He said: “Firms which look after their staff when they need to make cuts can maintain their public image and uphold morale in the workplace among the remaining employees, who c o u l d o t h e r w i s e b e d i sheartened at losing their colleagues and having to pick up ■ CAKE WALK: Richard Tadman (front left) and co-director and their workload. “Sometimes redundancies Phil Griffiths (right) join their consultancy team in celebrating the are unavoidable. Companies business' 10th anniversary that treat employees well at Connect, launched in 2001, Legal & General, Dunhill, Wilthese difficult times are most likely to rebuild healthily in the has helped national and mul- liam Hill, Royal Liver and the tinational companies, including Learning and Skills Council. future.”
Hat-trick for Town fans
SANTANDER Corporate Banking has appointed Sue Douthwaite to the role of divisional managing director for the North of England. Ms Douthwaite (pictured) joins Santander from the Royal Bank of Scotland, where she was the regional corporate banking director for Yorkshire and the North-East. In her new role, she will lead a team of corporate and commercial banking experts in Leeds, Manchester and elsewhere in the region. She has more than 25 years banking experience, much of that time in corporate banking in leadership, management and marketing roles.
Shaun Watts
Welcome to Yorkshire
TOURISM group Welcome to Yorkshire has appointed businessman Shaun Watts as non-executive director. Mr Watts (pictured) hails from Hull and runs his own firm, Chameleon Business Interiors, which was launched in 1998 and has offices in York and Hull. A former president of Leeds York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, he is a board member of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. He said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Welcome to Yorkshire’s members and partners and hope to have a direct impact on the fortunes of the county’s tourism industry.”
■ TEAM SHEET: Town commercial director Sean Jarvis (right) and commercial manager Tracy Nelson with Grant Thornton partner Ian Marwood in the club’s new Heritage Suite FINANCIAL and business adviser Grant Thornton has scored a hat-trick with Huddersfield Town. The company is supporting the club for the third year running – having first pledged its support as one of Town’s main partners ever since businessman Dean Hoyle become chairman and rebranded Town as the “Yorkshire Club”. Grant Thornton has backed the club since 2009 as recognition of the way Town has nurtured links with supporters and organisations across the country. More recently, Grant Thornton has supported the Huddersfield Town Enterprise Academy. Its backing throughout the 2010/11 season helped make the academy a focal point for businesses in the Yorkshire region for
practice and networking. Three meetings were held throughout the season, including one at Pontefract racecourse. Grant Thornton has offices in 27 locations nationwide. The firm is part of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading organisations of independently-owned and managed accounting and consulting firms. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “We are delighted to announce that one of our main club partners Grant Thornton is going to continue their excellent support of Huddersfield Town for a further year.” Grant Thornton partner Ian Marwood said: “Our association with Huddersfield Town is something we are very proud of – with the whole ethos and atmosphere of the club reflecting
Verity awaits awards verdict A PUBLIC relations company headed by Gomersal woman Suzanne Johns has reason to celebrate. Verity Hudson, 28, senior account manager at Approach PR, has been shortlisted for the category of Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year in the 2010 PRide Awards run by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Verity (pictured) will compete against the region’s brightest PR practitioners for the award, which will be presented at a ceremony in November. Approach PR, which is celebrating 10 years in business, has also been shortlisted in the awards for Best Campaign Under £10k and Best Use of Social Media for its work with Halifax-based Rev Ray Biddiss and his Triumph motorcycle hearse. Verity joined the company in 2007 before Approach PR grew out of its Cleckheaton premises and moved to its current site in Bradford. She has played a key role in campaigns for sectors including interiors, health, charity, hospitality and manufacturing. She has also developed the agency’s digital PR provision, became a PR trainer and transformed the company website with a ten-fold increase in traffic. Approach has previously won a total of 14 industry awards, including gold for best use of media relations, gold for corporate and business communications and silver for its charity and not-for-profit campaign.