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PHILIP STEPHENSON Optimism for exports
-3.70 5662.43
Column - Page 4
NEIL WILSON Is it okay to talk? Column - Page 5
An EXAMINER publication
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS The business NEWSpaper for Kirklees
Road safety drive in charity link-up A COMPANY providing roadside services and incident management has pledged its support to a charity campaigning for road safety. Huddersfield-based FMG has become a corporate sponsor of national charity Brake, which also has its headquarters in Huddersfield. FMG said it was committed to reducing the frequency and impact of incidents and using its industry experience, market intelligence and bespoke technology systems to find ways to help fleet managers implement efficiency and driver safety improvements. The company said such action could result in increased fleet profitability and business effectiveness as well as better driving and safer roads. FMG chief executive officer John Catling said: “Our objective is to keep drivers as safe as possible and help businesses manage driver risk by working in partnership with our clients to prevent incidents, not just manage them when they do happen. “We want to change perceptions about our industry. “We don’t simply deal with incidents and make money from clearing up the mess. We’re a strategic partner, com-
mitted to incident prevention and smarter, safer journeys.” In its role as first National Vehicle Recovery Manager for the Highways Agency, FMG provides a single point of contact for Highways Agency traffic officers needing to get broken down, damaged or abandoned vehicles removed from 5,000 miles of England’s strategic road network. Said Mr Catling: “Working with the Highways Agency and our recovery partners, we are helping maintain a safer road network, where there is less disruption following an incident. “But we’re also doing what we can to ensure the incidents don’t happen in the first place through our work with fleet managers.” The company was shortlisted for the Risk Management Award in this year’s British Insurance Awards for its intelligent monitoring and reporting system, Ingenium Dynamics – which world-leading transport research experts have found to be a highly effective way to manage driver risk. Ingenium Dynamics improves driver behaviour and makes it easier to identify, manage and remove risk. FMG’s fleet clients are seeing a 25-80% reduction in claims, while loss
■ WARNING: Helen Straw, managing director of The Personnel Partnership
Golf day on course KIRKLEES business people are being urged to get their golfing gear together and help raise cash for charity. Meltham Golf Club will host an exclusive golf day on Thursday, August 23, in aid of Kirkwood Hospice’s Capital Appeal. The fun-filled day out is the idea of Capital Appeal marketing committee member Liz Boardall, of Armitage Sykes Solicitors in Huddersfield.
● Full story - Page 8
■ SAFE HANDS: John Catling, of FMG with Martin Howarth from ‘Brake, outside FMG's headquarters in Huddersfield
ratios for a young drivers’ insurance scheme using it have been reduced to 40%. Martin Howard, spokesman at Brake, said: "We are delighted to be working with FMG, an organisation which is passionate about keeping drivers safe on the roads. “By sponsoring Target Zero – Brake's subscriber e-bulletin – FMG is
helping to ensure that organisations of all sizes can access cutting-edge road safety research and initiatives from across the globe. About a third of road deaths involve someone driving for work purposes. This service is invaluable in helping fleet professionals keep up to date with best practice and ensure employee safety whilst driving for work.”
Employers must get ahead of the game KIRKLEES employers are being urged to plan for unauthorised staff absences when the Olympics gets under way. Honley businesswoman Helen Straw warned that staffing levels could be a challenge for some businesses. Helen, managing director of The Personnel Partnership, said: “Maintaining an adequate staff presence throughout the Olympics may prove to be a challenge for some businesses. “As an employer, you need to think ahead of the game in all respects and decide how you are going to manage staff attendance during this period.” She urged businesses to set specific rules and procedures during the Games period and develop a “robust” attendance management policy – including a notification procedure so employees know what
INSIDE
to do if they are sick and can’t come to work, who they need to contact, what time they need to make contact by and what they need to tell their boss. She said: “The line manager needs to ask more probing and appropriate questions about the person’s absence. They should also have readily available information for effective monitoring of the situation and identifying absence patterns.” Helen also recommended the use of “trigger points” to activate a more formal process if absence rates become unacceptable. She said: “Make sure that you give advance warning to employees that unauthorised absences without a good reason and sickness absences that do not appear to be genuine will be dealt with under the your disciplinary procedure.
“By the same token, discuss with your employees how you can manage their expectations in terms of time off to watch popular events. “For example, you could say that any holiday requests over the Olympic Games period will be granted on a ‘first come first served’ basis or allocated by lottery. “You could also allow those employees who are volunteers to take special leave – either paid or unpaid – and work extra days later in the year to make up the time. “You might also consider how you might be able to facilitate event watching at work. The key is to communicate with and engage employees. This all leads to higher levels of motivation which results in less absence.”
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Beauty business A BATLEY woman has turned her back on the search for a job to set up her own business from home. Maryam Allad looked to self-employment as a way to pursue her dream of becoming a beautician after finishing with top marks in beauty therapy at Kirklees College. Now she is running Elegant Beauty UK after gaining support from a Government enterprise scheme.
● Full story - Page 5
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
national
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Astra boss waives right to bonus pay THE former boss of pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca has waived his entitlement to a 2012 annual bonus and has been denied performance-related share awards for the last two years, it has emerged. Astra chief executive David Brennan stepped down in June after slashing full-year profit hopes and failing to tackle a shortage of blockbuster drugs as patents expire. The FTSE 100 Index firm said Mr Brennan, who was with Astra for 36 years, will receive 11 months’ salary worth £914,122 and will retain shares awarded in 2010 worth £1.5m. But he has waived any bonus entitlement for the portion of 2012 in which he worked for the group, while share awards made to Mr Brennan in 2011 and 2012 will be forfeited. Mr Brennan has amassed a pension pot worth £14m, according to the group’s annual report, and could still
receive further share awards from previous years. He was one of a number of chief executives this year to succumb to shareholder pressure to step down, along with Aviva’s Andrew Moss. Astra’s shares fell by about 6% between the time Mr Brennan took charge in 2006 and his departure last month. The UK’s second biggest drugs maker has struggled in recent months after it lost patent cover on antipsychotic drug Seroquel and tests on ovarian cancer drug Olaparib proved it to be ineffective. Results for the first three months of the year blamed a “loss of exclusivity” for a 38% drop in pre-tax profits to £1.3bn. The group subsequently lowered its target for full-year earnings per share. The group’s shares closed yesterday up 3.5p pr 1% higher at 2940p.
■ PENSION: Former Astra chief David Brennan still has a pension pot worth £14m, according to the group’s annual report
Small firms lead the way
Sage hit by eurozone worries A SOFTWARE firm whose accountancy, retail and payroll products are used by 6m customers worldwide admitted to tougher trading in Europe. Newcastle-based Sage said its hopes of a return to growth in Europe were dashed as the region’s economic crisis continues to rage, offsetting stronger demand from small and medium-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. Trading across the group was in line with expectations over the third quarter between April and June, but shares fell yesterday because of its cautious comments on Europe, which accounts for around a third of
Crisis for innovation
group profits. Sage said: “The UK and Ireland business demonstra ted good growth although conditions in mainl a n d E u ro p e a n m a r ke t s h ave toughened. “Overall performance in Europe has been flat and the anticipated improvement in growth over the first half has not yet materialised.” Numis Securities said it would cut its forecasts by between 1% and 2%, adding that France and Germany may have joined Spain in becoming tougher markets. Chief executive Guy Berruyer said Sage remained cautious on the outlook for Europe.
SMALLER firms led a reduction in business failures during June, according to a report today. The latest Business Insolvency Index from global information service Experian showed that 0.08% of UK businesses failed last month compared with 0.09% in the previous month and in June last year. Some 1,650 businesses became insolvent in June, 2012, compared to 1,841 in May, 2012, and 1,783 in June, 2011. Firms with one to 100 employees were the only group to see improvements in their insolvency rates – with the biggest rise coming specifically
from SMEs with 51 to 100 employees where the figure fell to 0.12% from 0.19% a year ago. Businesses with 101 to 500 employees saw an increase in the rate of insolvencies compared to June, 2011 – at 0.16% against 0.08%. Firms with more than 500 employees saw an increase in insolvency rate from 0.12% in June last year to 0.15% in June this year. Experian director Max Firth said: “Although the overall figures for June show a fairly stable environment led by smaller firms, the higher insolvency rate at the top end will have an impact on the supply chain.”
THE UK economy has experienced a “lost decade” of innovation, according to an independent research fund. Investment in new products and ideas has fallen by £24bn since the recession hit in 2008 and has not recovered, according to the report by Nesta – National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. The charity said the study showed that businesses had a “crisis of confidence in the 2000s, prioritising cash and concrete over investment in innovation”. It also highlighted a “deep-rooted crisis” in innovation investment. After rising steadily from 1990 to 2000, investment fell by 7% or £7.4bn between 2008 and 2009, according to Nesta’s Innovation Index, compiled following a survey of 1,200 businesses. It then dropped a further 14% or £17bn from 2009 to 2011. Geoff Mulgan, Nesta’s chief executive, said: “Everyone agrees that innovation is the only route to long term growth. “The concern is that today’s report and Investment Index show that investment in the future didn’t just fall during the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis, but also continued falling as the economy appeared to stabilise.” He added: “Other countries are making investment in innovation a top priority and the UK cannot afford not to do the same.”
SHARE PRICES NORTH AMERICAN American Express £37.49 +0.45 Gannett 943.28 +28.14 Hess Corp £27.50 -0.19 Microsoft 1887.83 +8.31 Motors Liquidation 47.96 Wal-Mart Stores £46.79 -0.01 AEROSPACE & DEFENCE Avon Rbbr 304 +4 BAE Systems 308 +15/8 Rolls-Royce 870 -6 AIM Brady Plc 841/2 Dawson Intl 11/8 Man Brnze 271/4 +5/8 AUTOMOBILES & PARTS GKN 2123/8 +1 BANKS Barclays 1573/4 -41/2 HSBC 5563/4 -31/4 Lloyds Banking Gp 297/8 -1/4 1 Ryl Scotland 204 /2 -17/8 Stan Chart 1470 -4 BEVERAGES Diageo 1672 -7 SABMiller £265/8 -1/8 CHEMICALS Croda £225/8 Elementis 98 1803/4 -21/2 Johnsn Mat £211/4 -1/8 CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS Balfour Beatty 2975/8 +71/4
211 -13/4 ELECTRICITY Drax Gp 573 +61/2 SSE 1430 +22 ELECTRONIC & ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Laird 1791/2 +21/2 EQUITY INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS Alliance Trust 3571/8 -1/2 FIXED LINE TELECOM SERVICES BT Grp 2217/8 -3/8 Cable & Wireless 323/4 +3/4 Comm Cable & Wireless 38 Wwide Colt Group 1243/4 -1/4 KCOM 76 +13/4 1 Talktalk Telecom 190 /4 -1/4 FOOD & DRUG RETAILERS Morrison W 2711/4 +17/8 Sainsbury 3133/8 +13/4 Tesco 317 +31/4 FOOD PRODUCERS AB Food 1285 -4 -1/2 Tate Lyle 6711/2 1 Unilever £21 /2 GAS, WATER & MULTIUTILITIES Centrica 3261/8 +23/8 National Grid 6821/2 -101/2 Pennon Grp 788 +61/2 Severn 1725 +19 United Utils 697 +121/2 GENERAL FINANCIAL Costain
3i Group 2013/4 +33/4 ICAP 3121/2 +25/8 London StockExch 1018 -8 Man Group 681/8 Provident Financial 1213 -5 Schroders 1336 +22 Schroders NV 1050 +3 GENERAL INDUSTRIALS Cooksn Grp 590 +6 REXAM 4333/4 +33/4 Smiths Grp 1052 +15 GENERAL RETAILERS Ashley L 213/8 +1/8 Carphone Whse 1311/2 -2 Dixons Retail 163/8 -3/8 Home Retail 803/8 -13/8 Inchcape 3573/4 +41/2 Kingfisher 2715/8 +3 M&S 3203/4 +41/4 Mothercare 2023/4 +101/2 Next £32 +1/8 WH Smith 5521/2 +21/2 HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES Smith Nph 6541/2 +2 HOUSEHOLD GOODS Aga Rangemaster 691/2 +1/2 Barrat Dev 1381/4 -11/8 Persimmon 648 +13 Reckitt Benckiser £351/2 +1/8 7 Taylor Wimpey 46 /8 INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING IMI 7981/2 +51/2 INDUSTRIAL METALS
Ferrexpo 2003/8 -10 INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORTATION BBA Aviation 1893/4 -1/4 LIFE INSURANCE Aviva 2961/4 +31/4 Lgl & Gen 1297/8 +1/2 Old Mutual 1581/4 +21/8 Prudential 762 +6 Resolution 2181/4 +57/8 Standard Life 2371/8 +13/4 MEDIA BSkyB 6881/2 -51/2 D Mail Tst 4441/4 +41/4 ITV 75 Johnston Press 53/8 +3/8 Pearson 1264 -10 Reed Elsevier 534 -1/2 STV Group 91 Trinity Mirror 28 +3/4 Utd Business 624 +151/2 UTV 141 -11/2 WPP 786 -11 Yell Group 15/8 -1/8 MINING Anglo American £201/4 -1/4 Antofagasta 1069 -2 BHP Billiton 1795 -101/2 7 Eurasian Natural 402 /8 -57/8 Res Fresnillo 1423 -21 Kazakhmys 7271/2 -161/2 1 Lonmin 707 /2 -51/2 Rio Tinto £297/8 -3/8 1 VEDANTA 897 /2 -17 RESOURCES
Local shares Carclo Marshalls National Grid Weir Gp
430 81 6821/2 1525
-10 +1 -101/2 -9
closed at at FTSE closed
5662.43 Down 3.70 -35/8 Xstrata 8431/4 MOBILE TELECOM SERVICES Inmarsat 4781/8 -1/4 Vodafone Group 1831/4 +1/2 NONLIFE INSURANCE Admiral Grp 1176 -7 RSA Insurance Gp 1091/2 +1/4 OIL & GAS PRODUCERS BG 1292 -8 BP 4411/2 +33/8 Cairn Energy 2747/8 -11/8 Royal Dutch Shell A £221/8 +1/8 Royal Dutch Shell B £23 +1/8 1 Total £28 /4 Tullow Oil 1386 -47
AMEC 1065 +5 Petrofac 1453 +8 Wood Gp(J) 7441/2 -31/2 PERSONAL GOODS Burberry Gp 1207 -22 PHARMACEUTICALS & BIOTECHNOLOGY Astrazeneca £293/8 GlaxoSmithK 6 Shire 1868 -10 REAL ESTATE Brit Land 5331/2 +8 Captl Shop Cent 3297/8 +33/8 3 Hamrsn 464 /8 +71/4 Land Secs 783 +61/2 1 SEGRO 239 /4 +41/4 SOFTWARE ETC SERVICES Invensys 2391/8 +13/8 Logica 1045/8 -1/4 Sage Group 276 -9 SUPPORT SERVICES Berendsen 505 +1/2 Bunzl 1083 +9 Capita 6931/2 +5 De La Rue 1006 +7 Electrocomp 2083/4 -33/4 Experian 932 G4S 2545/8 -241/8 Hays 683/4 +13/4 Homeserve 167 +1 Menzies J 612 +6 Rentokil 743/4 -1/8 Smiths News 105 +31/2 Wolseley £231/4 IT HARDWARE
ARM Hldgs Psion Spirent Comms
4873/4 871/4 164
-3 -1/8 -21/2
TOBACCO Br Am Tob Imperial Tobacco
£333/4 £253/8
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
1031/2 £211/8 657 5561/2 61 200 1294 575 1507 160
-2 -1/8 +3 +8 +1/4 +101/4 +14 -1/2 +5 +41/4
158 2525/8 2241/4 118 2771/4 1693/4 £207/8
+2 -33/8 +43/4 -33/4 -11/2 +5/8
FTSE 100
INDEX 5662.43
-3.70
FTSE 250
INDEX 11075.26
+31.43
TOURIST RATES Tourists going abroad can expect the following rates for sterling: Australia...................... 1.44 dollars Bangladesh................. 120.00 taka Brazil.............................. 2.84 reals Canada....................... 1.50 dollars China ............................. 8.86 yuan Czech Republic ...... 29.64 korunas Denmark....................... 9.00 krone Euro............................... 1.21 euro Hong Kong................ 11.45 dollars Hungary................... 328.62 forints India.......................... 75.19 rupees Japan........................... 116.99 yen Mexico ....................... 18.41 pesos New Zealand .............. 1.82 dollars Norway ......................... 9.06 krone Pakistan.................. 138.47 rupees Philippines ................. 55.76 pesos South Africa................. 12.01 rand South Korea.............. 1554.00 won Sri Lanka ................ 195.94 rupees Sweden....................... 10.46 krona Switzerland.................. 1.45 francs Taiwan ...................... 40.73 dollars Turkey....................... 2.65 new lira USA ............................ 1.48 dollars
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
profile
Family firm on home ground THEY’RE running a family business – and building firm foundations. Now Sue Coates and her sons Jonathan and Matthew, of Lepton-based SW Property Management, are set to embark on another phase of expansion. Brighouse-born Sue, 50, set up the business while working full-time in a local estate agency office. “A landlord who was a friend of mine was getting fed up having to deal with his properties and tenants and asked if I would look after them for him,” she says. “Pretty soon I was looking after 20 properties and it was becoming unmanageable to do that and carry on with my full-time job. I worked on my own for about three years and the business grew on the back of recommendations and referrals. It became more than just helping out friends. “Eighteen months ago, I got to the stage where I was managing 50 properties on behalf of landlords and that’s when Jonathan and Matthew got involved.” Jonathan, 28, started working on a permanent part-time basis in January, 2011, and helped to push the business forward. He joined full-time in July last year. Matthew, 26, who is a self-employed personal trainer, devotes 12 hours a week to the business and helps deal with finances and accounts. As letting agents, SW Property Management handles everything from finding tenants and scouting potential properties for landlords to providing landlords with a full management service. Sue, a member of the Residential Landlords Association, says the business has grown at a time when would-be householders are finding it harder to raise the deposit for a mortgage. “More and more people are renting,” she says.
also becoming ‘accidental’ landlords who are deciding to rent out properties because they cannot sell them. These are people who have never been landlords before and need advice and support.” Says Sue: “A lot of people have gone into renting properties without understanding the implications. They expect to collect their rents every month on the dot for ever and ever. But tenants have their problems. Their circumstances can change through losing their job or getting divorced. We try to advise landlords about the worst-case scenario.” The company is based at the Coates’ home address in Sorbus Way. The arrangement means they have lower overheads than town centre lettings agencies and can be contacted seven days a week – hopefully enabling
any problems to be dealt with quickly. Jonathan attended Colne Valley High School and Greenhead College before studying sport at York St James’ University. “My dream was to become UK table tennis champion,” he says, “but it didn’t work out! I looked into teaching, but I didn’t think it was for me.” Matthew is kept busy with his work as a personal trainer and dealing with financial matters for the family business. His big claim to fame was playing bass with local band Smooth when it supported Bryan Adams at his Galpharm Stadium concert. Rock stardom wasn’t on the cards, but Matthew says: “I enjoy what I do and helping out the family business part-time.” Sue and Jonathan also attend networking groups. Jonathan is a member of the BNI Terriers, which
■ MUM AND SONS: Sue, Matthew (right) and Jonathan Coates, of SW Property Management
meets at Lockwood Park. “I’ve been promoted to treasurer-secretary,” he says. “It’s extra time out of my week, but it boosts my profile out there and I meet more people because of it. You build up trust with the other members and you help with referrals for each other. We have made some good contacts.” Sue worked in estate agency for eight years before setting up the business and before that had a varied career in office-based admin roles. As well as a good understanding of how the industry works, she is familiar with the property mix in the Huddersfield, Halifax, Mirfield, Brighouse and Wakefield areas. SW Property Management deals with landlords’ portfolios as diverse as one-bed apartments, two-bed terraced houses to four-bed detached houses and a beautiful barn conversion at Stainland. “Renting is growing in demand,” says Sue. “People are choosing to rent long-term. “Traditionally, people would rent while they raised the funds to buy their own home, but renting is the norm in many countries and it is becoming more common here.” Now the business is well-set for expansion. “The idea is to get a stable base in the area for residential lettings and move into commercial lettings and estate agency in the next 12 months– but to retain a small, friendly feeling. We don’t want to become too big and end up looking like everyone else.” The Coates still find time for their hobbies, however. Sue is a Huddersfield Town fan and has been a season ticket holder for the past 10 years. Her sons follow Huddersfield Giants – an arrangement that creates some friendly rivalry. Sue plays tennis at Marsden and enjoyed a trip to watch the stars at
Wimbledon during the second week of the championship. She also enjoys long distance walking with friends and recently completed half of the Thames Path route from Henley-on-Thames to the Cotswolds. Jonathan is a member of Paris Piscatorial Society and goes on fishing trips all over the country. Matthew, who has completed in several charity walks, is preparing for the Three Peaks Challenge later this year to raise funds for Kirkwood Hospice.
HENRYK ZIENTEK
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SW Property Management Work: Property management services Site: Lepton Phone: 01484 887799 Email: info@swproperty management.co.uk Web:www.swproperty management .co.uk
local
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Better connected A HUDDERSFIELD IT company has rebranded its business after nine years of sustained growth. Brighter Connections has sought to differentiate itself from the competition in the face of a challenging economic climate – by moving to new premises in Edgerton, recruiting new sales and technical professionals and implementing a new business model. Managing director Darren Stringer (pictured), who founded Brighter Connections in 2003, said: “Our success can largely be attributed to our philosophy of always placing the customer at the heart of our business and our desire to listen to – and act upon – the valuable feedback our customers have given us. “It is these principles combined with our constant desire to improve and an ‘obsession’ with providing value for our customers which have helped pave the way for the transition into an IT practice.” Mr Stringer said Brighter Connections aimed to bridge the gap between traditional IT product resellers and expensive “consultancy only” organisations by helping other aspirational companies to optimise their use of IT and maximise their profit potential by transforming IT from a cost centre into a profit engine. The new business model has also resulted in the launch of a new brand image and company website. Marketing director Claire Phillips said: “The change of image is by no means a superficial change. The new branding is the culmination of 12 months hard work, soul searching and real desire to move forward in order to develop Brighter Connections as a business and refine our offer.”
KIRKLEES BUSIN
Survey detects positive signs BANKER’S BLOG Philip Stephenson
ODAY’S business world is one characterTTheised by change and uncertainty. economic picture for many countries in
Europe remains difficult and, as a result, businesses from Kirklees could be finding themselves negotiating a difficult path. We believe now more than ever that it is the businesses looking beyond our shores to grow that are seeing the most success whilst also continuing to drive the UK’s road to recovery. Our latest Global Connections and Trade Confidence research highlights huge potential opportunities for businesses in our region as UK SMEs are forecast to increase international business activity by 66% over the next 15 years. In addition to this, the report predicts that demand for imports from emerging markets will grow faster than the level of exports they produce over the next five years. This will see emerging markets developing into more of a “consumer” market which is fantastic news for businesses that currently export or are looking for opportunities to expand into new markets. The report also suggests that UK exports are expected to exceed imports as they fulfil the
increased demand for goods and services from emerging markets. This will balance the trade deficit we’ve seen in previous years and hopefully help to trade the economy out of recession. HSBC’s Trade Confidence Index also highlights that 93% of UK businesses are feeling positive about the outlook for international trade volumes over the next six months, supporting the long term economic outlook. Confidence is at 105 on the trade confidence index overall, showing an improvement from 2011, despite the current Eurozone fragility. In Kirklees, we are also seeing an increasing number of our customers looking to do business outside of the UK’s traditional trade partners in Europe, and as UK trade is predicted to grow faster than previously suggested, certain sectors are likely to thrive with increased overseas demand, particularly from a skills and specialism perspective. So despite times of economic uncertainty and stories highlighting the challenges UK businesses face, it’s promising to see there is real optimism and opportunities for businesses that are willing to explore new markets, and at HSBC we look forward to supporting them.
Philip Stephenson is HSBC deputy area commercial director for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield
Club takes Direct way A COMPANY supplying household appliances will feature as the sponsor of Huddersfield Town’s brand new official club website as part of a new commercial partnership. The new agreement will also see Appliances Direct, based at Trident Business Park, Deighton, sponsor the bar at Town’s Canalside sports complex and appear on the club’s fixture cards for 2012/13. Town commercial director Sean Jarvis said: “We’re proud to carry the name of yet another Huddersfield-based business that is making a national impact on our new official club website. “Forgng strong and long-lasting relationships with both businesses and community right across our heartland is central to our plans.” He added: “The club has admired the BuyItDirect group for some time due to its impressive work on a national scale and we’ve worked long and hard to get them on board, so we’re delighted to have joined forces. “Their Appliances Direct wing is growing at a fantastic rate and our partnership will be a success for all of us.” Appliances Direct managing director Nick Glynne said: “I am delighted to be involved with the club. We have been in Huddersfield for 12 years and are proud to support our local team. “Like Town, we are moving up – we are well on the way to becoming the largest independent appliance seller in the UK.”
■ BLUE AND WHITE GOODS: Huddersfield Town’s commercial director Sean Jarvis (left) and advertising manager Mark Jacobs (right) are pictured with Appliances Direct’s managing director Nick Glynne at its huge showroom on Leeds Road, Huddersfield Appliances Direct is the specialist appliance division of the BuyItDirect Group. BuyItDirect has an annual turnover in excess of £100m and employs more than 150 staff.
Looking for future leaders
A NEW academy has been set up to help develop Yorkshire’s business leaders of the future. The Dale Carnegie Academy has been launched by training body Dale Carnegie’s Northern England team. The academy will bring all the elements of Dale Carnegie’s training services together into one package, so that businesses can develop their talented people over a period of time with programmes, feedback and one to one mentoring which are credible and practical. Mark Fitzmaurice, director at Dale Carnegie, said: “Through our daily conversations with businesses across the region it has become evident in today’s tough and competitive market that employers do not want to run the risk of their employees with high potential leaving, as th cost implications to the bottom line and of recruiting are so high “The academy was born to offer businesses an inspiring, engaging and effective way to develop and retain key people of the future.” Contact Linda Parkes on 0845 658 2288 or visit www.northernengland. dalecarnegie.co.uk
Networking opportunity
A NETWORKING group in Huddersfield is offering business people a rare chance to join its ranks. One of the Huddersfield groups of Business Network International has generated mor than £250,000 in business for its members in the past six months and is celebrating it's first birthday as a BNI group since its launch at the start of August last year. Using the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, as a venue for its weekly meetings it is now starting a recruitment drive to give more local businesses the chance to grab a share of that trade. BNI Cream group director Kirt Nandakumar said: “In these tough economic times, there must be many people out there i Huddersfield and Halifax who would like more business. “As we begin our second year fo the group, we are looking for more like-minded business people to join us.” The group meets every Thursday morning at the Cedar Court Hotel. Only one person per professional category is allowed to join at any one time. To find out more, call 07837 067904 or email info@kmechuddssouth.co.uk
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Time for a quiet word
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EMPLOYER’S BRIEF Neil Wilson
S part of the Government’s ongoA ing review of employment law, it had previously been suggested that
“protected conversations” would be introduced. The theory was that employers would be able to hold discussions with an employee on an “off the record” basis with the hope of concluding the employment of that employee. It is now formally proposed that protected conversations are introduced into employment law, but to a much more limited extent than originally anticipated. The proposal is that protected conversations will only relate to an unfair dismissal claim, so a tribunal will not be entitled to take into account the contents of any such conversation when determining whether a dismissal is unfair or not. However, it is made clear that the rules will not apply to discrimination cases, breach of contract claims or any of the automatic unfair dismissal situations, such as whistleblowing. Furthermore, the rules on protected conversations will not apply where the behaviour of the employer has been “improper”. It is expected that there will be a wealth of case law on what amounts to improper behaviour in due course but the legislation appears to try to limit the ability of the employer to hold a discussion which is not a genuine attempt to settle a dispute. The bill which the above proposals are contained in is being scrutinised by the Parliamentary Committee currently and further news is expected shortly.
Elsewhere, there has been an important ruling in relation to sick leave and holidays. There have been a number of similar decisions on this issue in the past few years in the European Court of Justice; previously confirming that an employee on long term sick leave does still accrue annual leave and is entitled to take it either during the sick leave year or on his return to work. A further recent ruling has confirmed that employees who fall sick during annual leave are entitled to take corresponding paid leave at a later date. So, for example, if an employee is part way through their holiday and they become ill, assuming they can provide the necessary medical evidence to confirm their incapacity, an employer must allow the employee to take holiday at a later time. The rationale for the decision is that, under the Working Time Directive, it states that the purpose of annual leave is to enable workers to have a period of rest and relaxation away from work, whereas the purpose of sick leave is to enable a worker to recover from illness. If an employee is on sick leave, they cannot enjoy a period of rest and relaxation so should be entitled to take that leave elsewhere in the year. It is unclear whether the Government will step in and legislate further on this point but, given the power of EU laws, it would in theory be very difficult to introduce regulation in defiance of these case law decisions.
Neil Wilson is an employment lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors
■ HELPING HAND: Beverley and Maryam put their heads together on the business
Help for beauty business A BATLEY woman has turned her back on the search for a job to set up her own business from home. Maryam Allad looked to self-employment as a way to pursue her dream of becoming a beautician after finishing with top marks in beauty therapy at Kirklees College. Just days after celebrating her 21st birthday, she signed-off Jobseekers Allowance to start her new business, Elegant Beauty UK, with the support of a Government enterprise scheme. The national scheme is being run in West Yorkshire by West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency in partnership with Job Centre Plus on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. It is designed to give jobseekers with a viable business idea the financial support and professional advice that they need to get their idea off the ground. As part of her place on the scheme, Maryam will receive a weekly payment for her first 26 weeks of trading to help take the financial pressure off as the business grows. She said: “I can’t wait to get going and the payments through this scheme will help to support me while I start to slowly build-up the business over the next six months. “My parents have also helped me to cover
the costs of my materials and they’ve put aside some space at home where I can see clients for treatments.” As well as the support of her parents, Maryam has also benefited from having her own business mentor assigned to her by West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency. Beverley Lyn, director of Lyn Consulting in Wetherby, was matched to Maryam because she has experience of setting up and running her own business. All the mentors are volunteers from the business community who have offered to give up an hour every fortnight to support a participant as they prepare to start trading and beyond. Maryam has put together a Facebook page and a website – www.elegantbeautyuk.co.uk – which she will be using as a platform to promote her new business. In September, she plans to return to Kirklees College to take the NVQ level 3 in beauty therapy so that she can add to her treatments with things like hot stones and Shellac nails. And with three sisters, Maryam isn’t short of people to practice on as she gears up for the future. She’s already looking forward to a possible booking for a wedding later in the year.
Bank provides extra £60m for start-ups BARCLAYS has announced additional funding of up to £60m for start-ups in England over the next three years. This new funding is expected to support the creation of 4,200 new businesses, providing them with growth finance. The funding from Barclays will support a new partnership between the bank, a consortium of enterprise agencies and the National Enterprise Network, which has secured an additional £15m from the Regional Growth Fund to support business growth on top of the £60m already being provided by Barclays. Alongside the new start-up fund, the partnership between Barclays, NEN and the consortium will also deliver a programme of enterprise seminars in areas across the UK identified as having been particularly affected by
the recession. It will provide the services and support to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their first steps in business. The £60m of new funding provided by Barclays is earmarked specifically for entrepreneurs who successfully complete the programme of training and have a viable business plan in place which has been endorsed by a dedicated business mentor. It is estimated that this funding will enable Barclays to make up to 4,200 additional offers of finance to support the growth plans of new businesses, whilst the initiative as a whole will create 6,000 new businesses and 4,000 new jobs over a three-year period. It is also expected that over 24,000 people will have the chance to attend the “Barclays Get Ready for Business” seminars.
“The key danger point for a start up business is the stage between setting up the business and getting finance,” said James Cliffe, northern divisional director of business banking at Barclays. “This is even more true when we are talking about businesses being set up in areas disproportionately hit by the recession. “Start-ups in these areas often have it tough and they can struggle with low turnover and lack of core business skills, but they are also positioned where they can do the most good for employment and improving the local economy. “With this funding we’re looking to help new businesses that are hungry for success. They will go through a scheme that helps get them primed for growth and then we will help the successful businesses with the finance to help drive that growth.”
■ HELP: James Cliffe aims to find firms hungry for success
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Chartered status achieved SURVEYORS in Yorkshire and Humber are celebrating after achieving the highly-acclaimed “chartered” status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. They have successfully completed the RICS’ Assessment of Professional Competence, which typically takes candidates two years to complete. It involves structured training, including practical experience and exams, leading to full membership and increased earning potential. Some 49 surveyors in the region were entered for the most recent RICS APC – with 22 being referred. That means Yorkshire and Humber achieved a 55% pass rate. This is slightly lower than other northern regions – the North West scored a 67% pass rate, while 61% of surveyors in the North East successfully completed the
APC. Those that have passed can now carry the letters MRICS after their name, which is the world’s leading qualification when it comes to land, property and construction. This is maintained by RICS which acts in the public interest, setting and regulating the highest standards of competence and integrity among its members. David Varley, RICS regional training advisor said: “The APC is designed to be demanding, as on successful completion of it, these new professionals – many of whom have already completed a property degree – get to become chartered surveyors. “This will set them apart from other surveyors as being more qualified and experienced; therefore it’s likely they will earn better salaries too.”
Town scheme completed AN Elland construction firm has completed its work on a £40m town centre scheme. Broad Street Plaza – a much-anticipated mixed use development in Halifax town centre and one of few new developments to progress in Leeds City Region in recent years – has reached practical completion. Marshall Construction, of Elland, which was contracted to build the 280,000sq ft development, has completed the works and attended an official handover to the scheme’s developer Gregory Projects, another local business. A number of top high street leisure
brands have now been granted access to fit out their units which are expected to open in late summer/early autumn. These include Vue Cinema, Pure Gym, Nando’s, TGI Friday’s, Frankie and Benny’s, The Chinese Buffet, Wetherspoons, Harvester and Pizza Express. The development also incorporates a 100-bed Premier Inn hotel, a 429 space car park, a Meet and Greet centre for Calderdale Metro and an NHS drop-in centre. The regeneration project gained financial backing from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and Santander and started on site in July, 2010.
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Page 6
Increased incentives
A GROWING number of retail landlords in Yorkshire resorted to offering incentives in order to let their premises last quarter, says a report. With occupier demand having fallen for the past 12 months, the number of landlords offering inducement packages – such as rent-free periods or financial incentives – on retail premises continued to increase, said the latest RICS UK Commercial Market Survey. Last quarter, a net balance of 29% more respondents reported rises. The survey showed that with interest in retail floor space falling, Yorkshire surveyors’ expectations for future rents were downbeat – as a net balance of 35% more respondents in the region predicted values to continue to fall over the coming three months. Overall demand for commercial property in the region remained relatively subdued, with 9%t more surveyors seeing a fall rather than a rise in interest from potential occupiers. The survey said uncer-
■ DEMAND: Graeme Haigh, of Bramleys
tainty over the economic prospects for the UK in the light of the continuing turmoil in the euro area was clearly affecting the appetite of businesses to take on more space. As a result, expectations for rents continued their slide for the 19th consecutive quarter. But Graeme Haigh, of Bramleys in Huddersfield,
said: “Owner occupier demand particularly for industrial property below 5000sq ft remains comparatively good and suburban retail is also holding up well but offices remain an uphill struggle.” Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist, said: “It seems that ongoing economic uncertainty is continuing to take its toll on the retail sector in particular and landlords across much of the country are having to encourage would-be occupiers in any way that they can. “Moreover, with demand set to remain relatively downbeat, it is unlikely that the rental picture will see any significant improvement in the near term. “London still appears to be where the most activity is taking place. Prime office space continues to be sought after and rental expectations are still rising. “Unfortunately, the more positive story in the capital will only begin to ripple out if the economic news flow begins to improve which, at this stage, appears some way off.”
Agency’s accolade AN estate agency with offices in Dewsbury has been commended by the Guild of Professional Estate Agents. Holroyd Miller, which also has a branch in Wakefield, was named one of the best estate agents in the North at the guild’s annual conference at Wokefield Park in Reading. Holroyd Miller was in attendance to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the guild’s 700-strong UK wide network and take part in the Guild Estate Agent of the Year 2012 Annual Awards Gala. Holroyd achieved recognition during the awards for its hard work and phenomenal growth during the past two years. More specifically, it was commended for customer service and commitment to professionalism within the sector. Marcus Whewell, chief executive of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents, said: “I
am once again delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our member agents who are great ambassadors for the guild and the industry. “The quality of award entries this year was exceptional, indicating how the guild is moving forward and assisting its agents to give a better service to the public.” Simon Miller, of Holroyd Miller, said: “We are overjoyed to have received this recognition. “We are a young company compared to other guild members, but it seems our passion to provide a quality and sincere service hasn’t gone unnoticed. “This really is a fabulous commendation and I pass this on to our wonderful team of professionals who have made the business what it is.”
Thirteen appointments PROPERTY consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle has announced the promotion of 13 members of staff in its West Yorkshire office – its first round of promotions since the merger with King Sturge last year. Mathew Atkinson has been promoted to national director – the third highest management tier within the property firm’s business – while the newly-promoted local
directors are Paul Davinson, Colin Harrop and Kaye Walker. Jones Lang LaSalle has promoted six people to associate director: Tom Asher, Tom Brammeld, Neil Jewell, James Laidler, Hannah Smith and Lily Wong. Richard Gale, Ross Haywood and Sally Sookia – all previously surveyors – have been promoted to the role of senior surveyor.
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Housebuilder hopes A DEVELOPER based in Huddersfield has been shortlisted for a construction industry award. Towngate Homes, part of the Brockholes-based Conroy Group of Companies, is among the finalists in the Housebuilder of the Year Awards 2012 for its Broomfield Avenue residential development in Halifax. The scheme, which overlooks Savile Park, has been shortlisted in the category for best Design for three storeys or fewer. The three-storey properties represent a modern reinvention of the traditional townhouse and were built with traditional materials, including FSC-rated hardwood, Yorkshire stone and high-performance glass. The interior is designed to maximise
natural light and blur the boundaries between internal and external spaces. Large windows, glass feature walls, glass balustrades and a stairwell top lit by a skylight, allow light to flow through the property, while larger than normal entrance halls and corridors create a sense of space and airiness. The development has proved to be highly successful, with all townhouses now sold or reserved. The quality, design and flexibility of these homes has also attracted a mix of customers including downsizers relocating from other parts of the country, a mother and daughter, and the Church of England, which has purchased a home for use by visiting clergy.
AUCTION – Thursday 19 July 2012 7pm At The Cedar Court Hotel, Lindley Moor Road, Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH
LOT 1 76 Ashbrow Road
Sheepridge, Huddersfield, HD2 1DF
Stone built cottage requiring full modernisation in popular residential location. Elevated position with superb views. Gardens to front and rear.
Guide Price: In Excess of £35,000
LOT 2 58 Market Street
Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, HD3 4HT
Prominent commercial property in centre of Milnsbridge. Suitable for a variety of uses subject to planning permission. Refurbishment/conversion opportunity with good investment potential.
Guide Price: In Excess of £35,000
LOT 3 42 Manchester Road Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5JA
Detached character dwelling in need of modernisation. Semi rural location with excellent views. Suitable for owner occupation/rental purposes.
More job cuts in the pipeline EMPLOYMENT prospects for small and medium-sized enterprises in the construction sector are continuing to deteriorate, said a survey. More than a third of builders reported lower employment levels during the second quarter of 2012, according to the latest State of Trade Survey from the Federation of Master Builders. The outlook is little better with 30% of construction SMEs expecting to reduce employment levels over the next six months. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB said: “The results from the latest FMB survey are particularly depressing. “After four years of continuous recession in the SME construction sector we would hope to be seeing signs of a return to growth and new job creation, not on-going heavy job losses.” He said: “The problems affecting the construction sector pose real problems for the wider economy, not just because of the direct cost of unemployment but because
■ IMPACT: Brian Berry, FMB regional director
of the impact on the industry’s skills base. “Evidence from past recessions shows that when people l e ave t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n industry they tend not to return when the economy recovers.
“This leaves the construction industry short of skills which in turn delays projects and forces up prices when demand returns to the market." Said Mr Berry: “To help construction SMEs create jobs and promote growth in the construction sector, the Government needs to be making bolder policy decisions on a range of policy issues such as reform of the current procurement rules, incentives to promote the forthcoming Green Deal retrofit initiative and a targeted drive to increase house building. “Construction industry procurement is a particularly onerous and costly process for small building companies and more must be done to prevent the exclusion of the small businesses that typically use local materials, local labour and promote the development of local skills. “Both central and local government need to recognise that value for money is not just about the lowest cost.”
Sector’s role crucial EMPLOYERS’ group the CBI has highlighted the crucial role that the construction sector has to play as a job-creator and key player in the infrastructure renewal urgently needed for economic growth. Speaking at the launch of the UK Contractors Group’s new campaign, Creating Britain’s Future, Rhian Kelly, CBI director for business environment, said: “Our analysis shows that the construction sector has the potential to create 215,000 jobs across the UK and throughout the supply chain. “It is more important than ever that we recognise the role of construction, both as a
catalyst for local job creation across the UK in the short-term, and as the lead mover in the £250bn infrastructure renewal needed to underpin economic growth in the long-term. “To get spades in the ground on infrastructure delivery, there must be an urgent focus across the UK on bringing forward repair, maintenance and improvement projects, for example on roads, to deliver immediate and tangible results in terms of local jobs and growth.” The CBI recently published a report on the construction sector’s potential for growth creation, called Bridging the Gap – Backing the Construction Sector to Generate Jobs.
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
LOT 4 25-29 Market Street
Huddersfield, HD1 2HL
Substantial town centre commercial property/site opposite Sainsbury’s. Exciting development/conversion opportunity.
Guide Price: In Excess of £95,000
LOT 5 Former Honley Council Offices Eastgate, Honley, HD6 6PA
Prominent landmark building with waterside frontage. Situated close to village centre, offering extensive accommodation on three levels. Planning application submitted for residential conversion.
Guide Price: In Excess of £125,000
LOT 6 Moorlands
Moorlands Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD3 3UH
Modern detached three bedroom house in pleasant residential location with good sized gardens, in need of some refurbishment.
Guide Price: In Excess of £100,000
LOT 7 31 Market Street
Heckmondwike, WF16 0EU
Substantial town centre retail/office building with secure yard. Upper parts suitable for residential subject to planning permission.
Guide Price: In Excess of £45,000
LOT 8 Dean Bottom Works Storthes Hall, Huddersfield, HD8 0PP
Range of industrial buildings 781m2 (8,406 sq ft) and land 0.34 Ha (0.84 Acres). Good investment/development opportunity.
Guide Price: In Excess of £180,000
LOT 9 28 Waterhouse Street Halifax, HX1 1UQ
Town Centre Shop requiring full renovation with residential potential on upper floors. Close to Yorkshire Bank and Broad Street Plaza.
Guide Reduced To £40,000+
LOT 10 11a The Hough
Stump Cross, Halifax, HX3 7AP
4 bedroom secluded detatched property with stunning views over Shibden Valley and park. 3 Reception rooms, double garage.
Guide Price: In Excess of £160,000
LOT 11 Town Hall Hotel
52 Huddersfield Road, Elland, HX5 9AH
Former public house, 213m2 (2293 sq ft), located close to Co-op supermarket, Berties Banqueting Rooms and La Cachette. Planning consent for extension and change of use to C1 hotel and B1 office.
Guide Price: £105,000 – £115,000
LOT 12 Clough Ing Barn
Lumb Lane, Almondbury, Huddersfield, HD4 6SZ
Lofty barn (150m2) with stable block, ripe for residential conversion. Stunning rural location with panoramic views.
Guide Price: £175,000 – £225,000
KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS
Movers and shakers
Page 8
Big names for award winner
Rebecca Hoult & Charlene King
Ramsdens Solicitors A LAW firm with offices in Kirklees has announced the qualification of two solicitors. Rebecca Hoult (above left) and Charlene King began their training with Edgerton-based Ramsdens in January, 2011, and have received training at numerous branch offices in a wide variety of areas of law. Ms King will be working in wills and probate and will continue to be based at the firm’s Dewsbury office. Ms Hoult will work in the family team and will be based at Huddersfield. Paul Joyce, managing partner, said: “We are pleased to have been able to offer both Charlene and Rebecca positions as qualified solicitors, even in the current economic climate. “We feel that it is key to the future growth of the firm that we recognise talent which will result in our clients receiving excellent advice and service from our firm.”
A HUDDERSFIELD law firm has honoured a company producing videos and films for financial institutions, the arts, music and culture sectors, as well as organisations in the manufacturing, health and consumer goods sectors. The latest winner of the Eaton Smith Business of the Month Award is Halifax-based Limehouse. The firm, launched in 2007 by Nick Howard, a former TV producer, has achieved four-fold business growth in the past three years as well as a BAFTA nomination. Limehouse is now a 11-strong team of talented producers, creatives and client service managers. Limehouse was recognised for its extensive number of blue chip corporate clients and for putting Yorkshire on the map when it comes to first-class British creativity. Limehouse now works with First Direct, Halifax, Lloyds Banking Group, Bettys & Taylors, Morrisons, Glen Dimplex, Simply Paving, the NHS and National Museums Liverpool. In 2011, the decision was made to develop three divisions of Limehouse – Corporate, LAB and Heritage – allowing specialist teams to work in their particular area of expertise and focus on expanding these arms of the business. The former
■ ON CAMERA: Steven Pollitt (centre), of Eaton Smith, presents the award to Avram Buchanan (third right), of Limehouse, and colleagues Ruth Pearson (second right) and Tracy Keates (right) watched by (from left) Steven Leigh, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Carolyn Atkinson, of Sheards; and Heather Guile, of UKTI
manager of the band The Beautiful South also came on board to head up Limehouse LAB The Business of the Month Award is run in association with the Mid Yorkshire
Leader of the pack!
Dalbinder Ram, Chris Procter & Darren Isherwood
Orchard Environmental
WASTE management company Orchard Environmental has announced three new appointments as it continues to expand its operations across the North of England. Dalbinder Ram (above, left) and Chris Procter (centre) both have extensive experience in the waste and environmental sector and will work on business development for the Elland firm. Darren Isherwood (right) joins the sales team. Justin Holley, of Orchard Environmental, said the appointments would support the firm’s growth strategy, which will see it offering its one-stop waste management services to new sectors, including clinical, general waste and recycling clients and promoting its specialist services which include confidential waste, compacting, oil installation inspection and interceptor maintenance.
AN insurance product aimed at motorcyclists has won a top award. Wilby Ltd picks up one of the prizes at the British Insurance Awards in London for its innovative Bike Dealer product. Account executive Neil Kendall (centre) was presented with the Commercial Lines Broking Initiative of the Year by sponsor’s representative Jon Hancock (right) and comedian Jimmy Carr at the Royal Albert Hall. Bike Dealer is a business insurance policy developed by Wilby Ltd to meet the needs of motorcycle dealerships. Backed by QBE, one of the worlds leading insurers, it provides cover that is specifically tailored to the
needs of motorcycle dealers. The nomination follows three years of development work on the scheme which has taken it from a standing start to covering nearly 80 dealers nationwide with more choosing to join the Bike Dealer scheme every month. Richard Blackburn, managing director of Halifax-based Wilby Ltd, said “We’ve always been committed to developing solutions for industries where we feel we can offer something innovative to give businesses the insurance cover they really need to do business. The success of Bike Dealer continues this tradition and we hope that it will continue to grow even further on the back of this award.”
Chamber of Commerce and UKTI. It is open to firms in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Contact Ian Greenwood at Eaton Smith on 01484 821389.
It’s time to get into the swing KIRKLEES businesses people are being urged to get their golfing gear together and help raise cash for charity. Meltham Golf Club will host an exclusive golf day on Thursday, August 23, in aid of Kirkwood Hospice’s Capital Appeal. The fun-filled day out is the idea of Capital Appeal marketing committee member Liz Boardall, of Armitage Sykes Solicitors in Huddersfield. Competitions and attractions on the day will include prizes for furthest distance, most accurate shot and best two players per hole, a putting competition, prizes for the best-dressed players and the most creative shot, a three-course evening meal with wine and an after-dinner speaker. Said Liz: “We are currently searching for teams of four to register for the day at a cost of £40 per head. This is the perfect opportunity for a spot of team building with your colleagues. Places are limited, so please call and sign up your team without delay.” The hospice at Dalton is also looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor a hole on the course at a cost of £100. Companies sponsoring a hole will also have their name inscribed onto a single brick in the new permanent path to be laid in hospice grounds. Organisers are also looking for donations as prizes for competition winners as well as for a raffle. The money raised at the golf day will go towards the £3m cost of the extension and re-development of our in-patient unit at the hospice. For more information or to register your team, contact Marie Peacock on 01484 557911 or email info@capitalappeal.org