Kirklees Business News September

September, 2009

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Brand leaders

KIRKLEES firms should consider consumer branding strategies to win the war for talent, according to a survey of 319 senior business leaders.

The poll by business advisory firm Deloitte found that 65% of executives report major concerns about retaining high-potential talent and leadership in the year after the recession ends. A similar number are also highly or very highly concerned about losing critical talent.

Deloitte said that employers should learn from the world of branded consumer goods – where competition to keep customers is

even more acute.

It said: “At this stage in the business cycle, the employment market remains tight and companies have to focus on activity to nurture talent and engage employees.”

Deloitte research found that 52% of senior business leaders predict an increase in voluntary turnover at their companies at the end of the current recession.

Senior partner Geoff Taylor said successful companies were deploying more sophisticated techniques to attract and retain talented individuals.

■ BUSINESS MODEL: Jane Dawson (right) and Claire Crabtree (right) have secured a deal with Irish fashion design house Quin Donnelly

Exclusive deal AN online boutique run by two Huddersfield women has secured an exclusive deal.

Business Wardrobe has been chosen as the first and only online stockists for renowned Irish design house, Quin and Donnelly.

Jane Dawson, of Slaithwaite, and Claire Crabtree, who lives at Shepley, formed BusinessWardrobe.com as an online one-stop shop to provide everything from suits to jackets and dresses.

They came up with the idea to create an online clothing store providing women with contempor-

ary, stylish and beautifully designed garments which “while creating a statement, still remained professional.”

Quin and Donnelly is an innovative design label which began 20 years ago and has achieved considerable success both nationally and internationally with its contemporary and sophisticated ranges.

Founders Liz Quin and Caroline Donnelly aim to achieve a stylish, confident look with their clothes for business and professional women of all ages from 25 and beyond.

Said Liz: “Business Wardrobe has

been smart in their research of the market. They understand the needs of busy, working women.

“The collections they stock for us incorporates essentials for next season, including tailored dresses in navy or black, classic white shirts and accessories in berry colours – key trends for keeping the work wardrobe up-to-date.”

Business Wardrobe enables customers to place their orders around the clock via the website or by telephone and offering free next working day deliveries and free returns as standard.

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2

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

COMMENT

by

Henryk Zientek ECESSION? What recession? A R clutch of upbeat surveys suggest that the worst may be behind us.

Although the unemployment figures look set to make dismal reading for some time yet, other indicators – such as house prices and factory output – seem to be more cheery.

But leading think-tank the Institute of Policy claims that we have failed to learn vital lessons from the banking crisis and the downturn.

It points to the speedy return of the City bonus culture to argue that real reform in the way that economies and financial markets work has been very limited.

It argues that policymakers must create a blueprint for “Tomorrow’s Capitalism” – including greater international co-ordination of economic policies, basing economic growth in the UK on exports and investment rather than debt-fuelled consumption and ensuring the financial system operates to benefit the whole economy.

However, Simon Kaye, of Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management, cautions: “There is a danger that the current political grandstanding could prove more self-indulgent than effective. Proposals to regulate bonuses by legislating to cap the amount may not achieve their objectives or may discourage valuable activities as well as those viewed as superfluous..”

There are clearly lessons to be learned from the crisis. Let’s take time to learn the lessons rather than rush to judgement.

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

Inside Issues

Design experts reach landmark – page 4 Yorkshire is favourite region – page 7 Scotland sets the pace – page 11 Trophies for top two – page 12 Birthday bash for online firm – page 17 Help for apprenticeships – page 19 Howzat for Headingley? – page 20 Fixing a builders’ breakfast – page 22 Capital achievement – page 27

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

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FINANCIAL REPORT

Worries keep bosses awake THOUSANDS of small business owners in Yorkshire have admitted to suffering sleepless nights worrying about the economic crisis.

A survey by Close Invoice Finance showed that 44% of bosses in the region – about 58,000 individuals – are losing sleep over the recession.

The poll also found that seven out of 10 owner-managers across the region are significantly more stressed as a result of the economic downturn – with 43% confessing it has had direct impact on their home life.

Ian Steward, managing director of Close Invoice Finance’s northern division, said: “With the insolvency service reporting 5,055 new corporate liquidations in Q2 2009 – up 2.9% on the previous quarter – it is no surprise that so many business owners are feeling the pressure.

“We continue to discuss the economic crisis in macro terms, ignoring the strain that managing a business through a downturn places on your personal life,”

Mr Steward added: “For their own peace of mind, it is crucial that owner-managers adopt a robust attitude to risk and consider how best to safeguard the long-term health of their business during today’s difficult trading conditions.

“Cashflow management tools can help by providing protection against the negative consequences of late payment and bad debt.”

Mr Steward said the survey findings underlined how business owners were finding it increasingly hard to cope in today’s hostile economic environment.

But there are ways to mitigate business risk and secure funding if SMEs were prepared to shop around.

He said: “Invoice finance is an ideal route to securing funding that allows companies to raise cash quickly and easily against their sales ledger, affording businesses a greater degree of flexibility, control over their cash flow and – hopefully – a restful night’s sleep.”

Changes at the top ACCOUNTANCY firm Clough & Co has announced changes in the roles of its most senior partners.

Nigel Bullas becomes the firm’s managing partner in succession to Steven Gash, who takes up the new post of practice chairman.

Mr Bullas’ promotion will enable him to focus on all areas of business development and marketing, in addition to managing his existing client portfolio. He joined Clough & Company in 1984, where he has specialised in corporate finance as well as practice development.

As practice chairman, Mr Gash will focus on a number of individual development projects as well as the overall running of the firm. He joined Clough & Co in 1977 and for the last 10 years has been managing partner responsible for overseeing the company’s growth.

During his tenure, Clough & Co acquired two other regional accountancy firms. He also led the company’s significant move to new purpose-built premises at Cleckheaton.

■ CHANGES: Accountancy firm Clough & Co has appointed Nigel Bullas (right) as managing partner in succession to Steven Gash (left), who becomes practice chairman

Absolute beginnings A BUSINESS financier has relaunched – with a new name and a new £100m fund.

T h e fo r m e r C a t t l e s invoice Finance has been relaunched as Absolute Invoice Finance and has a new £100m fund dedicated to supporting the growth of established, early stage and start-up businesses.

Absolute is offering businesses in Yorkshire the opportunity to access vital

funding lines of between £25,000 and £2.5m as it seeks to ease the pressures placed on entrepreneurial firms since the onset of the recession.

Focused on providing cash flow solutions to small and medium enterprises, Absolute operates from a network of six regional centres across the UK, including one in Birstall, offering rapid, local decision-making to clients

across a range of industries.

The acquisition of Absolute from former parent Cattles plc by financial services specialist private equity firm, AnaCap Financial Partners, has also been completed.

The £70m deal has provided Absolute’s existing management team with the solidity of funding and analytical resources necessary for continued expansion.

■ HELP: Kath Myers, Yorkshire Bank regional director for Yorkshire, said the bank’s appetite for helping businesses grow remained as strong as ever

‘Bank is backing business’ KIRKLEES firms are set to benefit from a bank’s decision to make more money available for loans to local businesses.

Yorkshire Bank said lending to companies in the region would increase by £100m during the next 12 months.

Across the UK, new lending will increase by an extra £1bn in the next year.

This figure comes on top of £2.9bn of new money already been made available by the Bank in the nine months to June, 2009.

Yorkshire Bank, which has six business banking centres in Yorkshire and more than 70 across the UK, said it aimed to ensure that every pound deposited in the area is reinvested back into the local economy in the form of lending to Yorkshire businesses.

Regional director Kath Myers said: “Despite some tough economic conditions, Yorkshire Bank has remained open for business throughout and we have responded to the needs of the Yorkshire economy by committing an additional £100m of lending for businesses.

“Many small and medium-sized firms are struggling to acquire funding in the current climate.

“However, we are still approving the same level of lending applications as we were this time last year and our appetite for helping well-run businesses grow and succeed remains as strong as ever.”

POSITIVE THINKING

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3 40

September, 2009

STA ND

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Agency makes record attempt

A PUBLIC relations has been shortlisted for a record four industry awards.

Approach PR, led by Gomersal woman Suzanne Johns, has beat off competition from more than 1,500 entrants across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire to be shortlisted in four categories of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations annual PRide Awards.

Bradford-based Approach PR features in the categories for Outstanding Small Consultancy, Consumer Relations, Corporate and Business and Best Use of Media Relations in the awards, which will be held on November 11 at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, Securing unprecedented recognition of the Yorkshire Biz Awards led to two of the four shortlistings for Approach, whose media campaign reached an audience of more than 3m with television, radio and newspaper coverage seen by one in three people in Yorkshire.

Stephen Waud, Yorkshire Biz Awards creator and fund director of the Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund, said: “Approach PR’s professionalism and ingenuity in handling the Biz Awards was exceptional.

“The team provided consistent, high quality coverage that enhanced the credibility of the event.

“Awareness was achieved further and wider than we ever anticipated and the award shortlisting for such an effective campaign is much deserved.”

Adapting its offering to meet the needs of businesses in the downturn, Approach launched its training arm Approachability, a series of interactive workshops held at Bradford Chamber to encourage local businesses to manage their PR themselves.

The team has also been awarded approved supplier status for the Bradford Enterprise Agency and joined Yorkshire Forward’s Yorkshire and Humber Supplier Register, while securing seven new clients in 2009,

■ PARTY MOOD: Stephen Waud with members of the Approach PR team at the Biz Awards 2009 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds

including telecoms company Kingston Communications.

Approach was a finalist in the national Fresh PR awards in February and has secured CIPR PRide awards for the last five years, including silver for Outstanding Small Consultancy in 2007 and 2008 and gold for Best Use of Media Relations in 2005.

Founder and managing director Suzanne Johns said: “This year has been tougher than ever for all busi-

nesses so we have taken the opportunity to look at our services and adapt to suit the changing climate.

“We are now working with more local firms than ever before in our eight-year history.

“To have our campaigns approved and shortlisted by the very best in the UK PR industry is an acknowledgement of the impact our work has on our clients’ businesses and of the development of our own team.”

Food company keeps its deliveries right on track A FIRM supplying foodstuffs across the country has introduced a high-tech tracking system for its fleet of vehicles.

Dalton-based Total Foodservice Solutions has joined forces with Leeds-based Masternaut Three X to install the system in its delivery trucks and carry out a training programme for its drivers.

The move is reaping benefits with a 10% saving in annual fuel costs as drivers are encouraged to conform to speed limits.

The web-based system monitors vehicles as they travel to and from customer sites, providing real time information to assist senior managers with speeding, idling and route deviations.

“The Masternaut system has made a big difference to our entire fleet, which operates from our Huddersfield and Clitheroe depots,” said operations manager Paul

Nowell. “Because we get a real-time view of the fleet, we are able to work with our drivers to encourage them to conform to speed limits. This not only makes them safer drivers, it has also reduced our annual fuel bill by 1%.”

The move has proved so successful that one of the firm’s drivers, Andy Peaker, won the national Masternaut Three X Drive for Life safe driving competition, beating more than 50,000 other UK commercial drivers.

Said Mr Nowell: “We make over 1,500 deliveries a week and the system enables us to meet our on-time delivery promises. “If there is a delay we are alerted, allowing us to contact the customer to give them a revised estimated time of arrival. This means they never have to chase us to enquire about their deliveries.”

Airport support A KIRKLEES firm building fire engines has supplied a new appliance to Leeds-Bradford International Airport.

The 36-tonne Rosenbauer Panther , which was built in Austria and supplied by Batley-based Angloco Ltd, can carry up to four firefighters with equipment. It holds 12,500 litres of water and 1,500 litres of foam and has an infra red camera to locate “hotspots” on aircraft.

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4

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Agency in a holy alliance

TECH TALK Roger Pearson

Work harder and smarter T used to be fashionable to state that Iharder, companies which worked smarter, not would be the ones that achieved

the most success and to some extent, under conventional trading conditions, the words still ring true.

For the past many months, however, trading conditions have been far from conventional with businesses as diverse as the property market, manufacturing and leisure all experiencing the most difficult of times.

Given our current straitened economic circumstances, it will be companies which work both smarter and harder that not only survive, but manage to prosper despite the worst the recession can throw at them.

I am also of the opinion that companies which grasp the nettle now will be the ones best placed to respond quickly once the recession draws to a close. Indeed, it will be they that become lean, mean, agile and enthusiastic enough to drive themselves forward, leaving the competition standing in their wake.

There are numerous ways and means to act positively to insure your business against difficult trading conditions, some well known; others requiring more digging to unearth nuggets of worth.

This is particularly the case in our own area of expertise – IT is an excellent business tool and can be a real differentiator for companies looking to stand out in terms of service, price and efficiency. However, on its own, IT is not a differentiator -–advantage comes when time is taken to review business process, identify bottlenecks and if necessary apply the appropriate technology solution.

According to advice published by the Cranfield School of Management on behalf of Business Link, many businesses allow their systems to grow gradually, adding new equipment or software as the need arises. This often leads to a confused mix of incompatible and inefficient systems. On occasions, different departments enter the same or related data into a system separately, duplicating effort.

Separate information “silos” can each hold some information – but bringing it together to get the whole picture can be difficult. This can cause confusion or frustration for customers, suppliers or employees. Effective planning minimises these problems by allowing you to think ahead about how your needs will change and how your systems will need to grow.

On a recent project working for a company which prides itself on service and continuously driving down operational costs, we were able to join together two systems reducing overhead and improving service. Where previously payments were processed manually and re-keyed, an integrated system enabled the payment process to be seamless delivering significant time and efficiency benefit.

To conclude, there is no doubt that many businesses are driving themselves forward despite the troubled times that still prevail. And, while it is true to say that they have to work both harder and smarter, the alternative is simply not an option.

Roger Pearson is a project manager at P2 Technologies Ltd, Lockwood

■ WELL DONE: John Redgwick (centre), managing director of Warmaway receives a plaque as The Design Mechanics' 1,000th customer from the agency's creative director Dave Parnell (left) and managing director Stewart Leahy

Design experts reach landmark

A DESIGN agency has completed a project for its 1,000th customer – just three years after the business was launched.

Marsden-based agency The Design Mechanics was formed in 2006 and has found success by offering potential clients a simple price list of services.

Said managing director Stewart Leahy: “Through research and our own experience, we discovered that professional design services have a reputation for being too expensive, out of reach or irrelevant for start-up businesses, small family firms or SMEs. “We wanted to dispel the mystery and give companies access to

great design at an affordable price.

Warmaway, a family-run gas heating and engineering firm, is one of The Design Mechanics ideal clients. Their existing logo – a cat named Jake – was 25 years old and needed a revamp.

“The website also failed to reflect the level of professionalism and quality offered by Warmaway.

During the consultation process, it was discovered that Jake the cat, was well-known among customers.

Rather than lose such an established image, The Design Mechanics gave Jake a facelift to bring him into the 21st century and

gave the company’s logo and marketing style a more modern, professional feel.

Warmaway managing director, John Redgwick said: “Having interviewed three different design companies, I found that The Design Mechanics offered the most creative and innovative approach to our project.

“It was the quality of design, rather than price that was the deciding factor in our decision to use The Design Mechanics.

“However, their price list approach is an extremely convenient way to work, as we knew exactly what to expect for the price and they certainly offered the best value for money.”

Carpet company keeping track to put cover on costs A KIRKLEES company has joined the drive to protect the environment.

Heckmondwike-based Consultant Services Group Ltd has fitted trackers to its 100-strong fleet of operational vehicles to ensure that employees adhere to regulations governing drivers’ hours and computerised mapping to ensure they take the most economical routes.

The group has also fitted its vans with speed limiters to decrease CO2 levels, reduce fuel costs and minimise the risk of accidents.

Chief executive Simon Midgley said: “We see corporate responsibility as part and parcel of our duty of care to all employees and fundamental to our family values as a company.

“If implementing new policies helps ensure our employees welfare then this can only be a good thing.

“As long as we are in business, CSG will continue to invest in these long term environmental projects and if necessary commission the help of outside organisations who have the skills to

help.”

CSG, formed in 1969, is a privately-owned, family-run business providing contract cleaning, contract catering and vending services to business, industry and education.

It employs about 1,900 staff and has Investors in People status as well as awards for health and safety and environmental management.

Clients range from manufacturing companies, colleges and police forces to shopping centres and transport operators.

A CREATIVE agency headed by a Huddersfield man is working with Wakefield Cathedral to get a £5m funding bid up and running.

Propaganda, led by chairman Julian Kynaston, who lives at Denby Dale, is helping the cathedral prepare its proposal which aims to encourage the local communities to use the cathedral as a social venue while maintaining its rich historical background and religious purpose.

Propaganda, which was launched in Huddersfield and is now based at The Calls in Leeds, will consider Wakefield Cathedral as a brand as well as establishing what the cathedral has to offer the local community.

The bid highlights the cathedral’s historical grounding and sets its sights on reinstating both the cathedral building and the and town to its former glory – when Wakefield was the West Riding’s wealthiest and largest town during the Industrial Revolution.

Susan Parker, development officer for the diocese of Wakefield, said: “Working with Propaganda has really opened our eyes to the many possibilities of the cathedral and Wakefield as a whole and the insights from our local community have been truly invaluable.

“It will mean so much to us to be granted the funds and make a real difference to the town. I am fully confident that Propaganda understands our needs and the vision we have for the cathedral – this is a very exciting time for us.”

Julian Horberry, planning director at Propaganda, said: “Our partnership with Wakefield Cathedral is a departure from our usual client work.

However, we have become very close to the team and fully understand their ‘brand’.

“The cathedral is very open to our insights and challenges to them based on our marketing consultancy expertise.

“We are confident that, with this approach, we can deliver a solid proposal that not only demonstrates how the funds will impact on the cathedral, but also what this means for the city of Wakefield.”

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

CITY TALK Simon Kaye

Learning the lessons

S the anniversary of 2008’s near colA lapse of the banking system passes, there is an understandable search for

ways of “ensuring” that the financial system does not become dangerously overextended again and that consumers and investors will recognise the danger signs during future housing and stock market bubbles.

One area of particular focus has been banking pay structures, because of concern about how much the “telephone number” bonus culture in parts of the investment banking sector may have contributed to the bubble.

However, there is a danger that the current political grandstanding could prove more self-indulgent than effective. The proposals to regulate bonuses by legislating to cap the amount may not achieve their objective, or may discourage valuable activities as well as those viewed as superfluous. Bonuses are widely used in non-financial businesses to make them more resilient to downturns (via pay flexibility) as well as to share in success.

Given that the tax take (income tax + national insurance) from payrolls is higher than on corporate profits, the key issue is whether bonus incentives have harmful side effects that outweigh the higher taxes from profits distributed as pay rather than being assessed under corporation tax. In some cases they probably did but then the problem would appear to be the design of the bonus system not the size of payouts - after all, greed will find a way in a badly conceived system whether the “pot” is 10% or 50% of profits. Until bankers (and humans in general) operate in fear of their immortal soul rather than in response to financial incentives, it will be necessary to regulate by designing an intelligent system of checks and balances.

The solution seems to lie in an enforceable code that specifies required features of bonus systems (e.g. a link to long-term profitability and an absence of guarantees) and requires companies to report explicitly on their bonus systems in the Annual Report. Failure to comply should lead to higher capital requirements (for financial firms) and a requirement to put the bonus policy up for shareholder approval.

The more general issue is how we learn to recognise future “bubbles” and avoid becoming personally drawn into chasing house prices higher (because of a belief bricks and mortar will not fall in value) or buying investments after they have gone up too far, instead of when they have fallen to attractive levels. Part of this is rooted in human nature, which tends to believe in the wisdom of crowds but it is surely too defeatist to say that booms and busts can’t be helped because human nature is prone to swing between gloom and euphoria. Recent years have taught us that there is no substitute for a down-to-earth assessment of risk and scepticism when trends look too good (or bad) to be sustainable. Independence of mind when the crowd has lost its head is easier said than done but is an essential part of making long-term financial plans and investment decisions. As Warren Buffett once put it, in the short run stock markets act like a voting machine but in the long run they are a weighing machine.

Simon Kaye is Divisional Director at Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management

■ KEEP UP WITH THE BUSINESS NEWS: Go to the circled spot on examiner.co.uk to register for free KBN email alerts.

Right: The new look four our 8 weekly pages in the Examiner

Your KBN is moving to new weekly edition FORGET the recession, business is about to boom in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

The Kirklees Business News is moving to become a new 8-page full colour business section EVERY Tuesday in the Examiner and it will be packed with the latest local, regional and national business news.

It launches October 7 and will feature all the usual KBN favourites – who's doing well and who’s not plus profiles of significant local business people and the latest appointments and

leavers .

Your Kirklees Business News will also carry the up to date national stocks and share index and national business stories.

Backing this up will be a new online KBN section on the Examiner website. This will bring you all the latest local and national business news as well as more in-depth features and focus on the firms and big figures in commerce.

Plus online we’ll

be looking for your views on the major local issues as well as giving a new level of interactivity with live interviews of top business figures you can put questions to.

And if you register with us at www.examiner.co.uk we’ll send you a weekly email with links to with all the latest business

Top standard for carpet company CARPET manufacturer Heckmondwike FB has achieved a coveted industry standard.

The Kirklees-based firm has been granted the highest rating from the Building Research Establishment for its market-leading Supacord range.

Supacord sheet achieved an A+ rating while Supacord tiles achieved an A for use in both educational and commercial buildings. These results put Supacord at the top of the list for specifiers looking for floorcoverings with strong environmental credentials and a proven track record.

Supacord is widely specified for many education buildings across the UK as well as shops, offices and public sector buildings.

This latest achievement strengthens its position as one of the most environmentally-responsible floorcoverings available.

Sales director Bob Mortimer said: “We are pleased with the recent results of the BRE assessment. This just confirms what we have long recognised – that our Supacord range is a real sustainable choice as well as being one of the best value carpets on the market.”

Heckmondwike products were assessed under the BRE’s Environmental Profiles Methodology, which studies the environmental effects associated with building materials over their life cycle.

This includes their extraction, processing, use, maintenance and eventual disposal. This method aims to give suppli-

stories from your area.

Heading all this is our trusted and respected business editor Henryk Zientek (left), who has 20 years’ experience in the local business sector.

Business really is on the up in the Examiner – so get the inside stories every Tuesday in the Kirklees Business News. Only in the Huddersfield Daily Examiner.

Marketing and PR to boost your business Press • PR • Events Campaigns • Copywriting Websites Short term projects Longer term strategic planning We can work creatively and generate positive results with budgets of all sizes Call Julie on 07731 644026 to discuss your business needs

■ CASE STUDY: Heckmondwike FB’s Supacord range has been identified as a “real sustainable choice”

ers the chance to present credible environmental information about their products compared to others in the industry.

The environmental rankings are based on life cycle assessments, with products rated from A+, the highest possible ranking through to E, which represents the lowest environmental performance or highest impact on the environment.

The Green Guide Online from BRE provides architects and specifiers with advice and guidance on how to make the best environmental choices when selecting building materials.

Heckmondwike FB is a leading carpet suppliers to the education and public sector.

Over the past 40 years, the firm has manufactured more than 38m sq metres of carpets for for than 15,000 schools and more than 100 local authorities as well as

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

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■ CHEERS: David Cramp and Stephanie Harding toasting the open day at TaxAssist in Mirfield

Firm stages open day

AN accountancy business in Mirfield celebrated its fifth birthday with an open day.

TaxAssist Accountants invited local business people to enjoy champagne and a chocolate fountain as well as take part in a free draw.

Since opening for business on Station Road in 2004, TaxAssist Accountants, run by chartered accountant David Cramp and his partner Stephanie Harding, have moved to their current premises on the corner of Huddersfield Road and St Paul’s Road.

The practice started with David operating as a sole trader and has grown into a limited company with two directors and two

employees.

TaxAssist Accountants is a UK-wide network of 160 independently run accountancy practices – each of which is able to call on the expertise of the diverse and highly qualified team based at the support centre Norwich.

Each TaxAssist Accountants practice is a separate business in its own right – with a unique selling point that each TaxAssist Accountants practice can offer large firm expertise at small firm prices.

As champions of small business, the TaxAssist Accountants network is running a Buy Local Campaign.

David and Stephanie have supplied local

On your Marks!

A YOUNG Huddersfield businessman is proving a winner on the race track.

Mark Davies, co-owner of FASTSIGNS Huddersfield is dominating the Ginetta G20 Texaco Havoline Championship.

His latest success was a double race win at Silverstone.

Mark, who is described as “an impressive newcomer” on the official Ginetta website, showed great form in his debut race at the end of last season in his FASTSIGNS car.

And he has continued to impress this season, scoring five wins out of six races.

The championship series culminates at the Spa Francochamps F1 circuit in Belgium during October – when Mark hopes to walk away with the title.

Mark’s day job is running the FASTSIGNS centre at Hoyer Industrial Park, off Leeds Road.

The company produces signs and graphic products for local businesses.

independent shops with window stickers in order to reinforce the message to the public.

“We feel strongly about supporting local small businesses and are offering recession beating tips with our Free Business Health Check,” said David.

“While we are part of a network of accountants with national coverage, we are a small local business in our own right.

“The small businesses we have spoken to are really pleased to support this campaign by placing the stickers in their shop or office windows which is very encouraging.”

WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT BUSINESS EVERY Tuesday from 6th October, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner will feature an 8 page, dedicated business news section.

The new Kirklees Business News supplement will also have its own section on the Examiner’s website.

Packed with local, regional and national business news and reaching more readers than ever before, we’re serious about business.

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7

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Companies seek to curb staff ‘perks’

Katharine lands top contract A FORMER Huddersfield University graduate is celebrating after her business landed a prestigious Government contract.

Katharine Barnett, who studied law at the university, is now co-owner of Bradford-based Fuel Storage Solutions.

The company has new been awarded a contract to provide Aspie Defence Services Ltd with fuel storage advice and installation services at several Ministry of Defence in southern England.

FSS helps companies to meet the legal requirements for oil, diesel and petrol storage, as well as waste recycling.

Katharine graduated from Huddersfield in 1997 before gaining further qualifications in 1998 and 2005.

She said: “Huddersfield University gave me a grounding in business which, in turn enabled me to work with Jonathan to establish and grow Fuel Storage Solutions from a room in our house in 2002 to the stage today where we have eight employees and are in the process of recruiting at least two more.”

■ IN THE NEWS: Charley Morello (left) and Donna Bedford, of Fantastic Media

It’s official – they’re Fantastic A PUBLiC relations agency in Birstall has been named among the best in Yorkshire.

Fantastic Media was recognised as a successful and expanding agency in an independent survey conducted for a regional business magazine.

The agency joins PR giants such as Weber Shandwick, Green Communications and Brahm among the cream of the crop in the Yorkshire Business Insider listings.

Fantastic Media added PR to its range of services only 12 months ago. Since the start of this

year, it has added five high profile account wins and increased fee-based earnings by 24% for the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period in 2008.

Managing director Andy Hobson, said: “It’s a great achievement to be on this list and named alongside some of the biggest PR companies in Yorkshire.

“Only a year after adding PR to our services, clients are really seeing the benefits that successful PR can bring to their business.”

Yorkshire’s a favourite with overseas owners

A THIRD of Yorkshire’s top 150 companies are owned or managed by overseas investors, says a report by accountants and business advisors BDO Stoy Hayward.

The latest annual Yorkshire Report by BDO also found that in the build-up to the recession, Yorkshire companies kept their hands in their pockets – and that the region’s businesses are continuing to do a good job of keeping overheads to a minimum.

Ian Beaumont, managing partner at BDO Stoy Hayward in Leeds, said: “The business landscape is changing beyond all recognition and Yorkshire is no exception.

“Over the last decade, we have seen a general acceptance of outside influence in the way Yorkshire companies are managed.

Foreign influence increases and the number of publicly quoted

companies and mutuals has shrunk.

“We are also seeing significantly more active and vocal investor groups who are much more interested in influencing and changing the behaviour of the companies they are involved with.

“This has got to be a good thing for business development in the region and a positive aid to recovery.

“In Yorkshire, we now have an extremely varied business landscape and the region’s businesses have a well diversified portfolio spanning about 45 sectors, mainly in financial services, food and drink, specialist manufacturing and retail.”

Mr Beaumont said there had been a steady decline in the number of publicly quoted companies in the region, which account for just 22% of the top 150 companies. This has been

■ SURVEY: Ian Beaumont, managing partner at BDO Stoy Hayward

matched by the growth in foreign ownership, which constitutes 35% of Yorkshire business.

He said: “The jury is still out on whether remote ownership of major regional companies is a good thing in the long run and we are still waiting to see what the consequences of this will

be.

“However, the current value of sterling against the functional currencies of overseas consolidators makes locally-owned business relatively attractive targets to those on the acquisition trail.

“So it’s no great surprise that foreign ownership of Yorkshire’s business assets is likely to increase even further.”

The report showed that 39% of Yorkshire’s top 150 companies by revenue are private and private equity owned companies.

These companies generate more than £18bn in sales and £403m in profits before tax.

Foreign company subsidiaries make up 35% of the top 150, generating sales of £29bn and pre-tax profits of £1.1bn.

Some 22% are listed public companies reporting sales exceeding £30bn and posting profits of £2.8bn.

ALMOST one in three company directors in Yorkshire are prepared to put an end to all forms of employee benefits, said a survey by fleet management firm Lloyds TSB Autolease.

With cost cutting still high on the boardroom agenda, 29% of financial decision-makers in Yorkshire said they would not include any form of employee reward, including company cars, if they could start their staff benefits scheme afresh.

Claudia Rose, corporate sales director at Lloyds TSB Autolease, said: “Businesses are looking at ways to further reduce their cost base, but there is a limit to how far cutbacks can be made before it proves counter-productive.

“It pays to remember that a properly rewarded and motivated workforce is essential for any business looking to manage its way out of a slump.

“Coupled with this, the perceived value of a company car is often higher than the hard cash value, so it remains a great option for business and staff alike.”

Other reward-based perks are also coming under threat with 32% of bosses admitting they would put a stop to bonuses.

However, only 13% would stop childcare entitlements – perhaps in part due to the high emotive value this benefit offers staff.

Said Claudia: “Cost reduction can be less painful in some areas than others, but employee benefits are notoriously difficult to tackle, particularly if wholesale changes are planned.

“In most cases, it’s much easier to satisfy the needs of all stakeholders by taking sensible steps to reduce the cost burden, rather than withdrawing benefit schemes altogether.”

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In the current economic climate most companies are looking for a better deal on their print requirements.

In Huddersfield one of the best known specialist print businesses is Barden Print Ltd of Birkby who have continued to move with the times and now offer a full design service, a range of digital services and printing services.

Barden Print has the facilities to design and print while keeping costs to a minimum. Realising that a lot of local companies don't change their printers overnight, businesses need to overcome the fear of change and realise that today's new technology means it is much easier and more cost effective to move to Barden Print.

Richard Beaumont, managing director of Barden Print Ltd, says: "Many customers can now bring their own designs to us which we are happy to accept.

"Many people shop on the internet for print but end up disappointed with the quality, service and price.

“At Barden Print we offer a personal service which runs through every single detail and show clients a proof to be sure they are completely happy with the finished product.''

As a family business Barden Print has been established for over 40 years and is well known for offering top quality service and value on print and design.

The business has a full colour digital machine to cope with short to medium run lengths and colour production machines for larger runs.

They have facilities to number, perforate, cut-out, colour copy and print most types of material, including recycled stocks, while booklet making, folding, wiro binding and laminating are also available.

“With our in-house design studio, we have the ability to produce professional and creative designs for all manner of corporate stationery including brochures, leaflets, posters and web design,’’ said Richard.

“Most companies don’t need a design agency but we offer a service which includes in-house professional print and design. This all helps to keep costs to a minimum and save companies money.

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Ring 01484 422522 for more information or take a look at the website www.bardenprint.com

9

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

BANKER'S BLOG Jill Hague

International ambitions?

HE UK has long been at the heart of TAnd international trade.

– despite a tumultuous market environ-

ment both domestically and worldwide over the past two years – HSBC believe that there are still opportunities for many businesses to develop international growth strategies.

We commissioned a report to uncover the positives and the negatives associated with adopting new markets and have found that there is often a huge discrepancy between perception and reality when it comes to conducting business overseas.

The key finding of this study is that the reality of international trade is less expensive than domestic businesses perceive and the returns from setting up an international venture are greater than they expect.

The research revealed that businesses which are trading internationally today are convinced of the rewards of international trade. Some 80% of those surveyed consider their ventures to be profitable, while 84% believe international business to be beneficial to long term security and to have improved their businesses growth.

Over half state that the UK is well placed to take advantage of the changed market conditions brought on by the economic crisis, as with the fall in the value of sterling, UK exports are far more attractive than before.

Domestic traders were less likely to estimate high levels of growth as a result of international trade – with 29% estimating growth of more than 30% compared with 39% of international businesses.

They were also less convinced of the long-term benefits of international trade, with 38% believing international trade is important for future security of the business against 84% of international traders.

Less than half agreed that the UK is well placed to take advantage of current market conditions by trading internationally.

Costs are commonly assumed to be much greater than reality. Some 30% of domestic businesses estimate the cost of going international to be £50,000 to £100,000 whereas 27% of international traders consider the actual costs to be in the range of only £5,000 to £50,000.

Language barriers were thought to be a challenge for 41% of domestic businesses, but in reality, this has only been a concern for 24% of international traders.

Securing finance initially was also of concern for 39% of domestic traders, compared with only 27% of international traders.

Interestingly, international traders are more willing to consider potentially profitable emerging markets, such as Africa, South America and Asia as their next trading ventures.

By comparison, UK national businesses are much more conservative, considering markets that are closer to home in terms of geography, economic development and western culture, such as France, Germany and Spain.

There is scope for domestic focused businesses to learn from the experiences of international traders.

In particular, there may be benefits to broadening the spectrum of markets they consider to be potentially attractive, to include less popular new trading destinations, such as emerging markets like Africa, South America and Asia.

Email me at jillhague@hsbc.com Jill Hague is Head of Commercial Banking for HSBC in Huddersfield

Breakfast time facts 10am, will cover issues such as discipline and grievance codes and procedures, age discrimination, retirement policies and harassment.

Chris Howarth, of The Howarth Partnership, said: “This is a seminar for businesses in need of information on the latest employment law developments.”

For details and to book, tel 01274 864999

KIRKLEES businesses are set to get an update on the latest in employment law.

Cleckheaton-based human resources and employment law consultancy The Howarth Partnership is staging a free breakfast workshop.

It takes place on November 4 at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium.

The event, which runs from 8am to

Qualification for employers EMPLOYERS in the food and drink industry looking to boost business performance and productivity will be supported by a new qualification.

Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, is developing a qualification which will develop and assess a range of skills linked to improving efficiency and adding value in the work place.

The qualification, which will be publicly accredited as part of the new Qualifications and Credits Framework, will focus on best practice in areas such as lean manufacturing, sustainability, team development, company strategy and leadership and quality.

Amanda Clark, standards and qualifications leader at Improve, said: “We are already working with several major food manufacturers to ensure that we come up with a qualification which is tailored to meet the specific needs of the food industry.”

The qualification will be part of a new range of food and drink proficiency qualifications created to address the skills and training needs of employers.

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Date for your diary COMMERCIAL law firm Lupton Fawcett is holding a free seminar on employment law for owners and managers of small to medium sized enterprises employing up to 50 staff.

Angela Gorton, a director in the firm’s employment division will outline the top 10 employment pitfalls facing SMEs and how to avoid them.

Topics will include avoiding mistakes in the redundancy process, dealing with employees on long-term sick leave and drafting employment contracts to protect your business.

Said Ms Gorton said: “We understand how difficult it can be – especially for small businesses – to keep on top of changes in employment law. Given that the maximum award for an unfair dismissal claim is £76,700 per employee, this seminar is all about giving SMEs information and practical solutions to help them avoid tribunal claims arising.”

The seminar takes place from 10.30am to noon on Wednesday, October 7, at at Lupton Fawcett’s Leeds office. To book a place, contact marketing manager Jacqueline Parkhill on 0113 2802212 or email Jackie.parkhill@luptonfawcett.com.

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10

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

ON THE MOVE

Appointments at anniversary firm

Taking good care A FORMER director at Kirklees Council has been appointed managing director of a company operating care homes.

Mark Greaves, 43, former director of adult social services with the local authori t y, h a s j o i n e d Leeds-based Ideal Care Homes,.

Mr Greaves (right), who lives at Meltham, has more than 20 years experience in social care – having joined Kirklees at the age of 2 2 f ro m B a r n s l e y Council.

As head of adult services, he oversaw 1,800 staff and managed turnover of £150m.

Under his management, the council achieved the highest

possible performance rating from the Care Quality Commission.

M r G re ave s h a s worked for the Social Services Inspectorate’s joint review team to evaluate the performance of other social services departments.

He also worked extensively in Romania over a 12-year period to establish social care functions and increase the level of services.

He has an MBA based on the strategic management of residential care services for older people and has worked as a private consultant advising other care providers.

Northern region AC C O U N TA N C Y firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has appointed Ian Morrison as northern head of assurance.

He succeeds Steve Denison, who has been appointed chairman of PwC’s northern practice.

Mr Morrison (right) became a partner in 2005 and provides audit and transaction services to clients a c ro s s a ra n g e o f industry sectors.

He joined PwC’s audit practice in Leeds in 1992 and also spent two years on secondment in Melbourne, Australia. Mr Morrison has has also led PwC’s entrepreneurial

■ CHEERS: Peter O'Hara (front) and staff at O'Hara and Co in Birstall

“We have remained independent by choice. I’ve had several invitations to take O’Hara & Co into one of the big firms, but the Kirklees business community needs the local alternative of a g r a s s - ro o t s, n o - n o n s e n s e, cost-effective practice like ours and this is the secret of our longevity.”

The two new partners, both of whom have returned after time with national firms, are Christopher Brooksbank and Stephen O’Hara.

They join the senior team led

by Simon Weir, who joined the practice in 1992 and became a partner in 2003.

They are among nine recent appointments taking the total staff to 25.

The practice also has offices in York, Doncaster, Scarborough and Skegness, an associated debt collection company, Continental Cash Collection Ltd and recent acquisition, Fenton Finance Ltd, which provides funds for car buying.

New recruits at Rogers & Co and private company team in Yorkshire.

Mr Morrison, who lives near Wetherby, is a non-executive director of Connect Yorkshire, the organisation promoting Yorkshire as a region for technology businesses.

Research post JAMES Richardson has joined Resource Efficiency as research and data coordinator.

REY is a business support and market development delivery programme funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr Richardson (right) joins the team to commission and collate new research t h at w i l l i d e n t i f y opportunities for low carbon business developments in Yorkshire and Humber.

A RECORD number of instructions is helping a Kirklees-based corporate recovery and personal insolvency specialist mark its 20th anniversary.

Insolvency and corporate recovery practice, O’ Hara & Co, of Huddersfield Road, Birstall, has also appointed two new partners to strengthen its senior team and help meet the substantial increase in instructions during the last 12 months.

Senior partner Peter O’Hara founded the practice in Batley with five staff after leaving the Leeds office of Coopers & Lybrand.

He said: “The practice has received more than 150 instructions during the last year – a record – and we expect this to double during the next 12 months due to the current economic conditions and have expanded our senior team accordingly.

“We would expect to be busy in the current climate, but we judge ourselves on whether we have managed to achieve the fairest and best possible outcome for all concerned in every assignment we handle. Over the years we’ve saved numerous businesses and thousands of jobs.

HOLMFIRTH-based Rogers and Co Accountants has appointed Claudia Walker and Amy Hepworth as trainees.

Claudia, 17, joins the firm from Colne Valley High School while Amy, also 17, is a former student at Shelley College.

Managing director Sharon Munt said Rogers and Co had experienced an upturn in business as a result of extending its client

base and broadening the services available to those clients.

She said: “Rogers and Co work closely with local education bodies and aim to take on one trainee each year.

However, this year’s positive outlook has enabled two youngsters to join.

“Claudia and Amy will be begin training for their professional qualifications in September at Kirklees College.

Mr Richardson has a background in data management and joins the team from Leeds City Council where he was planning compliance officer.

Degree of success

A GROUP providing recruitment services to help graduates get jobs has made a key appointment.

Graduates Yorkshire h a s e n l i s t e d B e c ky Ascough as project manager to lead its new internship programme.

She joins Graduates Yo rk s h i re f ro m T h e Higher Education Academy, where she was responsible for managing ■ RECRUITS: Sharon Munt (left), managing director the activities of the at Rogers and Co, with trainees Claudia Walker E m p l oyab i l i t y a n d (centre) and Amy Hepworth Employee Learning programme.

The Graduates Yorkshire internship programme exposes graduates to the realities of commercial life and gives them a grounding in business. by placing them with companies for three to 12 months.

Becky, who lives in Leeds, was previously business development manager at Knowledge RICH at Yorkshire Universities, where she was responsible for managing and developing the introduction of academic ■ WELCOME: Andy Hobson (right), managing director expertise to businesses of Fantastic Media, welcomes new recruits Gary Pattison from within the universit-

Fantastic two join agency GARY Pattison and Charley Morello have joined Birstall-based marketing and PR agency Fantastic Media.

Mr Pattinson joins as account manager after working for agencies in London’s West End. A chartered marketer, he has worked for business-to-business, business-to-consumer and public sector clients, including The Ritz, Barratt, Ascot Underwriters, United House and SIMA. He has extensive experience in project management and strategic marketing.

Ms Morello takes up the new role of PR account executive following a series of new business wins.

She worked as a marketing officer in the medical industry before completing a masters degree in public relations at Leeds Metropolitan Uni-

A YORKSHIRE recruitment agency has announced a senior appointment as it expands its operations.

Louise Mottershaw (above), formerly head of Millennium Recruitment, has joined Relay Recruitment to lead its new operation in Wakefield and South Yorkshire.

She will assemble her own team of consultants across all Relay disciplines – industrial, logistics, commercial and engineering.

Ms Mottershaw, who specialises in manufacturing and supply chain recruitment, has a diverse background, including a stint with the RAF and senior roles at Brook Street and Primetime.

She founded Millennium Recruitment in Bradford in 1999 before selling the business in 2003.

and Charley Morello

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

11

Industry leader points to Scottish example A WEST Yorkshire businessman has urged the Government to develop new ways to help employers maintain their apprenticeship programmes in the face of the recession.

Chris Horton, director and vice-president of plastics manufacturing firm LINPAC Packaging, pointed to schemes being run by the Scottish Government.

Mr Horton also chairs the national board of the National Skills Academy Process Industries – working with chemicals, polymers and pharmaceutical employers.

Experts predict that the process industries need 24,000 apprentices to fill the gap which will be left by older workers set to retire in the next decade.

Mr Horton pointed out how the Scottish government had set up a “two for the price of one” scheme for life science employers, pledging that the government would meet the full salary costs of the second apprentice.

Scottish bosses also benefit from an “adopt an apprentice” scheme, under which they get £2,000 to recruit a redundant apprentice.

Mr Horton said: “There are 1,200 employers in the process industries in the Yorkshire region and many are struggling to maintain apprenticeship levels through the current economic climate.

“We simply cannot afford to let these young people disappear into other industries or leave the labour market entirely.”

WATERFRONT CONFERENCE CENTRE The Huntsman Inn is an ideal venue for a wide range of corporate events Our large function room which can accommodate 100 people is ideal for events such as product launches, sales conferences, meetings. Catering can be a business breakfast, a buffet lunch or something more substantial.

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Individual packages can be designed to match customers needs and budgets.

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01484 850205

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THE DEIGHTON CENTRE The Deighton Centre is a modern, multipurpose community facility in an ideal location offering quality service and competitive prices. We are the perfect venue for your business or social event whether this is a conference, training session, wedding reception or sports tournament.

The centre has full wheelchair access and a lift to all floors. Our rooms and halls are equipped with a range of audio-visual equipment and we are able to provide special equipment to help people with a disability.

Facilities are available to hire during the day, on evenings and at weekends. Our centre has its own café and ample parking. We can provide full catering on request.

We are able to offer tailored packages and discounts to voluntary and community groups.

In addition, we also operate a wide range of community buildings across Kirklees.

For more information, or to make a booking contact Deighton Bookings on 01484 225702 or email: bookings.deighton@kirklees.gov.uk - www.kirklees.gov.uk

IF you’re looking for great state-ofthe-art conference facilities, then take a look at the Waterfront Conference Centre situated within the iconic and newly renovated historic Folly Hall Mills. Offering seven modern and fully equipped conference suites and meeting rooms, the Waterfront Conference Centre is ideal for all events from conferences and team building days, to evening social events. Services within the centre include trained, helpful staff, lift access to the second floor, wheelchair access, ample car parking and catering for special dietary requirements. Various size rooms are available over two floors. All have names which reflect the history of the building and the local area. Some rooms overlook the River Colne and all include industrial architectural details of this former local mill which is a grade 11 listed building. A brochure is available detailing all pricing structures, room details, catering services etc. If you want to host your event in an iconic building which is a vital part of Huddersfieldís industrial heritage, then book now at the Waterfront Conference Centre which is conveniently situated just two minutes from Huddersfield town centre.

Tel 01484 354455 Katie or Amy

the media centre IF you’re looking for a convenient town centre conference venue, then take a look at the Media Centre in Northumberland Street, Huddersfield.

The Media Centre provides a bright, fresh and professional venue for meetings, whether they are large gatherings or smaller informal get-together’s between colleagues and associates.

Offered at competitive rates, the Media Centre has superb meeting, conference and training facilities. It has a dedicated conference coordinator on hand in reception to welcome you and your delegates.

Meeting spaces have wireless internet facilities, equipment hire and refreshments available.

Six rooms of varying sizes are available to provide a venue for any number of people from two to 70. All rooms have comfort cooling and natural daylight.

The Media Centre has a convenient town centre location within walking distance of major public transport links, just two minutes from the train station and several minutes from the bus station.

For your first conference booking, there is a 20% discount available on room hire.

01484 4833000 www.the-media-centre.co.uk

12

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Hansen gears up with safety award

A GEARBOX manufacturer in Huddersfield expects to drum up extra interest from customers after gaining a key health and safety standard.

Hansen Transmissions Ltd is celebrating after its commitment to promoting a safe and healthy working environment was officially recognised with the awarding of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems 18001 accreditation.

The company, based at Nile Street, off St Thomas’ Road, Longroyd Bridge, is proud to claim that it provides the same level of health and safety support to its field service engineers working all over the world as it does for employees working in its factory and offices.

“Employees’ health and safety is the highest priority for Hansen Transmissions Ltd and we want to ensure that we take every step possible to make that a way of life within the company”, said compliance manager Richard Gough.

“The certification process of OHSAS 18001 was an excellent experience for us to go through and benchmark our systems against the world’s best.”

TAX TALK Colin Barratt

Building a good case VER the past few years, the conO struction industry has been the target of a number of measures to

■ WELL DONE: Steven Pollitt (centre), presents the award to Richard Holmes (third right), Odion Akan (second right) and Darren Garland (right), of Liquid Accounts Ltd, with (from left) Pam Smalley, of HSBC; Anne Gerard, of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce; Bob Pidgeon, of Appleyard Lees; and Alan Lascelles, of Business Link

Liquid Accounts shows its up to the numbers game A COMPANY to count on is the latest winner of a monthly business award.

Liquid Accounts, based at Longwood, impressed the judges in the competition run

by Huddersfield law firm Eaton Smith and the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

The company combines IT and accountancy skills to provide an internet-based accountancy package for firms of all sizes.

Its software can be accessed, updated and run from any location – a concept often referred to as “cloud accounting”.

It means companies, managers and work teams are no longer restricted by the confines of their server, networked systems and four walls.

With more developments in the pipeline,

Liquid Accounts is expanding its customer base – making it a worthy winner of the Eaton Smith Award.

Richard Holmes, operations director at Liquid Accounts, said: “We are delighted to add the Business of the Month Award to our trophy cabinet.

“This award really means as much to us as our recent national awards, because of our local roots. We’re a Huddersfield company and we have a strong bond with this part of Yorkshire.”

The award is open to all companies in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. Visit www.eatonsmith.co.uk or contact – Ian Greenwood of Eaton Smith on 01484 821389

Businesswomen are among region’s best TWO businesswomen with strong Huddersfield links have won top regional awards.

Purnima Tanuka, chief executive of Bradley-based National Day Nurseries Association, and Denby Dale woman Jo Haigh were category winners in the Director Awards run by the Institute of Directors.

Purnima took the title for the voluntary and charitable sector, while Jo was named business adviser of the year.

The NDNA is a national charity representing children’s day nurseries across the UK. It provides member nurseries with training and support to Purnima Tanuku Jo Haigh help them give the best possible d e v e l o p i n g t h e N D NA’s Jo Haigh is head of corporcare to young children.

Purnima represents mem- National Early Years Enter- ate finance at accountancy firm bers with Government, MPs prise Centre and has extensive Martin Greene Ravden with and local authorities, as well as experience of working at senior offices in Sheffield and Lonsharing the views of nurseries executive level working with don. public, private and charitable She has written several in the media.

She was instrumental in organisations. books on business issues and

has won several awards, including being named 2005 Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year and the IoD’s Business Adviser of the Year Award in 2006.

Among other award winners, Neil Gaydon, chief executive officer of Saltaire-based TV set top box maker Pace plc was named Yorkshire’s director of the year.

He has worked for Pace since 1995 and joined the board in 2002 before becoming chief executive officer in 2006.

The winners also included Dr Graham Honeyman, chief executive of Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd, who was received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to manufacturing.

The awards were presented at a black tie ceremony at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.

prevent avoidance of tax and national insurance.

HM Revenue & Customs has set out its further proposals to counter the loss of tax revenues from the industry with its recently issued consultation document, False Self Employment in Construction.

Where workers provide their services, there is an obligation for the engager – in all business sectors not just construction – to correctly classify its workers as either employed or self-employed. A number of established tests need to be looked at to decide the workers’ employment status, such as who controls the work, rights of a worker to hire someone else to do the work, the provision of equipment and the extent to which a worker bears financial risk.

According to the Revenue, false self-employment occurs where workers are treated as self-employed for income tax and National Insurance, despite the fact that the way in which the work is carried out on a day-to-day basis demonstrates that there is an employment relationship. The Revenue sais that such false self-employment arises disproportionately in the construction Industry.

The result of such false self-employment is the loss tax revenues as payments to workers do not incur employers’ NIC and the tax and NIC paid by the self-employed worker is generally lower than an equivalent employed worker.

U n d e r n e w H M RC p r o p o s a l s , self-employed workers in the construction industry will be deemed as employees for tax and NIC purposes, unless they can fulfill one or more of three statutory tests.

The proposed statutory tests are: ● The worker provides plant and machinery for the purposes of the task being carried out, excluding such tools that it is normal for a person in the industry to provide for themselves ● The worker provides all the materials required to complete a job ● The worker provides at least one other worker to carry out operations under the contract and is responsible for paying them In a Revenue example, where an engager sources all the bricks for workers to build a wall and the bricklayers bring their own small tools, the bricklayers will be deemed to be in receipt of employment income as none of the above criteria are met. Where a worker supplies and fits glazing with the assistance of his employee, the worker will not be deemed to be in receipt of employment income as the second and third criterion are met.

The above rules will significantly affect those engaged as ‘labour-only’ workers and if implemented will no doubt lead to the increase in the cost of construction projects at a time when the industry is reeling from the effects of the recession.

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

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

MARKETING MATTERS Clare Quartermaine

Wonders of technology E know – thanks to the wonders of W technology – what customers buy and when.

We can spot trends and we can generally predict some outcomes (burgers are a safe bet on a hot bank holiday weekend for instance).

Frustratingly, we often don’t know why!

This has been the factor that has had many marketers having sleepless nights. And to cap it all, I have just read today that these naughty customers simply aren’t doing what we have come to expect during a recession.

Making a marketing decision has become much more difficult to make – how dare they!

See it their way. Many reports would have us believe the green shoots are really starting to sprout – and others are telling us the recession is a well-needed long-term correction to the economy.

So you can understand why consumers simply don’t know what to think, where to turn or who to trust.

Let’s face it, politicians and economists alike have not been inspiring confidence recently.

There have been suggestions that many of us believe the way we were spending was perhaps too much of a good thing?

So, while many have played down the rise in “Blitz spirit”, have consumers felt confused and perhaps even bombarded by the volume of consumer offers and the need to spend, spend, spend?

Maybe this is the break we need from it all?

Marketers now need to adjust their strategy to attract consumers that are feeling ever more guilty about what they buy.

Customers (and this applies to business-to-business buying, too) are spending much more time researching before they buy and shopping around more than they used to.

This includes the smaller purchases as well as the large ones.

But interestingly, they are not afraid to try new brands, as long as it appeals to their principals – (guilt free if possible).

There is hope that this will bring about a sustained change in attitude towards community and culture, not only represented by buying habits but a return to a more old-fashioned style of living.

It’s no longer a bad thing to live within your means – you don’t have to own the newest, best products anymore. I hear parents everywhere will be breathing a sigh of relief Lastly, I’m happier to live in a world where my house is for living in, not how much its worth and I can represent myself through my words rather than what I own.

Watch out for the changes in marketing styles and messages out there as companies adopt new, guilt free anecdotes to pull the buyers in.

Clare Quartermaine is founder and managing director of QT Creative

Safety contest

Company gets the green light A COMPANY making kitchens for the affordable homes sector has invested more than £370,000 on making its vehicle fleet more environmentally-friendly.

Dewsbury-based Rixonway has added two 28-tonne tractor units, three 18-tonne demountable rigid units, four trailer units, four demountable box units and one drawer bar trailer to its fleet.

This brings the total number of vehicles in Rixonway’s commercial fleet to 22, all of which work five days a week travelling the UK from Dundee to Plymouth and across Wales.

Each of the new vehicles is fitted with “Euro 5” compliant engines – the highest European Standard for the control of CO2 emissions.

Additionally, vehicles are fitted with an ADBLUE system which injects a non-hazardous compound directly into exhaust gases as they leave the engine, breaking them down into harmless natural water and nitrogen.

The entire commercial delivery fleet is also being fitted with new fuel saving tyres, which have been designed to reduce wind resistance on the road, decreasing fuel consumption by up to 12%.

Rixonway distribution manager Graeme Smith said: “This is a significant investment which also benefits our customers who will also be able to reduce their own carbon footprint through association to our delivery services.

“The CO2 emissions that derive from Rixonway’s vehicle fleet are measured and offset through ClimateCare which calculates any carbon compensation through energy efficient projects.”

The upgrading of its commercial vehicle fleet is the latest green initiative introduced by Rixonway which has developed a variety of strategies to reduce its environmental impact.

■ DRIVING AHEAD: Rixonway is pursuing green transport policies

“In order to meet current environmental challenges, we have set and communicated stringent environmental performance targets and commitments,” said Rixonway operations director Nick Greenall.

“We salvage 100% of the wood waste from our production processes which is re-used where possible or used to generate biomass fuel.

“We have made a concerted effort to reduce packaging in line with the Producer Responsibility Obligation Regulation 2005 and we are members of a WEEE compliance scheme which minimises the negative environmental aspects of disposing of our electrical items.”

Rixonway’s environmental performance targets and commitments have been ISO14001 accredited and the company’s environmental initiatives earned it two awards at the 2007 Ground Works Environmental awards.

■ WELL DONE: Rixonway managing director Paul Rose (second right), human resource manager Rachel Lurc (right) and disability employment adviser Ismail Chopdat receive the Double Tick Award from Job Centre Plus customer service operations manager Julie Metcalfe

Double Tick for Rixonway DEWSBURY kitchens manufacturer Rixonway has been commended for its approach to disability and employment.

The company,has received the Positive about Disabled People Double Tick Award from Jobcentre Plus as recognition of its commitment to employ people with disabilities.

The Double Tick symbol also acknowledges Rixonway Kitchens’ commitment to employees who have become disabled during their employment.

Managing director Paul Rose said: “We value

13

all of our employees’ contributions and believe everyone should have the right to employment regardless of race, creed, colour, nationality, gender, disability or age.

“By providing a positive environment for staff, where equal opportunities are recognised and training and progression is paramount, we have created a workplace that employees can take pride in.

“It is this approach which enables us to guarantee service delivery and quality to our customers.”

A ROAD safety charity in Huddersfield has recruited a local firm to to stage a competition for schools.

Charity Brake and Recognition Express, which supplies names badges and corporate promotional products, are working together to highlight Road Safety Week by running a road safety competition for primary schools across the UK. The contest invites pupils to design a picture or create a message about road safety. Entry details were sent to schools at the start of September.

There are 12 prizes to be won by schools across the country.

The successful ones will receive a box of 36 mugs carrying their winning design – along with 250 high-visibility “slap wraps” to help keep children safe on their way to and from school.

Road Safety Week takes place from November 23 to 29.

Recognition Express has a branch at Ruth Street in Newsome and outlets UK-wide.

Katie Shephard, fundraising manager at Brake, said: “Brake is delighted that Recognition Express has chosen to support us. Every year, Brake runs national Road Safety Week to engage communities in road safety.

“The competition that Recognition Express is running is a great way for kids to learn more about road safety and get involved in the week. I hope all parents and teachers encourage their children to take part.”

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express, said: “ “We hope that our involvement in Road Safety Week will encourage greater participation from parents, teachers and particularly children in doing something to reduce the depressingly high number of road casualties.”

The deadline for entries is Friday, October 23.

The 12 winners will be announced during Road Safety Week.

Contact Zoe Waistell at Recognition Express on tel: 01530 513 300 or email zwaistell@ recognition-express. com

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Rishworth School & Heathfield

Open Days at local schools Top Marks on

Results Day!

Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School Continuous education from 3-18 years

Huddersfield Grammar School Our GCSE results for 2009 are a 97% pass rate for grades A*- C. Huddersfield Grammar School offers 14 subjects at GCSE with 3 separate sciences. Huddersfield Grammar is an independent school for boys and girls aged 3-16 years. Our next Open Day is 19th November 2009.

For more information please contact 01484 424549 or visit www.huddersfield-grammarschool.co.uk Huddersfield Grammar School, Royds Mount, Luck Lane, Marsh, Huddersfield HD1 4QX T 01484 424549 F 01484 531835 E admin@huddersfield-grammarschool.co.uk

PENEVENTS

enthuse Heathfield - Monday 12th October, 1.15pm - 6pm Rishworth - Saturday 10th October, 9.30 - 12 noon

Rishworth - Monday 12th October, 6 - 8.30pm Rishworth Sixth Form Wednesday 18th November, 6.30pm -9pm, Address by Head of Sixth Form, 6.45pm- 7.15pm

Rishworth, West Yorkshire HX6 4QA. Telephone: 01422 822 217 E-mail: admissions@rishworth-school.co.uk Website: www.rishworth-school.co.uk

ANY parents will be visiting school open days in the coming weeks to decide on the school of choice for their children.

Here is a guide to some of the finest schools in the local area: Rastrick Independent School is an Independent Co Educational Day School for pupils from both to 16 years.

We open all the year round and operate from 7.30am to 6.30pm. Parents have the choice, therefore, of a normal school day, term-time or all-the-year round attendance. We also offer before and after school care.

The ethos of the school is meeting the need of individual child within an environment of love, respect, discipline and providing an exciting learning environment ensuring happiness for everyone. We cater for children of working parents who are able to follow their careers secure in the knowledge that their child is educated and care for to the highest standards.

The school attains excellent academic achievement. We also offer opportunities to the wider community by offering scholarships and bursaries.

Visit us at the open day on Thursday, November 19,2009 from 2pm to 3.30pm and 5pm to 7pm.

Silcoates offers an all-round education with an academic edge.

It is not surprising that academic achievement is consistently high at Silcoates. The school provides the highest standards of learning and commitment to personal discovery with an expectation of excellence from all.

In addition to meeting the educational needs of pupils in the 21st century, SIlcoates has an outstanding reputation for developing the whole child.

By helping them to grow into ambitious energetic and confident young adults, Silcoates equips them for life beyond school and teaches them the skills required to make a positive contribution to society.

An idyllic setting and fifty-five acres of picturesque grounds provides a safe, secure and inspirational place to learn.

There are a wide variety of sports teams, clubs and activities to choose from and students work hard to achieve their own personal goals as much outside the classroom as in.

There’s great Yorkshire value at Batley Grammar School.

With the cost of living rising, parents need to be sure that their money is being well spent.

Which is why now, more than ever, Batley Grammar School is committed to offering great Yorkshire value.

From affordable uniforms to manageable school fees, we offer quality without compromise, combining 400 years of educational wisdom with 21 century facilities and technology.

We still believe small is beautiful, so our comparatively high ratio of teachers to pupils results in a personalised nurturing environment.

This means our pupils – aged three to 18 – are given the individual care and attention they need to thrive.

In addition to academic achievement, Batley Grammar School offers a wide range of enrichment activities from involvement with the school’s acclaimed music and drama productions to the opportunity to fly, climb and canoe with the Combines Cadet Force – one of the largest of its kind in Yorkshire.

What better investment is there in the current climate? Education – a gift for life.

Bradford Girls’ Grammar School offers independent education for girls aged 11-18 and Lady Royd Preparatory School offers independent education for girls and boys aged two to 11. They warmly invite you to Open Doors on Friday, September 18 from 10.30am to 3pm and on Saturday, September 19 from 10am to 12,30pm.

Both schools offer traditional values and the highest academic standards.

Squire Lane, Bradford BD9 6RB. Tel 01274 545395 or visit the website www.bggs.com

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

An art class at Huddersfield Grammar School Huddersfield Grammar School The 2009 GCSE results for the 39 Year 11 Huddersfield Grammar School pupils were outstanding with a 97% pass rate from grades A* to C. Individual successes included Rachell Lunn, who gained 10 A*s; Anumm Javed and Sam Mitchell who each gained six A*s and four A grades; and James Richards, who gained seven A*s and two A grades.

“These excellent achievements reflect an exemplary year’s work by the pupils and a dedicated tam of staff.

“We are all very proud of the hard work and commitment of our young people which have led to their successes,” said head teacher Mrs Janet Straughan.

The security and sense of belonging which Huddersfield Grammar School can offer through an excellent pupil-teacher ratio and small teaching groups for children aged three to 16 years are among the most important factors in promoting the happiness and success of pupils through

independent education.

However, as we all know, school is not just about classroom activities and parents tell us that it is the ethos of the school that attracts them.

Huddersfield Grammar School offers scholarships every year into Year 7 on the basis of our Entrance Examination which will be held on January 30, 2010.

Music Scholarships are also available and details should be requested from the school.Our next Open Day is on Thursday. November 19, when visitors are welcome to come and see the School in action and meet the pupils and teachers.

This is an ideal opportunity to experience a typical day at School, a true insight into the atmosphere and daily activities.

Personal visits can also be arranged at other times.

P l e a s e v i s i t w w w. h u dd e r s f i e l d - g ra mmarschool.co.uk for full details.

OPEN MORNING Saturday 26th September 10am - 12pm

Silcoates School, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, WF2 OPD

Tel: (01924) 291614 www.silcoates.org.uk

www.silcoates.org.uk

15

16

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Blaze a trail with Pink Link

Worried about the 11+ Examinations?

Concerned you cannot afford Independent Education or find an alternative suitable school?

Rastrick Independent School is here to help...

• Recent three quarter million pound investment has created additional places, enabling us to reach out the the wider community • Assistance, Bursaries & Scholarships

Why choose us?

• 100% Pass Rate for 14 consecutive years • 100% Pass Rate at least 5 GCSE A*-C grades including Mathematics and English • Whatever your child’s age 5-14 years you can apply for help • Preparation for life

‘One of Britain’s top schools’.

Ranked 68th Nationally – The Times Contact the Headmistress for an informal chat, We are here to listen.

Rastrick Independent School Ogden Lane, Rastrick, Brighouse, HD6 3HF

Tel. 01484 400344

info@rastrick-independent.co.uk

www.rastrickschool.co.uk

Bradford Grammar School Come and join in the fun at our next Open Day on Saturday 3 October For further details please contact the Registrar, Mrs Karen Hewitt Keighley Road, Bradford BD9 4JP

Telephone: 01274 553702 www.bradfordgrammar.com

Pictured (top) pupils from Bradford Girls Grammar School and (above) a typical scene from a science lesson.

Many local schools are holding Open Days in the coming weeks so parents can visit

HAULAGE firm The Pink Link Ltd has come up with a unique money-saving service for one of its clients.

The Netherton-based distribution specialist came to the rescue when client Nu-Swift International, the fire extinguisher company based at Elland, was facing high storage costs for several of its sites across the country.

The solution was for Nu-Swift to use the existing nationwide depots of Pink Link’s parent network, Palletways as storage facilities for its field-based engineers – rather than using its own premises.

The Pink Link Ltd also decided to absorb the cost of offering this service into the client’s existing rates of carriage, rather than issue additional charges.

Paul Daykin, group senior manager of Nu-Swift, said: “I spent a considerable amount of time analysing our current storage facilities, the locations required to house our engineers, the general implications of relocating them as well as carrying out complete a cost saving analysis.

“The cost saving against the general upheaval of relocation was of such scale that we decided to proceed with this service and compiled a proposal of all engineers who were to relocate their current site to their new site which was taken from a complete list of Palletways’ depots kindly supplied by The Pink Link Ltd.” In total, the process involved relocating 43 engineers and 20 different storage facilities into 21 Palletways depots.

A trial period with six engineers was arranged – which proved very successful and resulted in two phases being introduced for the relocation of the remaining engineers.

The Pink Link Ltd has now successfully relocated all proposed engineers into the new storage facilities. The whole process took about four months.

Paul said: “The arrangement of the whole procedure would not have been possible without The Pink Link Ltd’s valuable input and assistance – contacting the principles of all proposed depots, introducing charters for our engineers to abide to, general administration and communication and overall aptitude to making this happen.

“To relocate 43 engineers has been a big challenge, but this had been done with the utmost efficiency and proved a seamless transition.

“I have no doubt that this will continue to work well and has enhanced the working relationship between The Pink Link Ltd and Nu-Swift Group of Companies and I look forward to a continued and successful partnership.”

LEGAL BRIEF Peter Matthews

Don’t dodge the draft URING the economic downturn, we D have experienced a surge in litigious scenarios which in turn has high-

lighted the poor drafting and implementation of business contract terms and conditions.

If your business standard terms are drafted to include unusual or arduous terms, recent case law highlights the need to make these transparent to the other party where a failure to do so will mean they will be struck out by the courts.

Such clauses in standard terms, which for smaller businesses tend to be a collection of fine print clauses on the order or invoice forms, could include any provisions limiting or excluding liability for damages, or indeed any provisions which might cause a significant imbalance in the other party’s rights.

A construction case of 2008 discussed whether a claimant’s standard terms and conditions of contract had been incorporated into a contract. The judge decided that they had not, on the basis first that the defendant had been given unreasonably sufficient notice of such terms and conditions (in particular, since the terms and conditions had been referred to but not actually sent by the claimant) and second, because they included unusual or arduous terms.

In relation to onerous terms, the judge relied on the premise that although the party receiving a document may know that it contains terms and conditions, if a particular condition relied upon is one which is a particularly onerous or arduous term, or is one which involves the removal of a right given by statute, the party sending the document must show that it has been brought fairly and reasonably to the other's attention.

The judge decided that there was at least one onerous term in the terms and conditions, which should have – but had not been – brought to the defendant’s attention. Given that this was a construction law case, the onerous term in question related to a condition which had to be fulfilled before an extension of time for carrying out building works was granted to a sub-contractor under a building contract. However, this case is relevant to other types of commercial terms and conditions.

Suppliers of any services or goods will therefore need to be careful when sending out their standard terms and conditions to make sure that any unusual or arduous clauses are brought to the other's attention. In practice, this means printing them boldly and somewhere prominent. The more unusual or arduous the clause, the greater the notice which must be given.

Austin Kemp have considerable expertise in dealing with commercial contracts, whether in terms of negotiation and drafting or dispute resolution and are able to either review or draft your company terms and conditions for contract. ● The information in this article is for general purposes and guidance only and does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.

Peter Matthews is a member of the commercial law team at Austin Kemp Solicitors

17

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Young designers required

EMPLOYERS' BRIEFING Neil Wilson

Persistent problems HREE separate studies have highT lighted the troubles facing UK employers and employees during the summer

and in the coming months ahead as a result of the economic downturn, the increasing demands placed on employees and, of course, the current swine flu epidemic.

The first piece of research is a recent survey carried out on a number of small to medium size businesses which has revealed that during the summer holiday period a significant number of employees will maintain regular contact with their workplace.

About 35% of those who responded said they would be contacting the office while on holiday and a high proportion of those people admitted to keeping in touch once a day. A small number even stated that they would be contacting the office several times a day.

A high number of employees admitted that they found it difficult to switch off from work while on holiday and this does raise concerns about stress levels for employees.

It is important to encourage employees, however busy there workload is, to detach themselves from the working environment as far as possible while they are on annual leave.

Typically, employees who have work on their minds at all times – even when they are supposed to be relaxing – can be susceptible to high levels of stress which could cause significant problems for employers.

The second piece of research is a recent survey of nearly 5000 job applications over the past 12 months finding that nearly a fifth of all applications contained some false or misleading information.

It is no doubt a result of the current economic downturn, where competition for jobs is as fierce as it has been for a number of years. It has been well-publicised that young workers under the age of 21 are those most likely to miss out on employment opportunities, so it is unsurprising that this group is considered the most dishonest when analysing the applications. A fifth of those under the age of 21 lied or concealed information on their application forms.

Employers should review all applications in detail and be prepared to pick up any inconsistencies with the prospective employees. It is also good practice to add a clause at the bottom of application forms stating that if it is found that any information disclosed is untrue or misleading then the employer will treat the matter as dishonesty and an act of gross misconduct.

The final pieces of research give conflicting reports calling into question the true effect that swine flu has had on work places across the UK. One survey of over 420 organisations shows that 38% of businesses estimate that they will lose revenue with one in five predicting they made need to close part of their business over the coming months.

However, research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, on the contrary, has reported that the majority of businesses are not seeing significant problems as a result of the flu outbreak.

Employers should follow official guidance – putting notices up and advice leaflets and also introducing sanitation measures.

■ CELEBRATION: Brothers Paul and Martin Barrett. of online business takeaways.com

Birthday bash for online firm AN online company pre-dating some of the biggest names in the internet has celebrated 10 years of trading.

Huddersfield-based takeaways.net was making its name on the world wide web before MSN or even Google.

For a decade, site visitors have been able to find menus with the click of the mouse – instead of rooting through their drawers to find an out-of-date, dog-eared menu.

The easy-to-use search facility brings up a choice of your local takeaways, using postcode and cuisine type – providing a current menu with up-to-date prices.

Since launching in 1999, takeaways.net has enjoyed continual growth and now lists more than 8,000 food outlets in more than 350 towns and cities nationwide.

The business was founded by brothers Paul and

Martin Barrett in 1999 and went live in August that year.

Paul, who is managing director, said: “These days, takeaway customers expect to be able to find this information on the internet and owners all report a significant increase in orders because of it.”

Although the site enjoys a national audience, the company likes to get involved in the local Huddersfield scene, having sponsored the Pizza Tossing competition at The Huddersfield Food and Drinks Festival as far back as 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Said Paul: “We are constantly updating the website and introducing new ideas. There are some exciting new developments in the pipeline for the site before we reach 11! So watch this space!”

KIRKLEES youngsters have got the chance to design car that’s kind to the environment.

Car dealer Clive Brook Volvo has launched the competition for any child under the age of 16 – with a special “team” prize also available to encourage schools to educate their pupils on the impact of carbon dioxide on the environment.

The individual winner will win a trip to Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Belgium to meet car design professionals. The team prize includes Volvo bikes.

Clive Brook, managing director of the Bradford-based dealership, said: “Volvo has a tradition of producing environmentally friendly cars.

“We thought it would be interesting to challenge the drivers of tomorrow to see how cars could be improved in the future.

“We guarantee all winning designs will be presented to the key decision makers in the organisation.’

The competition runs until the end of October. To enter, email info@clivebrook.co.uk, call on 08444 707601 or write to 355 Canal Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD2 1AA.

Gill’s just champion

Neil Wilson is an Employment Lawyer at Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors ■ WINNER: Mirfield pharmacist Dr Gill Hawksworth is a 2009 Local Champion

A MIRFIELD pharmacist has won an award for volunteering her time to help colleagues locally.

Gill Hawksworth was one of the winners in the Local Champions Awards run by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. The awards were announced at the society’s annual British Pharmaceutical Conference.

The Local Champion Awards recognise contribution of society members who volunteer their time at a local level. Society chief executive and registrar Jeremy Holmes presented the award certificate.

Gill Hawksworth, who is a past president of the society, won the Innovation Award for establishing a Local Practice Forum (LPF) to cover the whole of Yorkshire.

Judges said her initiative to set up the LPF enhanced the status of the profession and contributed significantly to improving services for members in Yorkshire.

They said: “The LPF goes on to benefit the region by providing support for professional and career devel-

opment, achieving CPD and revalidation requirements and will allow for wider networking and recognition.

“These benefits will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face meetings and web-based virtual networks to provide greater choice, accessibility and convenience for members.

“To develop the LPF, Gill organised a number of pilot meetings and arranged for pharmacists from all areas of the practice – community, hospital, industry and academia to attend.”

Said Gill: “Winning this award highlights the great importance to me personally of establishing this LPF and I pay tribute to all my colleagues who are part of this exciting new local professional development support network for our area.

“I am pleased that I have been able to contribute to the success of the West Yorkshire LPF by leading its successful development and I look forward now to seeing our future plans for CPD support come to fruition.”

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Yorkshire’s Legal People.

Sponsors of the Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards 2009

www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield | Halifax | Leeds: Morley | Leeds: Pudsey | Wakefield

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

City centre scheme on awards shortlist

A NEW office scheme in West Yorkshire has been shortlisted for a national “green” award.

Toronto Square in Leeds is one of three finalists in the category for office development of the year in the Estates Gazette Green Awards – and is the only refurbished building on the shortlist.

The other buildings shortlisted for the office development category are in London and Manchester.

Developer Highcross is now hoping that the regional property community will lend its support to the development by voting for Toronto Square in the final stages of the award. Voting is now open on line for shortlisted companies, with the winners due to be announced in October.

The Toronto Square development was completed in August following a £10m re-development and extension programme to create 90,000sq ft of grade A office space in the heart of the city’s legal and financial district.

Zolfo Cooper, the first occupier to take space, has moved into its new 7,050sq ft top floor offices in September.

The Green Awards aim to recognise best practice in sustainable development. The

Toronto Square scheme has already achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating, which government and local authority occupiers now require for all future office accommodation.

It incorporates a range of environmental initiatives, including air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, areas of green roofs, a green recycling hub, initiatives to save waste water and a landscaping scheme which enhances site ecology.

Highcross commercial development director Chris Mills said: “We identified a gap in the Leeds city centre office market for a ‘greener’ commercial office product and believe that Toronto Square is an excellent example of what can be achieved in terms of enhancing environmental credentials, even late in the development process and at a commercially viable cost.”

He said: “In times of economic uncertainty, environmental initiatives are often the first to be value-engineered out of schemes.

This project demonstrates what can be achieved with a targeted approach, which will deliver long term benefits to the environment, building users and the life cycle performance of the building.”

■ FINALIST: Toronto Square in Leeds

Apprentices get a helping hand FUNDING has been made available to help building firms in Yorkshire take on apprentices laid-off during the recession.

Companies that are able to provide suitable apprenticeship employment to displaced apprenticesclose to the end of their framework and support them to complete their training will be eligible to apply for financial support of up to £1,000.

The scheme is being run by ConstructionSkills, the UK’s sector skills council for construction, under a £1m funding package from the National Apprenticeship Service.

For employers registered with CITB-ConstructionSkills, this comes on top of the funding which may be available through the grant scheme.

Funding is available for those in the last 12 months of their apprenticeship – and it is hoped that at least 800 extra trainees across the UK will benefit from this newly-available funding.

The money was secured from the NAS to act as an incentive for even more employers to support the ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship Matching Service, which helps employers hold on to their apprentices or matches displaced apprentices with new employers.

Some 20% of the 299 displaced apprentices on the MAS books in Yorkshire & Humber have already been re-employed.

Russell Buckley, apprenticeship manager for ConstructionSkills in Yorkshire, said: “Our Apprenticeship Matching Service has been a huge step forward for the industry,

helping to retain as many of the next generation of workers as possible.

“We have also been talking to the Government in recent months about the need to support employers in our industry through this difficult time and the funding from the National Apprenticeship Service will do just that: £1,000 for each apprentice adopted through the AMS will make the proposition a lot more viable for many employers.”

Said Mr Buckley: “It is absolutely imperative that we do all that is possible to retain the talent within the industry – in a concerted and co-ordinated effort – to try and prevent a skills shortage.

“At ConstructionSkills, we are successful in placing thousands of apprentices with c o n s t r u c t i o n c o m p a n i e s eve r y ye a r throughout the UK, so it would be a real shame if these apprentices, especially those who are so close to the finish line, were lost to the industry.”

Market improves for building firms THE market is improving for small builders, claims the latest research from the National House-Building Council.

The organisation’s latest Small Builder Barometer showed that 41% of small builders believe they will feel the positive effect of a market recovery within a year – and 18% say that it will take just six months for them to notice the benefits of a market recovery.

But NHBC research also shows there is still some way to go for others – with 12% saying they will benefit from an upturn “hopefully within two years.”

The fight for financial survival has forced several key issues down the agenda of smaller firms – with more than half of respondents highlighting fiscal stability above sustainability or staff skills levels as their greatest concern.

Imtiaz Farookhi, NHBC chief executive, said: “The industry has been quick to assess the difficulties of the bigger house building and construction firms, but it is important to consider the issues that small builders face now and in the future, as well as finding ways to alleviate the financial pressures they are under.

“These smaller firms are integral to the industry

and feel the effects of a recession all the more acutely.”

NHBC said smaller builders needed to keep up to speed with changes to legislation and industry best practice.

NHBC said it had launched its own Support the Industry campaign offering free training to help the small builders maintain skills during the downturn.

As part of the Health and Safety Executive’s small builder initiative, NHBC is delivering free site visits, best practice briefings and distributing free health and safety literature to them.”

19 ‘Woolies’ sites find new life PROPERTY agency DTZ has completed two deals at former Woolworths’ stores in Yorkshire.

Aviva completed a retail letting to B&M Retail at a large former Woolworths premises in Rotherham town centre. The premises comprised more than 30,000sq ft in total with about 12,000sq ft of ground floor retail accommodation.

Earlier this year, BlackRock UK Property Fund completed a retail letting to Boots UK Ltd at the former Woolworths premises on Cambridge Street, Harrogate. The unit comprises 29,745sq ft over basement, ground, first and second floors.

Mark Proudlove, retail associate director at DTZ, said: “The fact that we have secured these lettings in Yorkshire – despite the current challenging market conditions – signals underlying strength in the market for prime retail areas in these towns.

“In addition, there is serious interest in the former Woolworths premises in Hull city centre where DTZ advises Aviva.

The former Woolworths in Darlington is attracting a number of potential quality anchor tenants vying for this space within the Cornmill Shopping Centre.”

NEIL Ashton, who lives at Fixby, has been appointed service manager for Bolton-based SDH Air Conditioning Services Ltd. The company installs and services air conditioning systems in hotels, offices, factories and supermarkets across the country.

Mr Ashton, 56, (above) will manage the company’s four service engineers, source materials and work with clients in his new role.

SDH managing director Steve Hunt said: “Neil brings a wealth of experience from the industry and this will help us to meet the high standards we set ourselves in terms of service and client satisfaction.”

20

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Cricket match for contractor

IndustrIal IndustrIal

tO LEt tO LEt tO LEt

Detached Modern Workshop & Offices 3 westbury Street, Elland

1 229m2 (2,466 sq ft) 1 Private yard and parking 1 Excellent main road access and M62 (J24) Rental: On application

Wellington Business Park

Quebec Street, Elland 1 520m2 (5,600 sq ft) 1 Excellent modern single storey factory 1 large shared yard and car parking provision 1 Offices plus mezzanine storage Rental: £28,000 pax

tO LEt

Modern Industrial/ Warehouse Unit

unit G10, Lowfields Business Park, Elland 1 1026m2 (11,046 sq ft) 1 Fully fitted for immediate occupation 1 Excellent location within M62 corridor Rental on application Short terms available

Heathfield House Heathfield St, Elland 1 642m2 (6,912 ft) 1 detached two storey office and works 1 Ease of access to Junc 24 M62 1 Good drive in access Rental: £22,500 pax

FOR SALE – NEw INStRuctION

Modern detached single storey Industrial unit

FOR SALE

High Bay Engineering Factory Premises Bay 33, Longfield works, Halifax

1 3,883m2 (41,799 sq ft) 1 site area: 0.53 Ha (1.3 acres) 1 10 & 15 tonne Gantry Cranes 1 9.3m (30ft) Eaves Height Price: On application

FOR SALE – NEw INStRuctION

Substantial Former Mill Premises

wood Land Mill, Dale Street, Huddersfield

1 3,717m2 (40,000 sq ft) 1 secure yard/car parking provision 1 On a site area of 0.23 ha (0.56 scres) Price: On application

rEtaIl tO LEt –NEw INStRuctION

Prominent Two Storey Retail Premises

621 Bradford Road, Brighouse 1 51.24m (552 sq ft) 1 large display window overlooking the busy a641 Bradford road 1 Open plan retail space with additional first floor and basement storage 1 High specification fit out 1 Kitchenette and WC facilities Rental: £6,000 pax (Incentives available) 2

tO LEt – NEw INStRuctION

Town Centre Retail Unit 44 Park St, Brighouse

1 63.98m (687 sq ft) 1 return frontage overlooking Park street and West Park street 1 Open plan retail space with additional stores 1 WC and Kitchenette facilities Rental: £8,250 pax (Incentives available) 2

tO LEt

Grove Mills

unit 4 Emstead works, Halifax 1 309.23m2 (3,329 sq ft) 1 Open plan with additional office and stores 1 drive in access via steel roller shutter door 1 Clear eaves height approx 4m 1 sCF, halogen box lighting, roof lights, gas storage heater 1 all mains services to include 3-phase electricity Price: OIRO £165,000

tO LEt

Shaw Lodge Halifax

1 Good quality period offices on listed Holdsworths Mill site 1 suites from 100 sq ft to 5,500 sq ft 1 low cost storage/ industrial space 1 From 5,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft Rental: On application

MIsC tO LEt

Substantial town centre leisure unit 9 Brook Street, Huddersfield

1 336.85m2(3,626 sq ft) 1 Prominent town centre position 1 Open plan floors 1 suitable for a variety of uses subject to P.P Further details on application

land

Elland Lane, Elland

tO LEt

Multi Storey Mill Complex

Prospect Mills, Elland 1 approx 7,432m2 (80,000 sq ft) 1 to let as whole or on floor by floor basis 1 Good road links close to J24 M62 1 all mains services inc 3 Phase electricity 1 Goods lift servicing all floor levels Details: On application

1 5170m2 (55,650 sq ft) 1 substantial single storey w.house/distrib unit 1 Canopied loading bay 1 Excellent main road communications Rental: On application

tO LEt – NEw INStRuctION

Single Storey Industrial Unit

unit 12 Branxholme Industrial Estate, Brighouse 1 87.16m2 (938 sq ft) 1 Established industrial estate 1 Open plan unit with WC facilities 1 sCF, halogen box lighting and roof lights 1 drive-in access by way of steel roller shutter door Rental: £6,600 pax

tO LEt –NEw INStRuctION

Modern Single Storey Factory/ Warehouse

J3 Lowfields Business Park, Elland

1 2,864m2 (30,826 sq ft) 1 detached unit with private secure yard and car park 1 two storey offices 1 Excellent location on premier business park close to M62 Further details on application

tO LEt

Sedburgh Road, Halifax

1 Factory and Office complex with parking 1 2,439 m2 (26,264 sq ft) on a site area 1.2 acres Rental: Only £30,000 pax

OFFICE tO LEt

tO LEt

within Fields, Marsh Lane, Southowram

Elland

wellington Mills, Quebec Street, Elland

1 0.14 Ha (0.35 acres) 1 Outline planning permission for 4 x detached dwellings Guide Price: On application

High spec office suites 1 Excellent self contained office buildings 1 279m2 – 465m2 (3,000 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft) 1 Private parking Rental: On application

Firm exceeds its target A HOUSING association based in Elland has exceeded its targets for building new homes – despite the recession.

Jephson Homes Housing Association has been named among the best in the country after excelling in several areas in the past year.

The association, which has home across northern England, had aimed to start 47 low-cost home ownership developments during 2008-9 – but the number of new starts has now risen to 72.

An end-of-year review by the Homes and Communities Agency, formerly the Housing Corporation, ranked Jephson among the top 25% of housing associations for its excellent performance.

It also revealed Jephson received almost twice as much social housing grant from the HCA for its developments as originally expected.

Figures show the association received

£22.8mfrom the HCA in social housing grants for 2008-9 when it had originally expected to receive £13.2m.

Jephson chief executive Bob Strachan said: “The figures show excellent performance in all categories, which is an outstanding achievement.

“Our achievements are set against a very difficult operating environment where our sector has suffered from the global recession, the credit crunch, the increased cost of funding and the collapse of the housing market.”

He said: “Overall we have completed almost 570 new homes and – as a result – we have helped hundreds of individuals and families get a new home.”

Jephson was rated in the top quarter for rent completions, low-cost home ownership completions, rent starts, low-cost home ownership starts and expenditure.

Sedburgh Mills

FOR SALE

Residential Development Site

ATTRACTION and museum design con- history and demonstrated their ability to sultancy Mather & Co has won the contract balance new technologies with historical to create the first-ever purpose-built artefacts which will appeal to a wide audimuseum outside London at an English ence for many years to come.” county cricket club.

In addition to taking visitors throughthe Fans of Yorkshire CCC will soon be able club’sheritage, the space will be used for to marvel in the club’s rich and lengthy conferences and hospitality, allowing the history which will be displayed in the Club to create further revenue streams. state-of-the-art interactive attraction.

Chris Mather, managing director of The museum, which is set to open to the Mather & Co, said: “Yorkshire CCC has public summer 2010 and will be housed in demonstrated its pioneering vision to create the east stand at Headingley, will boast an an attraction to celebrate its history and is array of interactive attractions and an audio the first Club in English Cricket to do so. visual theatre.

We are delighted to be on board.”

Among the exhibits will be the first score The contract adds to an impressive portbooks which have been restored and pre- folio of award-winning sporting museum served for future generations to enjoy. attractions for the company – including the David Hall, chairman of the club’s Wembley National Stadium visitor guided archive committee, said: “For some time, tour, the Arsenal Football Club Museum there has been a desire to create a pur- and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. pose-built museum to celebrate the long Mather & Co has also completed a and rich history of our great club. concept study for a new state of the art “After viewing many of their museum audio visual show for the Tennis Hall of designs, we invited Mather & Co to pitch. Fame, an internationally acclaimed venue Mather & Co presented an impressive range in Newport Rhode Island, USA. of concepts to interpret Yorkshire Cricket’s

The Estate Office 1 98m2 (1,050 ft ) 1 First floor offices 1 allocated car parking provision 1 Finished to a good standard throughout Rental: £6,300 pax

Proud moment for Simon A SITE manager on a major housing scheme in Huddersfield has won two industry awards.

Simon Longley, who heads Tayor WImpey’s Central Square development in Birkby has won a Pride in the Job Award from the National House Building Council and a regional award in his company’s Site Manager of the Year Awards.

Simon, who lives at Lepton, was chosen

by Taylor Wimpey directors as the best site manager for West and South Yorkshire, where the firm has 23 develolpment sites.

He now goes forward to the last 100 across the UK. The winners will be announced later in the year.

Both the company competition and the NHBC awards test site managers on how they handle issues like health and safety,

cost control, customer care and site efficiency.

Mr Longley began his career in construction as a apprentice stonemason and bricklayer with Linthwaite firm J Wimpenny.

After six years, he joined Conroy and Booth as a stonemason, where he worked for 10 years.

After gaining ONC and HNC qualifications, he moved into management and joined McQueen Homes Northern as an assistant site manager.

The company was later acquired by Taylor Wimpey. After five years as an assistant site manager, Mr Longley was promoted to site manager almost two years ago.

At Central Square, he is in charge of a phased development to build 105 houses.

The scheme began in January and is scheduled to take three more years.

21

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

RICS offers ‘green’ guide for surveyors YORKSHIRE surveyors are to get new advice on valuing “green” buildings.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has issued new guidance on how to measure the “sustainability” of commercial property.

The paper, entitled Sustainability and Commercial Property Valuation, aims to heighten a valuers’ working knowledge and understanding of sustainability to increase awareness of its potential to impact on the valuation process.

Colin Harrop, regional chairman for the RICS in Yorkshire, said: “Sustainability is fundamental to tackling the causes of climate change.

“The region has great potential for producing renewable energy, but we must also do everything we can to reduce our carbon footprint.

“As commercial buildings are responsible for almost 20% of greenhouse gasses it is vital that valuations take the sustainability of a building into account.”

M r H a r ro p s a i d t h e R I C S Pro-Yorkshire Awards has been highlighting the issue for more than eight years and a number of high quality entries were received for the sustain-

Colin Harrop

ability category in 2009.

Colin Harrop, who is also a chartered surveyor with King Sturge in Leeds, said: “The judges of the Pro Yorkshire Awards look for sustainable features in all entries as it’s such an important consideration for the environment.”

Airport extension scheme takes off OFFICIALS at Leeds-Bradford International Airport have been given the go-ahead for a £28m development to improve facilities and extend its passenger terminal.

The scheme, which is backed by the airport’s private equity owners Bridgepoint, has been granted approval by Leeds City Council planning committee.

The plan includes a new two-storey building extension and improvements to the existing terminal to provide a new airside departure lounge, a bigger passenger security screening zone, a new-look domestic baggage reclaim hall, more shops and an improved airside immigration facility.

The two-storey extension will give about 4,600sq metres of new accommodation, of which 2,300sq metres will be provided at ground level to improve the c o n c o u rs e, ch e c k - i n a n d security facilities with 2,300sq metres at first floor level to provide a departure lounge and retail link.

The latest announcement follows the recent completion of a £2m redevelopment of the airport forecourt. Phase One

The RICS paper outlines ways in which sustainability can be defined – how a building’s green credentials may be assessed and how such characteristics might be reflected within a valuation.

Sustainable characteristics which are highlighted in the paper include build quality and life cycle, the type of building materials used, the health and “human” performance of a building, as well as its services such as air-conditioning and energy efficiency. Waste management, location and accessibility considerations are also highlighted in the paper.

Sid Mr Harrop: “In terms of reflecting these aspects of a property in a valuation; the information paper encourages valuers to analyse comparable rental evidence in the light of sustainability.

“In other words, while sustainable features are important for reducing the effects of climate change, they can also reduce the running costs of a building and increase its value.”

Entry forms are now available for the RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards 2010. Contact Lisa Metcalf on 01924 229 305 or email lmetcalf@rics.org

included access improvements for the bus and airport shuttle which links the airport with frequent services to Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate alongside a new drop off and pick up zone for car passengers. A taxi booking point has now been relocated by the ranks to ease passenger departures.

Phase Two saw a streamlined rapid pick up and drop off zone, redevelopment of the short stay car park and improved pedestrian walkways.

The airport plays a vital role in the economy of the region, with 2,200 employees dependent on its operations. It is estimated the development will create a further 2,000 jobs, including employment in the construction industry.

Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire, said “Expansion at our airport may make it easier for people living here to go abroad, but it makes it equally easy for people around the world to come here.

“Currently, we lose out to other parts of the country who are better connected to Europe and the rest of the world.”

commercial properties

14 st georges square, huddersfield hd1 1jf telephone 01484 558231/530361 - jonathan.wilson@bramleys1.co.uk

www.bramleys.com

offices development

RAILWAY STREET, HUDDERSFIELD

£500,000

●

Development

●

Opportunity ●

791.06sqm (8,515sqft)

Partial implementation of Planning Consent for two commercial units and residential apartments

UPPER BROW ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

OFFERS OVER £450,000

●

Residential

●

Outline Planning

Development

Consent for the

Opportunity

erection of 14

Pleasant position

properties

ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD

£350,000

●

Prominent office

●

building ●

●

offices

NEW NORTH ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

●

290.60sq m

Outskirts of town centre

●

Good access to

(3,128 sq ft)

J24 of M62

Good car parking

Motorway

ST GEORGES SQUARE, HUDDERSFIELD

£7,500 PA

Lower ground floor offices ● 144.83sqm (1,559sqft) ● Grade II listed building ●

●

Adjacent to

£4,500 P/A

●

●

Multi-occupied

●

63.73m² (686ft²)

●

Wheelchair access & lift

building

retail NORMAN ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

OFFERS INVITED

£150,000

●

Redevelopment

●

Opportunity ●

513.38m² (5,526ft²)

●

Former house in multiple occupation Opportunity for alternative uses, S.T.P

Development Site

●

Freehold

●

●

Approx 127.4m²

●

Town Centre

●

(152yds²)

●

Vacant

●

River Frontage

Possession

WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

IEO £15,000 P/A

●

●

Adjacent to Railway Station ● Town centre location ● 1110 sq ft also available ●

industrial WAKEFIELD ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

NORRIDGE BOTTOM,

3rd Floor Office Suite

railway station

Retail premises 91.88m² [989ft²] Storage and offices 339.92 m² (3658ft²) Prominent main road corner position

●

Parking to rear

●

Rental level subject to accommodation taken

PENISTONE ROAD, HUDDERSFIELD

£12,500 P/A

●

Retail shop with

●

storage ● ●

103m (1,110ft) Main road location

Outskirts of town centre

●

On Street car parking

£17,500 P/A

●

●

●

Single storey workshop 501.48m² (5,398ft²) B1 Planning Consent

●

Rateable value £7,300

●

Car parking for up to 12 vehicles

22

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Slowdown in lettings

■ MEAL DEAL: Alison Cooling, proprietor of Ali's Greedy Cafe, ready to serve customers at AGC Tools and Fixings on Lockwood Road, Huddersfield

Tea and sandwiches from Lockwood fixings supplier A COMPANY supplying fixings, fasteners, sealants and adhesives to the construction trade had added sandwiches, fry-ups and jacket potatoes to its product list.

AGC Tools and Fixings has opened a cafe alongside its Lockwood Road trade counter to provide snacks for hungry builders – and the general public.

Director Gary Cooling said: “We have always had a coffee machine and decided to put a few bars of chocolates out in the service area.

“Trades people coming to us on their way to work would collect the items they needed and grab something to eat at the same time.”

He said: “The cafe is for tradesmen and anyone else who wants to eat. We aren’t just getting our usual customers, but local business people and passers-by.”

The new venture is called Ali’s Greedy Cafe – recalling the AGC initials – and is run by Gary’s wife Alison.

The menu ranges from all-time builders’ favourites like bacon, eggs and sausages, chip butties, pies and pasties to toasted currant teacakes, jacket potatoes and hot and cold sandwiches with a variety of fillings. There’s also a specials board as well as a delivery service.

Said Gary: “We have been in business for seven years and we have

always tried to be innovative. We are confident that this will work. We have created the space by converting the entrance and trade counter area, which was bigger than we needed.”

Alison and Gary set up AGC Tools & Fixings in 2002, running the business from their home and garage before moving to Bent Ley Road in Meltham.

T h e bu s i n e s s m ove d t o b i g g e r premises in Lockwood a little over a year ago.

Last year, the firm was named Supplier of the Year by housebuilder Strata’s Yorkshire division – securing the prize despite competition from national builders’ merchant chain Travis Perkins.

Brush with success A PAINTING and maintenance company with premises in Huddersfield has won an award for staff development and work with the community.

J & S Seddon Ltd, which has offices at Almondbury Bank, was highly commended in the Respect for People category of the annual awards run by construction industry publication Contract Journal.

Judges recognised the company for its commitment to supporting staff, suppliers, customers and the wider local community.

Its activities include raising many thousands of pounds to support cancer research, providing free training to smaller sub-contractors in the supply chain and operating a 40-year-old apprentice scheme.

Stuart Seddon, chairman of J & S Seddon,

said: “The awards are designed to reward excellence, and to highlight companies that are doing a good job of making the industry better.

“This year the competition was very strong, with the awards receiving a record number of entries. We were up against some of the biggest names in the industry and are delighted that our work has been recognised at this national level.”

J & S Seddon, based in Stoke-on-Trent, is a building, painting and maintenance company employing more than 1,000 people. It is part of Seddon Group Ltd, one of Britain’s major privately owned construction companies, 1,750 employees and annual turnover exceeding £250m.

■ WINNER: Stuart Seddon, of J & S Seddon

A SLOWDOWN in the number of properties coming on to the rental market in the North has been reported in a new survey.

Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors saw rents improve slightly across the region – while other parts of the UK reported a decline in the three months to July.

Nationally, the net balance of chartered surveyors reporting falls rather than rises in rents narrowed to 29% from 55% in the previous three-month period.

This is due to a fall in the number of respondents reporting an increase in instructions.

Only a net balance of 6% of chartered surveyors felt that the level of new instructions was still rising rather than falling – compared with 21% in the previous period.

The RICS said this may be the first indication that the stabilisation in the residential sales market is having an impact on the number of “accidental” landlords entering the lettings sector.

However, demand in the North fell from 24% to minus 11% over the period – whereas nationally it increased slightly with 12% more chartered surveyors reporting a rise rather than a fall in the number of people looking to rent.

Jonathan Charters-Reid, RICS spokesman for the rentals market in Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Rental values have increased in the region due to a number of contributing factors, such as a shortage of affordable mortgages and people shying away from the house market until the economy improves.

“This has significantly forced high demand in the rental market and consequently held house sales low and lettings high. This trend will continue until banks begin to offer reasonable mortgages and more potential buyers are driven back to the housing market – allowing the rentals market to stabilise.”

Rok rolls on PROPERTY repair and maintenance company Rok has landed a contract in Yorkshire.

The company has been appointed by a consortium of registered social landlords, known as Firebird JVC, to provide new homes over the next four years.

The deal is one of a number of contracts across the country for Rok – together expected to generate up to £140m in revenue over the next five years.

Scottish Water has named Rok as one of 17 companies chosen to help deliver a programme of capital investment valued at about £2bn from 2010 onwards. Rok is one of only four to be identified for both non-infrastructure and capital maintenance projects as well as for infrastructure contracts, all of which are expected to be worth up to £60m to Rok over the next five years.

In the south-west, Rok has been chosen to be part of a Construction Framework developed by Devon County Council to deliver projects in excess of £1m. This framework is expected to generate about £500m worth of work to those organisations over the next four years from the local authorities, emergency services, further education colleges and other bodies involved.

Rok has won a framework with CityWest Homes, the arms length management organisation that manages Westminster City Council’s 22,000 homes.

The other framework wins comprise planned and response maintenance for the National Ambulance Service; planned maintenance programmes for Teign Housing in South Devon and Sanctuary Housing nationwide and heating replacement work for Cardiff County Council.

23

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Premier letting EDDISONS has completed the letting on a 144,620sq ft industrial unit on Bradford’s Euroway Trading Estate on behalf of client The Premier Property Group.

Six Zero Six, named after its proximity to the M606 motorway, has been let to fashion logistics company Advance Processing Ltd off an asking rent of £4 per sq ft.

In addition to the single storey unit, the property on Wharfedale Road includes two storey ancillary office accommodation plus detached ancillary workshop.

John Padgett, of Eddisons in Bradford, said: ‘This deal indicates that even when economic conditions are tough there is still activity in the market for well located premises.”

Eddisons is also reporting plenty of interest on the remaining 50,000sq ft on the Premier Point Trading Estate, Bradford, again acting on behalf of PPG Ltd.

Firm extending its reach!

■ CLOSING THE GAP: the new footbridge installed by CTS Bridges of Shepley on the Spen Valley Greenway at Scout Hill, Dewsbury,

industrial

Units 1, 2 & 3 Hoyer Industrial Park Leeds Road, Huddersfield TO LET 569 m² - 2,215 m² (6,130 sq ft - 23,852 sq ft) Modern warehouse/manufacturing units Prominent main road location off the A62 Leeds Road Generous secure yard and car parking

office

Spa Fields Industrial Estate New Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield TO LET 45.99 m² (495 sq ft ) Modern starter units Popular industrial estate location Available on flexible terms

Unit 1, Birds Royd Mill Birds Royd Lane Brighouse TO LET 702.32 m² (7,560 sq ft) Modern single storey warehouse/ industrial unit Lofty accommodation suitable for various uses Close proximity to junction 25/M62

eddisons.com

WALKERS can step out following work to replace on old railway bridge.

Shepley-based CTS Bridges has installed a modern steel bridge in place of the old railway bridge on the Spen Valley greenway route at Scout Hill, Dewsbury.

CTS Bridges designed and built the 20-tonne arched structure, which was transported to the site in two parts and welded together.

Project engineer Simon Newby said Huddersfield Road running below the bridge had to be closed and electricity supplies running through nearby pylons had to be disconnected while the installation took place using a 200-tonne crane.

He added: “I am delighted that it all went so smoothly.”

The company worked with main contractor J N Bentley and client Kirklees Council on the scheme.

Spen Valley Greenway is an eight-mile route for walkers, cyclists and riders opened in 2000.

It uses a disused railway line running through Cleckheaton, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike and eventually links to Bradford.

CTS have been designing and manufacturing steel and timber bridges since 1988 for building and regeneration projects across the UK – including ones in Livrpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Devon.

It also builds boardwalks, platforms, aerial walkways and lock gates.

Old Commerce House Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield FOR SALE / TO LET 374.03 m² (4,029 sq ft) Highly prominent office property On site car parking provision Suitable for a variety of uses (subject to planning)

Brooke's Mill Armitage Bridge, Huddersfield TO LET Various sizes available Office suites/business spaces Managed workspace Flexible terms offered

Norwich Union House Market Street, Huddersfield TO LET 82.87 m² - 929.30 m² (829 sq ft - 10,002 sq ft) High quality office accommodation Passenger lift access Prominent town centre location

Contact Philip Deakin or David Wright 01484 533151 Offices in: Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester

Eddisons

24

September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

REAL ESTATE Amandeep Kooner

Zero energy proposals HE European Parliament has backed T amendments to draft legislation that would require EU member states to

ensure that all buildings constructed after December 31, 2018, consume no more than the amount of energy that they produce from on-site renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.

The practical and commercial viability of this “zero energy” proposal has caused concern across the construction and real estate sectors, particularly in the UK where these sectors are already dealing with domestic proposals for zero carbon buildings. The proposal may not be enacted as drafted as it will be debated further within the EU institutions and is likely to be subject to intensive lobbying by industry.

The “zero energy” proposal has caused significant concern in the real estate and construction sectors given that small-scale renewable energy production is – at present – usually not cost-effective and in many cases impractical. It has been suggested that the proposed approach is overly restrictive and could inhibit the further development of the renewable energy sector, and that an alternative approach that allows off-site renewables production to bring buildings to a zero energy standard should be given further consideration.

The UK real estate and energy sectors have for some time faced domestic proposals for zero carbon buildings. In December, 2006, the Government announced that it wanted all new homes in England to be zero carbon by 2016.

In March, 2008, further targets were announced for all new non-domestic buildings in England to be zero carbon by 2019, and all new public buildings by 2018. The Government is currently consulting on the definition of “zero carbon”. The consultation document appears to accept that it may not be practical or commercially viable to expect the energy demand of new homes to be met by solely by on-site renewables and proposes that developers may discharge their obligations in part through other “allowable solutions” such as providing energy efficient appliances. A similar approach might ultimately be adopted at the EU level.

The Council of Ministers will debate the amendments later this autum. The council has already noted its “concern on several amendments proposed by the European Parliament which appear at first sight to be overly ambitious and unrealistic”. It has also stated that it eagerly awaits the Commission’s opinion on these amendments which has yet to be forthcoming. Both the Parliament and the Council are required to agree on an identical text before the Directive can be adopted.

It is expected that there will be significant further debate and resulting amendments to the current proposals. ● The information in this article is for general purposes and guidance only and does not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.

Amandeep Kooner is a real estate partner at Austin Kemp Solicitors

PROPERTY FOCUS

Agency expands its coverage in Kirklees A CHARTERED surveyor has opened a new office in Huddersfield.

Walker Singleton, which has been based in Halifax since 1889, has set up a new office at Oak House, New North Road, to provide local support for existing clients and to expand its coverage across Kirklees.

The premises were previously occupied by property firm Eddisons Commercial, which has moved to new offices.

Walker Singleton’s new site includes a commercial property department headed by associates Paul Andre and Ryan Barker.

Mr Andrew rejoined the business earlier this year after five years as an agency surveyor in Huddersfield while Mr Barker, moves from the Halifax commercial office, where he has been based since 1996 – although he has established contacts in the Kirklees business community.

They will be supported in an administrative role by Jayne Ling, who has spent 16 years working for surveying practices in Huddersfield.

Said Mr Barker: “Paul and I are keen to broaden the existing Kirklees client base and look forward to working with current past and future clients in all spheres of agency and valuation in the commercial, industrial and retail property markets.”

A residential lettings and property management department will be managed by Ben Waites, also an associate, supported by an experienced residential lettings negotiator and credit control support.

Said Mr Waites: “The residential lettings market is buoyant at the moment.

Over the 10 years I have managed this department, the portfolio of residential

■ NEW HOME: The Walker Singleton team at Huddersfield (from left) Ben Waites, Paul Andrew, Jayne Ling and Ryan Barker

properties under our management has grown to more than 900 and I believe this is testament to the professional standard of service we provide to both our private and investment landlords.”

Senior partner David Heap said: “Huddersfield is a significant university town and while the current commercial property market may still be difficult, we see significant opportunities in the future, both for our own business and our clients.”

Walker Singleton is dealing with several major instructions in Huddersfield, including Tesco’s proposals for a new store at Southgate and plans for a data centre to be developed on a 45-acre site at Lindley Moor.

Walker Singleton, which has more than 60 employees, has also appointed Colin Roberts, who was with the agency for 15 years before joining BNP Paribas Real Estate in Leeds, to take over Mr Barker’s role in Halifax.

Industry estate sold for £1.28m AN industrial estate in the Holme Valley has changed hands for more than £1m.

Crossley Mills Industrial Estate at New Mill Road, Honley, has been sold to an unnamed private investor for £1.28m.

The deal was completed by the Leeds office of property consultancy Knight Frank on ■ MILL DEAL: Crossley Mills Industrial Estate, New Mill Road, Honley behalf of seller Valad Property Group.

The 40,000sq ft site attrac- Knight Frank, said: “We were l o c a l bu s i n e s s e s, w h i ch UK, France, Germany, Hunted annual rent totalling delighted with the result for appealed to the locally-based gary, Poland, Australia and £147,000 from tenants, includ- our client, Valad Property purchaser.”

New Zealand. In the UK, it has i n g A c o r n B u s i n e s s Group, in disposing of this Valad is an asset manage- regional offices in London, Machines, Summer Wine ment company holding indus- Leeds, Scarborough, EdinBrewery and Kennedy Elec- non-core asset for them.

“The estate provides an trial and commercial property burght, Stirling and Sevtricals.

Rebecca Farnsworth, of established community of in 14 countries, including the enoakes, Kent.

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

PROPERTY FOCUS

Holbeck appeals P RO P E RT Y c o n s u l t a n c y Knight Frank has secured two key lettings in the historic Holbeck Urban Village area of Leeds on behalf of Igloo Regeneration and CTP St James.

Knight Frank advised on deals which have brought Welcome to Yorkshire and television production company True North to Holbeck.

Welcome to Yorkshire have taken the renovated Dry Sand Foundry, a self-contained Grade II listed office building forming part of the award-winning Round Foundry development.

The organisation has relocated from York.

True North has taken 4,963sq ft on the third floor of Marshalls Mills in Marshall Street.

Jess Fowle, creative director of True North, said: “'Holbeck Urban Village is a fantastic location for True North.

“We’re very excited about moving into such a vibrant business community and look forward to forging new partnerships with the other creative industries in the area."

Ed Harrowsmith, of Knight Frank in Leeds, said: “These tremendous old buildings have been given a new lease of life as stylish offices and are a joy to work in.

“The working environment at Holbeck is second to none and is appealing to companies across the city and beyond.

These two significant lettings underline their attraction.”

Spring in their step PROPERTY consultancy Knight Frank advised on the £8m purchase of Spring Ram Retail Park at Birstall.

The development, which has Borders and Habitat as its tenants, was sold by NPI, part of the Pearl Group, to Leeds and London Investment. There is a 15-year lease on the property lease on the property, with an annual rental income of

£726,000. The capital value is £36 per sq ft.

Alex Munro, head of commercial agency development at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, advised Leeds and London Investments.

He said: “This transaction, involving one of the M62’s best-known retail parks, proves that deals can be done in this challenging climate.”

■ PROPERTY PATH: Key lettings have been completed at the prestigious One Leeds City Office Park

City site in demand THE biggest office letting deal in Leeds city centre for 12 months has been negotiated with government estate holdings company Trillium.

A total of 60,000sq ft has been let on a 15-year-lease with a 10-year break clause at One Leeds City Office Park, Meadow Lane, in three stages, with the most recent being completed by the Leeds offices of property consultants King Sturge and DTZ. The letting to CMEC, the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, follows a £2.1m refurbishment by Wood Mitchell Building Group to bring the three-storey offices up to Grade A specification.

Built in 1996, when it was part of a new wave of development south of City Square, Leeds, One Leeds City Office Park was acquired two-and-a-half years ago by CB Richard Ellis Investors from British Gas Properties Plc in a £19.5m deal.

Richard Thornton, head of office agency at the Leeds office of King Sturge, said: “This is a significant deal in the current market, securing government departmental use for a key city centre office building.

“While, due to the state of the wider economy, many professional and corporate occupiers are still very reluctant to relocate, the market is largely being underpinned by

public sector requirements such as this.

“One Leeds City Office Park was particularly attractive because of its proximity to the railway station – and ‘green’ credentials which result from the refurbishment and are a prerequisite for government occupiers.”

Eamon Fox, office agency associate at joint agents DTZ, said: “This deal is a real shot in the arm for the Leeds city centre office market and represents almost 50% of the previous quarter’s take-up.”

The Leeds office of GVA Grimley acted for London-based Trillium in brokering the deal.

Driving a deal at Wakefield THE Driving Standards Agency has agreed to lease a new £2.5m multi-purpose test centre at Silkwood Park in Wakefield.

C o m m e r c i a l p r o p e r t y c o nsultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has negotiated to acquire a bespoke training facility on a 2.1-acre site on behalf of the DSA, as part of its national strategy to support the new more rigorous motorcycle test, which was introduced in 2008.

Martin Turner, estates manager at the DSA, said: “The new MPTC will offer new and improved facilities with the development of a modern, purpose-built of fice building, together with secure off-road parking and an enclosed area for learner riders to conduct the new manoeuvres incorporated within the revised test.”

Silkwood Park occupies a prominent lsite next to junction 40 of the M1

about two miles west of Wakefield city centre.

LSH’s Leeds office undertook an extensive search for viable sites across West Yorkshire for the DSA and concluded negotiations to acquire the bespoke facility on a leasehold basis from the landlord, St James (Middle Park) Ltd. Works is under way and the state-of-the-art facility will be completed in December.

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

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September, 2009

KIRKLEES BUSINESS NEWS

Charity seeks support

Business gains from vital Link

A BUSINESS support service has helped firms across the region deliver a stronger performance through a very difficult year, a national survey has revealed.

And those companies supported by Business Link Yorkshire are also more optimistic about the coming year than those who have not received such help.

A poll by MORI compared the performances of 1,215 firms in Yorkshire and Humber, 582 of which had used Business Link services.

Almost all of the companies polled – 92% – were aware of Business Link.

The results show that businesses who work with Business Link take a more strategic view of operations, are planning for the future through marketing and innovation, and are environmentally aware.

Some 30% of firms using Business Link services said their performance had improved during the past 12 months compared with 15% of firms not using the services.

In addition, 45% of firms using the service said they had a formal business plan in place against 30% for other firms while 42% of Business Link supported firms said they expect to invest more in marketing and sales compared with 39% of other firms.

Almost a quarter of firms supported by Business Link said they worked with universities on research and development compared with 10% of other firms. And 48% of companies using the services said they were reducing CO2 emissions against 42% of other businesses.

Helen West, chief executive of Business Link Yorkshire, said the survey reinforced the experience of Business Link staff working with more than 100,000 businesses in Yorkshire and Humber.

“Delivering a flexible and dynamic service to help our customers face the challenge of the economic downturn has been a key priority for us,” she said.

“We are delighted that we are helping companies to improve business performance and take a more strategic view of their operations and that by working with us they are becoming more competitive”.

Company gives backing to NVQs A firm supplying pneumatic equipment from sites including one in Huddersfield has put 15 employees through NVQ apprenticeship training.

The staff are based at Thorite’s sales and service centres in Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield, Blackburn, olton an Rochdale as well as Barge Street, off St Thomas’ Road, Longroyd Bridge.

The employees have completed their NVQ level 2 training in subjects including customer service, IT, team leading and business administration.

Both male and female staff members have been involved in the courses, which took six to nine months to complete and involved workers at grades from sales administrator to branch supervisor.

Fourteen of the candidates were under the control of Rochdale Training Association, with one staff member attending Huddersfield Business College.

Alan Lane, group personnel manager for Thorite, said: “’Unlike the television show, in our version of The Apprentice, everyone is a winner.

“Individual members of staff increase their levels of knowledge and confidence, making them better equipped to carry out their responsibilities, while customers benefit from higher standards of service – so the company gains all round.”

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■ LONDON CALLING: Nev Ridley (right) and Shaun Beaumont of Manifest Communications

Agency realises capital ambition

A MARKETING agency in Huddersfield has opened an office in London – to capitalise on growing prospects in the south.

Manifest Communications, based at New North Road, has taken offices in busy King’s Cross – a central location to service its London-based clients.

The Huddersfield office is headed by directors Nev Ridley and Shaun Beaumont while the new London office is headed by Alex Myers, who was with Manifest team for several years before leaving to work in London and is now back on board.

Said Mr Ridley: “Alex worked for us and we didn’t want to lose him, but he went to London.

“We had been looking at opening an office down there for some time because we have existing clients in the south. We ended up being involved in a job with Alex and we came up with the plan which would see him heading the London office.

“He has lived in London for a few years. He has contacts down there and will look after existing clients as well as seeking out new ones.

“We have set up Manifest Lon-

don as a separate company. Alex is a director and shareholder, so he has a real stake in the business and he is determined to grow it.

“There has ben a fair amount of investment in setting up the new office and we have an awful lot of confidence in what we are doing, the people we are working with and the market.”

Mr Ridley said: “A lot of companies are consolidating rather than growing in the current climate. We have a good balance sheet and cash flow and money to invest in something where we have the expertise and the belief, so this provides us with an additional opportunity.”

At first, the London office will focus on public relations and social media with the eight-strong team in Huddersfield providing creative input for the southern operation as well as serving its northern-based clients.

The arrangement allows Manifest to be competitive on price against its London-based rivals.

Mr Beaumont said 2009 had been a “strong” year for Manifest, adding: “We have retained a lot of business and – if anything – clients have been working us

harder.

“Most of our clients know that the pie is smaller and they need to get a bigger slice. They need to enhance their presence in the marketplace. Clients understand there is less business out there, so they need to work harder to get it.

“The ideas we come up with for them have to work. As a result, clients are paying more attention to what we do.”

Manifest, which was launched 10 years ago, has clients in sectors ranging from finance and construction to retailing and technology. Major names include ASDA and Sainsbury’s, HBOS, Ilford and Balfour Beatty.

Said MR Ridley: We are really confident and pleased with how things are going.

“The London office is an exciting project for us and we hope to replicate down there what we have built up in Huddersfield.

“As directors, we are still passionate about working with clients.

“Being the size of business we are means we are still spending more time working with our clients than in meetings with accountants.”

FUNDRAISERS are hoping businesses will put the horrors of the recession behind them to support a Hallowe’en charity ball.

Huddersfield-based Laura Crane Trust raised £15,000 with last year’s extravaganza and hopes to do at least as well with this year’s event, which takes place on Saturday, October 31, at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.

Spokeswoman Sarah Webb said the recession meant many companies were struggling to back charities as they normally.

But she said: “Our supporters are still being very generous!

“What we could really do with is people buying tables, donating something exciting to out auction or sponsoring one of our games.

“The hotel is helping by slashing its room rates so guests can stay overnight for not too much money.

“Similarly, we have slashed the prices of out tickets from £50 to £39, to counteract the credit crunch and still make the ball accessible to as many of our supporters as possible!”

The event is being sponsored by Brighouse delivery business Pass the Parcel.

Last year, managing director Jeremy Sutcliffe was awarded the charity’s first Adrian Sudbury award for outstanding support to the charity last year.

The award is made in honour of the Examiner journalist, who died of leukaemia. Mr Sutcliffe will present the trophy to this year’s – so far unnamed – recipient.

Said Sarah: “Having this award has enabled us to properly thank the businesses that have supported us throughout.

“Many companies support charity as part of their corporate social responsibility policies and we have certainly benefited from it this year.”

The Hallowe’en Ball will include dancers, palm readings, magiciains, ghost stories and fancy dress as well as a three-course meal.

Phone Sarah Webb on 01484 510013 or email sarah@lauracrane trust.org.

WE BRING BUSINESS FACE TO FACE WITH BUSINESS

Something brewing at The Nook!

A FA M I LY - RU N p u b i n Holmfirth has begun brewing its own beer – after many years of selling other people’s real ales.

Brother and sister Ian Roberts and Sheila Sutton have set up a brewery behind The Nook at Victoria Square. Ian, who is also a qualified builder, constructed the brewhouse out of reclaimed stone to ensure it is in keeping with neighbouring properties.

The first beers, an amber-coloured classsic Yorkshire bitter called The Nook Brew and a crisp, light ale called The Nook Blond, are already on the bar. Another brew, Nook Best Bitter, is fermenting in the tanks.

Regulars have already given the home-grown ales their seal of approval.

The beers were available along with 50 or more guest beers when the pub staged its annual beer festival.

Sheila and Ian screened the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on the big screen during the three-day festival – when beers on offer included the confidently-titled Giants Triumph from Lindley-based Mallinsons Brewery.

Said Sheila: “We are in the sixth year of our beer festival this year

Glazing firm clear winner

and we have been in the Good Beer Guide for 30 years on the trot, so the pub has a real ale pedigree.

“We have been interested in brewing our own beer for some time, but it has taken us two years to bring it to fruition. Now we have our first beer on the bar and the second fermenting nicely.”

Said Sheila: “It is going really well, although there has been so much to learn.

“It was quite nerve-wracking putting our own beer on the bar.

Customers have been complementary, but they have also been very honest in giving their opinion about the beer. We have quite a few knowledgeable and accomplished home brewers.

“It has been a very busy summer and setting up the brewery has been hard work, but we haven’t minded because it has been some interesting.”

Sheila said she hoped to make the brewery an attraction in itself, organising tours for real ale fans as well as local school parties as part of their school science lessons.

“There’s a lot of science involved in brewing,” said Sheila. “I certainly wish I’d paid more attention in chemistry lessons!”

■ CHEERS: Sister and brother licensees Sheila Sutton and Ian Roberts are brewing their own ales at The Nook

Companies urged to back payment code

Yorkshire’s Legal People Modern working practices teamed with traditional values provide commercial clients with comprehensive legal support.

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www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk Huddersfield

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Leeds

13 Railway Street, Hudderfield, HD1 1JS

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A GLAZING company in Huddersfield has become a clear leader for quality.

Novaglaze Gardner & Newton, based at Queen’s Mill Road, Lockwood, has gained the ISO 9001:2008 quality certificate and two specialist British Standards Institute kitemarks.

The certificates were presented to director Gary Smith by Clr Mehboob Khan, leader of Kirklees Council.

Mr Smith said: “These internationally recognised awards confirm Novaglaze Gardner & Newton as one of the world’s leading glass producers and prove that the very highest standards for which we are known are consistently delivered.”

He added: “this day has come out of a lot of hard work by all our staff to ensure every aspect of our company is focused to providing not only the best service but also the very highest quality of optical finished products supplied.”

Wakefield

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Halifax

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

BUSINESS services firm Grant Thornton in Yorkshire has voiced its support for the Government’s Prompt Payment Code, established to tackle the crucial issue of late payment and help small businesses.

A survey has revealed that almost 50% of businesses across the region have experienced delayed payments from customers in the last 12 months.

Nationally, one in four businesses go insolvent because invoices are paid late – resulting in 4,000 UK companies

failing in 2008 and overdue payments costing businesses £180m in interest in 2009.

Keith Hinds, partner at Grant Thornton’s recovery and reorganisation practice, said: “Late payment is now the biggest cash flow concern reported by business and is one of the key causes of business failure.

“Cash is the lifeblood of a business. At a time when credit is being squeezed and banking facilities are a precious resource, late payment by customers can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“We encourage firms of all sizes to help each other by signing up to the code.”

The Prompt Payment Code was devised by the Government with the Institute of Credit Management to tackle the issue of late payment – particularly as it affects some firms.

Suppliers can have confidence in any firm that signs up to the code that they will be paid within clearly defined terms, and that there is a proper process for dealing with any payments that are in dispute.

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