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CONTENTS

PAGE 6 PAGE 5 THE SHOPS, THE NEW ENTRANCE FOR LEEDS STATION RESURRECTION AND THE HOLY TRINITY

PAGE 11 NATHAN POPPLE; MAKING LEEDS ACCESSIBLE

PAGE 9 LONG AWAITED LEEDS ARENA TERIFFIC FOR CITY

PAGE 12 PAGE 15 DESIGNER JAMES A-Z OF FINANCE STEWARD STICKS TO TRADITION

PAGE 19 PAGE 20 FIVE MINUTES WITH MEET LEEDS’ ALEX SOBEL BRIGHTEST SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

PAGE 22 DIGITAL ACADEMY LAUNCH FOR CITY COLLEGE

PAGE 24 FILM FESTIVAL’S GROWTH A HUGE SUCCESS FOR LEEDS

PAGE 25 A UNIQUE DINING CONCEPT FOR TRINITY LEEDS

PAGE 27 LEEDS GETS IN GEAR FOR TOUR DE FRANCE OPENER

PAGE 28 IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY IN TODAY’S CLIMATE

PAGE 30 MYSPACE: AT DUKE STUDIOS

PAGE 32 BUSINESS LINKS WITH GRANT WHALLEY

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Editorial

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Editor’s letter Jack Carter

Editor

“

Businesses all over the UK are taking advantage of these exciting new develoments

We are still beaming after the news that the 2014 Tour de France will push off in Leeds bringing an estimated £25m into the local economy. Thanks to the success of Bradley Wiggins last summer, Yorkshire was able to fast track their proposal.

Leeds Arena has taken huge strides towards its long awaited opening in Spring and the exceptional Leeds Trinity retail centre is being filled with promising local and mainstream businesses to boost the city’s shopping attractions to a new level.

Businesses all over the UK are taking advantage of these exciting new developments. Trinity Food is creating a unique environment for customers to enjoy food and beverages in the new Leeds Tinity shopping center by creating an old-style street market featuring the world’s finest cuisine.

In digital news, Leeds is gearing toward a bid to launch its very own TV channel to compete with the likes of BBC’s Look North and ITV’s Calendar. Running parallel to this, Leeds City College are hoping to supply the budding broadcasters with a new digital academy.

2013 is already gearing up to be a huge year for the city and the confirmation of one of the biggest sporting events around has put the wheels, ahum, well and truely in motion.

AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved by Surrey News

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

“

2013 has begun and after a well earned break we’ve been trying to shake of those Christmas cobwebs.

But, for West Yorkshire it has seemed like there’s been no break at all with the new year pedalling harder than ever.

Transport

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

FULL STEAM AHEAD AT LEEDS TRAIN STATION

Melissa Dyson Transport Network Rail yesterday proposed plans to improve train stations and services across West Yorkshire by spending millions of pounds within the region as well as a total of £37bn across the country. The propositions include; lengthened platforms, more seats for travellers in Leeds and station upgrades.

There are plans to lengthen platforms in Huddersfield, Harrogate and Halifax as well as the ecxtension of platforms

at Leeds Station costing the region around £13.6m. This will increase capacity at the stations, ensuring less congestion and the ability to move more commuters around the north.

Around £240m will be spent on reducing bottle-neck type tracks on the East Coast Mainline, Leed’s main gateway to London. This will mean that the number of services using these lines will increase, as will proposed journey times.

Significant economic benefits can be yielded from opening up bottle necks as more people can travel during peak times.

“East Coast Main Line will all help to make West Yorkshire a better place to do business in”

The improvements will affect businesses and create economic gains in the north of England as the number of

services will increase by 700 services per day.

The enhancements will create jobs, improve access between cities as well as update the stations to make way for the new HS2 rail venture which requires modernised lines.

Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis said: “Platform lengthening, changes to Huddersfield Rail Station and the ability to run more services east of Leeds to relieve pressure on Leeds Rail Station will all help to meet the forecast increase in the number of rail journeys made each year.

“These developments will build upon the work Metro is already carrying out to develop new stations at Apperley Bridge, Kirkstall Forge and Low Moor.

“Further afield, the commitment to complete the Northern Hub proposals at Manchester, together with Trans-Pennine electrification and improvements to the East Coast Main Line will all help to make West Yorkshire a better place to do business in.”

“Metro and our counterparts in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire would like to see responsibility for rail franchising devolved to a new Rail in the North Executive, so that when the Northern and Trans-Pennine franchises are re-let, we see a step-change in the quality of rail services

Page 4 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Transport

LEEDS STATION TO GET NEW ENTRANCE NEW STATION ENTRANCE FOR LEEDS COMMUTERS 36 million passengers passing through every year.

Emma Harris Transport A NEW entrance is to be built at Leeds train station; set to make the daily commute of passengers easier.

The entrance will be built at the south of the station to ease access to the surrounding developments currently being built there. The £15.9 million scheme is being part funded by the department for transport, the West Yorkshire’s local transport plan and Leeds City Council. Once built, the asset will be owned and maintained

by Network Rail. It is estimated that up to 20% of rail users will benefit from the new entrance.

Leeds is the second busiest station outside of London, with an estimated

Route director for Network Rail, Richard Lungmuss, said: “This new entrance will not only improve access for those coming into the station from the south, but will also help us manage future demand.” The entrance will include a concourse deck over the River Aire and will relieve pressure on the existing two entrances.”It has been carefully thought out using a curved design to minimise its size, while remaining ‘modern, accessible and attractive” He added.

Councillor James Lewis, Metro’s Chairman, said: “Leeds Station is at the heart of the city and the city region. Passenger numbers using this busy station are growing and set to rise even further. Providing a second access at the southern side of the station will ease congestion for people using the existing entrances”.

West Yorkshire Metro spokesperson Dave Haskins said the entrance will

“This new entrance will not only improve access for those coming into the station from the south, but will also help us manage future demand”

be a valuable asset to the station: “If we don’t do anything about the south side of the station, where there are a lot of people working now, there could be serious capacity and safety issues”.

The new scheme is expected to be completed next year.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 5

Retail

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

THE SHOPS,THE RESURRECTION AND THE HOLY TRINITY LEEDS

The start of a new year brings rebirth, renewal and regrowth and it seems the thriving city of Leeds is following this trend

Grace Neal

Retail

A NEW retail soul is about to be born in the form of a 1 million square foot shopping centre. Trinity Leeds is set to open 21 March 2013, presenting the best of the UK high street and introducing international brands and retailers. Trinity Leeds is set to improve and elevate the city’s retail offer and contribute to its recent description as the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’.

A

Spread across a tapestry of arca des that connect three of the busiest shopping streets in Leeds; Briggate, Albion and Commercial Street, will be over 130 stores and plenty of new restaurants and eateries. So what can you expect? What stores will you find? What restaurants can you experience? Here we present you with a short guide to some of the major retailers you can enjoy in Trinity Leeds.

Victoria’s Secret

Most women and probably most men may be glad to know that US-based lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret has been the latest to reveal they will open a 10,000 square foot store in the shopping complex. The retailer, which is famous for its miniscule models and dazzling catwalk shows, opened their first store in the UK on Bond Street, London, this will be

their first store out of London. Ashley Blake, director of retail portfolio management at Land Securities said “Victoria’s Secret is a significant addition to Trinity Leeds and we are delighted that it will be home to the global retailer’s first flagship store outside of London.” Victoria’s Secret can offer you something different to your usual British underwear brands.

Topshop & Topman

You may be wary of trying new brands and seek familiarity. If that’s the case then stop at Topshop first. The famous high street franchise has been the first retail store to open for Trinity Leeds in the last few months.

There is plenty of clothing choice spread over three spacious floors, with Topman also sitting on the top floor.

Whether it’s a dress for a night out, a warm winter jumper or a suit for your next interview. Students- get your student discount card out and you’ll find everything you need.

international high street food and drink brands’ Trinity Kitchen will offer a new way for mall dining. The Kitchen plans on selectApple Although official statements haven’t been re- ing only the very best Street Food vans from leased, a drawing of an Apple Store has been across the UK and will host five pop-up food spotted in one of the computerised images. If traders who will change on a regular basis. this is true then we will be sure that many Ap- Whether you want to fill yourself up in beple fiends will find the prospect of an Apple tween shopping or to just go and meet your Store in the centre of Leeds extremely excit- friends for a chat and a quick bite to eat. ing. With a wide range of top class gadgets such as the iPad, iPod and Macbook, Apple Everyman Cinema also has a Genius section where you can nip Aside from the many restaurants and high street stores, Trinity Leeds will also offer adin to get advice or have any of your Apple ditional leisure in the form of a new 25,000 products repaired. sq. ft. boutique cinema. Offering four viewing screens, The Trinity Leeds cinema will be Trinity Kitchen Everyman Media Group’s first venue outside Looking for somewhere to eat is always a of London. Everyman is set to transform the debate when you’ve been shopping and both hands are occupied by dozens of bags, area around Briggate and Commercial Street by creating a vibrant new setting. With Trintherefore Trinity Leeds presents to you ity Leeds being at the heart of a population of Trinity Kitchen. Described on the Trinity 5.5 million people, it is ideal for the specialist Leeds website as, ‘an inventive new take on eating, drinking and leisure that will showcase offer that Everyman brings. local and national cuisines alongside major D&D London

Page 6 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

The restaurants will have associated bars; private dining rooms and each have spectacular outside terraces with views towards the Holy Trinity Church. It has not yet been confirmed, but is anticipated that these two venues will be a French restaurant and a Bar and Grill serving British food.

Des Gunewardena, Chairman and CEO of D&D London commented: “This is an important venture for us. We have always thought that Leeds would feature prominently as part of our plans to expand in the UK outside London. It is a city where people enjoy eating out and Leeds has a significant

“

They will be designed especially for Trinity Leeds by Conran & Partners who have also designed other D&D London restaurants such as Coq d-Argent and Skylon. This is D&D’s first UK venue outside of London.

Trinity Leeds will bring a retail soul that will continue to evolve and inspire.

“

In addition to the number of popular restaurants such as Nandi’s, Wagamamas, Yo Sushi, Café Rouge and TGI Fridays that Trinity Leeds will bring, if you are looking for some fine dining then look higher… literally. On the highest two upper floors of the huge shopping complex will sit two D&D London restaurants, occupying 12,000 square foot.

and sophisticated business scene.

We are also pleased to be working with Land Securities as part of wh at we think will be a very successful retail development and we love our location with its beautiful views of Holy Trinity Church.”

Perfect for a vibrant meal for a specific occasion, the D&D Trinity Leeds restaurants will also open on the 21st March 2013, to coincide with the opening of the shopping centre.These are just a few of a long list of shops and restaurants As well as these you’ll be able to browse plenty of other brands such as Hollister, H&M, River Island, Superdry, Footlocker, Pandora and Swarovski. “It’s exciting that all these unique brands have decided to expand to Leedsmany of them are only in London. It shows that they trust the future of Leeds and see it as a major growing city,” said Tim Flanagan.

The opening of Trinity Leeds is set to create 3,000 retail jobs with D&D London employing over 100 offering pleasure and leisure to customers day and night. Trinity Leeds will bring a retail soul that will continue to evolve and inspire, taking Leeds into the top ten cities within the UK retail hierarchy, enabling it to start its journey as a world-leading city destination.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 7

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Retail

Lauren Weldin Textiles

MADE IN LEEDS IF someone was to mention

fashion, your mind will wonder through the great cities of London, Milan, Paris and New York. In fact, Leeds is a major production city for fabrics themselves.

EASTGATE QUARTERS A THREAT TO LEEDS? Grace Neal

Retail

EXPANDING retail seems to be a recurring theme running through Leeds in the last few years. With the opening of one million square foot Trinity Leeds next March, the status of Leeds as a prime shopping destination is increasing.

Real Estate investors Hammerson have taken on a new £136 million development scheme which aims to transform the run-down north-eastern quarter of Leeds centre by expanding the Victoria Quarter and creating a new luxury retail destination.

Eastgate will introduce a wealth restaurants and high-end shops including a 260,000 square foot flagship John Lewis store.

Hammerson also have plans for additional leisure space and a multi-storey car park on the site of the current Millgarth Police Station. The police headquarters, will be demolished once West Yorkshire Police move to their new divisional headquarters at Elland Road in 2014. Leeds is known for its thriving arcades, independent boutiques and the magnificent

Kirkgate market, the largest of its kind in Europe. So with the huge Trinity Leeds early 2013, is there a gap in the market for another new shopping complex? Concern has been widely expressed over the impact of Eastgate Quarters, whether it will it create opportunities or whether it will threaten local independent traders.

“The market is different to what is going to be inside Eastgate Quarter”

“This is something Yorkshire should be proud of and I think people will be amazed by some of the creations from this region,” said Lord.

Yorkshire has always been known as the heart of the wool textile industry in England.

Textile mills have been weaving high quality cloth for decades such as major fashion brands such as Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and Hugo Boss.

At a consultation meeting at the Marriott Hotel on Boar Lane in October, I spoke to members of the NPS Group and a Council official who are in charge of renovating the market. Craig Taylor, a Leeds City Councillor said: “The market is different to what is going to be inside Eastgate Quarter, obviously there is an initial concern but the market is about independent traders.

Page 8 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review January 2013

Joining force with Harvey Nichols in 2011, the luxury fashion store has showcased an in-store display of work created from leading Yorkshire fabric mills, presented under the brand of Yorkshire Textiles.

Sheperd and Lord are ready to launch their Leeds Fashion Works website, displaying ‘Yorkshire Made’ cloth, to increase awareness and publicity.

David Atkins, Chief Executive of Hammerson said in a press release, “Victoria Quarter is a retail landmark in Leeds and our ownership of the scheme will help us to develop a comprehensive retail offer for Eastgate Quarters and expand the luxury and aspirational retail offer for the city.”

Victoria Quarter and Eastgate Quarter have mainly high end brands so there isn’t really a direct competition. Some people might not find what they want in John Lewis or they may find it too expensive. The market is an alternative and we see it more as an opportunity to grab more customers. We must look at it as an opportunity rather than a threat.”

Suzy Sheperd and Carolyn Lord are the organisers of the campaign, Leeds Fashion Works, to raise the awareness of cloth production in Yorkshire.

For over 125 years Taylor and Lodge have been producing England’s finest cloth in Huddersfield, and what else could be better than dressing our very world famous 007 spy agent James Bond.

Check Out Leeds Film Festival on page 24

In the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig is wearing a suave suit using cloth from Taylor and Lodge, designed by legendary Tom Ford.

Leeds Fashion Works is set to be lauched soon, in the running of the next year.

Leisure & Tourism

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

STAGE SET FOR CITY’S FIRST LARGE ARENA Jack Carter

Leisure & Tourism

Leeds is gearing up for next year’s grand opening of its long awaited multi-use arena.

The venue, which holds up to 13,500 people, has been called one of a kind and aims to bring live entertainment to Leeds audiences in a way never experienced before in the UK. Unlike other famous large scale venues in the country like the London O2 Arena or the Manchester Evening News Arena, the Leeds Arena will be the first of its kind to be built specifically for fans ensuring that there won’t be a bad seat in the house.

Counsellor Richard Lewis, executive board member responsible for city development and regeneration, is proud of the constructions unique appearance and feels that its significant usability will be a massive benefit to the city: “To me a lot of the arenas are fairly basic in what they offer; they’re not sophisticated. That was fine in 1990, but it isn’t fine now”.

Many problems for similar venues are that either the audience are too far away from the stage or there are obstructions from pillars or scaffolding obstructing their view. But with the stage situated only 68 metres away from the audience (as opposed to 95-110 metres at traditional arenas) and with every seat angled toward the stage the viewing experience is set to be unrivalled with anywhere else.

“There’s an immediacy about our arena that makes you realise as soon as you go and sit in one of the seats that you’re on top of the stage…we’ve just spent a lot

of time getting it right”, explains Counsellor Lewis.

It has taken Leeds nearly 10 years to get to this stage and with the red tape set to be cut in the autumn of next year many will feel relieved to have arrived at the end of a long journey.

However, Lewis believes that the city has been waiting long enough for this kind of development and it’s about time that it came to fruition: “I suppose for many people it’s been the thing that’s been missing from Leeds for a long time. We have a huge catchment area of people who have been going elsewhere and that’s been inconvenient for them”.

The development is also set to bring in huge financial benefits to the city with an annual economic impact of £25 million. “People are not just going to Leeds to go to an event but they will be eating in Leeds, they will be shopping in Leeds, they’ll get the full extent of the Leeds experience,” states Lewis.

“People are not just going to Leeds to go to an event but they will be eating in Leeds, they will be shopping in Leeds, they’ll get the full extent of the Leeds experience”

With the city’s huge independent retail sector the arena is also set to be of extreme benefit to local businesses situated close to the site. The venue is also set to free up around 300 jobs from direct employment.

Counsellor Lewis believes that the council’s role in creating employment and ensuring that the city punches above its weight and continues to be ambitious has been key: “I think it’s a symbol of our commitment as the city council. It’s about bringing employment and it’s about creating opportunities for people to learn and get better incomes”.

The opening of Trinity Leeds is set to coincide with the opening of the Leeds Arena which aims to create further financial income for the city increasing its already advantageous position for future developments: “I don’t think there’s ever a point where Leeds says we’ve done enough,” states Counsellor Lewis.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 9

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Law

£5.5M COMPENSATION FOR YORKSHIRE BOY Grace O’Farrel Law

Specialist medical lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secure £5.5m settlement for brain damaged Leeds boy.

The family of a Leeds teenager who suffered brain damage at birth will receive a settlement to compensate his on-going care and rehabilitation.

The compensation comes as a result of the failure to monitor the heart rate of Nathan now 15 by the medical staff. He was delivered ten minutes late which lead to irreversible brain damage.

In October 2011 there was a trial at the High Court. The judge ruled that Nathan’s condition could have been avoided after discovering that three midwives and a trainee were present

at the birth. All of the midwives failed to notice that his heart rate had dropped. If they had checked, Nathan would have been delivered 5 minutes earlier, which would have resulted in zero brain damage.

The NHS trust then appealed after the success of Nathans case in July 2011. Birmingham’s Women’s Hospital NHS Trust had also appealed an earlier High Court decision.

“The family can now finally begin to move on with their lives”

Rachelle Mahapatra, a medical law specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “The family are so relieved at the latest judgement which means they can now finally begin to move on with their lives, safe in the knowledge that the settlement will help provide Nathan with the care, equipment and rehabilitation he needs for the rest of his life.”

The trust said that Nathan’s injuries had already happened before his mother was admitted to hospital but the Court of Appeal said they were happy with the original ruling and it wouldn’t be changed.

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell won the fight against the appeal and the judgement has now been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Nathans disabilities have affected his mobility and speech.

He is fed by a gastronomy tube and uses a wheelchair. However, fortunately the birth did not harm is intelligence. With the strong support system that Nathan has it has made it possible for him to attend school and hopefully go to university.

The funds that Nathan has received will be managed by Irwin Mitchell’s expert Court of Protection team. It will help pay for the care and support he needs to live as independently as he can for the rest of his life.

Turn to page 22 for a sneak peak at Leed’s new digital academy

In 2012 Nathan decided that he was going to find out how wheelchair accessible Leeds is by setting up a website for people to comment on in different parts of the city. His aim is to do his best to make the city more accessible for people in wheelchairs. Nathan said: “I just want to get on with my life and now that we have won our court battle we know that I can get specialist equipment and care for the rest of my life. I want to go to university and I like seeing friends and playing on the computer like anyone else.”

TOP LAW FIRMS AT EDUCATION WEEK What could be a better way than teaching children about the livelihood of law than real life lawyers teaching them?

Over 150 volunteers from top Leeds law firms, writes Grace O’Farrell, took part in this year’s Leeds’ Legal Education Week.

Primary schools welcomed volunteers from top leeds law firms to show them the real world of work, with the aim to provide the children with practical support and increase aspirations of local primary school children.

A variety of professionals such as marketing managers and lawyers, took part in sessions that embraced the ‘World of Work’ with workshops that challenged

the children to consider their future and career direction, whilst gaining first-hand accounts of working in a variety of roles within a law firm that aren’t as recognised for example working for the press within a law firm.

All activities showed the children how the skills that they are learning at school can transfer into a majority of workplaces.

Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West, commented: “Education Week is a great way to show pupils importance of education and even extra-curricular activities and raise their aspirations for work. I am looking forward to seeing more links between professionals and schools in the future.”

Rachel Cowper who volun-

Page 10 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

teered at the initiative for law firm Walker Morris said “We (Walker Morris) are delighted to be able to take part in such an innovative programme of support. .”

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Development

ACCESSIBLE LEEDS Charlotte Corner Development NATHAN POPPLE, a 14 year old teenage blogger, living with cerebral palsy. Accessible Leeds is his very own pride and joy, a website he uses to rate services according to their accessibility.

Consequently, Nathan’s disability makes him reliant on a wheelchair, aided by a computer to assist his communication, controlled by a foot pedal on his chair. Ben Walker is Nathan’s part time care worker, and his communicator. They use basic hand-eye communication to answer ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions.

Nathan is known for heating up debates about access within parliament and the media. The anticipated opening of Trinity Leeds is due near 21st March 2013.

Nathan was contacted by the shop itself, due to his website, and invited him to try out the new lift incorporated within the store. They claimed the new lift had been built in Topman to make each of the four floors accessible.

However Nathan was disappointed to see there was one aspect of the department he was incapable of reaching. “I was able to access all of the four floors, but I was unable to access the men’s suit department, due to four steps. This is what disables me.” The smaller steps on the fourth floor resulted to an elevated platform in the men’s section. As Walker explains, ‘that is where the gripe is.’

Trinity Leeds were fast in responding to Nathan’s needs, arranging a walk-through meeting to discuss the services they will be providing for the opening of the centre. Paul Smith, marketing director of Trinity Leeds explains that they are ensuring equal access is set to

be catered for everyone within the building.

“We take a great deal of care and consideration to disabled access throughout the scheme, we were explaining to Nathan about the gradients we take into consideration, to ensure that there is nothing steeper that one in 21. If we were to do so, we would have to think about putting in provisional rails.”

Nathan mentions how he felt “sad and angry” as he was unable to use the long set of stairs down to its bowling al-

The developers must consider the slight gradients enforced through Trinity Leeds natural street scape, although they will be incorporating split levels within the building.

On Nathan’s visit, he was shown the plans of the entire Trinity centre and the access availability, in addition to the walk through video of the site, locating most of the disabled access

Impressed by what they saw, the 14 year old media fanatic was able to confirm that ‘the experience was positive.’ Unlike previous experiences, AMF bowl was the first instance of his inaccessibility, which triggered the Accessible Leeds website.

Nathan mentions how he felt “sad and angry” as he was unable to use the long set of stairs down to its bowling alley.

The underlying problem regarding Topshop’s accessibility are the different sets of responsibility between the obligation as builders of the shopping centre and then that of then retailers that come in to take the spaces within the scheme.

The height between Commercial Street and Boar Lane is about eight metres in height, and across from Briggate is, where Topshop is located, there is also a gradient along there.

Smith further explains: “We have highlighted all those areas on a map for Nathan and his carer to see, but of course we need to think about all the lifts and escalators, and how someone would flow around the scheme.”

and facilities provided.

Check Out Leeds Film Festival on page 24

“When it comes down to retailers we have a responsibility to give them guidelines that has discipline that they can work with, but ultimately it is their responsibility to ensure that they comply with the new DDA regulations, access for the public sector.”Topshop’s plans show they have put provision in for a stair lift within the complained space to help people access the split levels.

“It was their responsibility to get it installed,” explains Paul, “we have tried to get in touch with them and explain Nathan’s query.”

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review page 11

Textiles

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Cape Mill remains creative as unique bridal designer transforms it into a studio

KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE Attribution Noncommercial No Derivative Works Some rights reserved by Murat Ozkasim

Above:one of the unique wedding dresses created by James Steward.

Louise Fletcher

Textiles

NESTLED AWAY in an industrial estate in Farsley is one of Leeds’s most prominent independent designers. James Steward has made a name for himself with his unique bridal collection winning industry awards two years in a row.

‘Unbridaled’ is a collection Steward describes as “wedding dresses with a twist’”. He tells us there is no particular type of person who comes to him; just someone who wants something different.

gradually employed a number of handloom weavers. The mill produced cloth for military uniforms worn at “I don’t do traditional. My dresses are for Waterloo, Trafalgar, the Crimean and the Boer War. somebody looking for something completely different; those who’ve been to Falling in love with the space ‘James and Beth’, another designer who shares the the wedding shops and thought this isn’t space, had to completely renovate the for me.” James continues his alternative rooms which had been derelict since theme with the fabrics he uses. “I use Hainsworth moved out. “There was still oil fabric like leather and Hessian. I still use from the wool mill machinery on the floor. silks but I use things like PVC along with We had to clean all the floors; it took ages it.” to get it to how it is now. We spent days Steward’s business “My dresses are for scrubbing the floors does however, carry somebody looking for on one tradition. something completely and then we had to Studio 20B where different; those who’ve varnish it all.”

James been to the wedding creates his dresses shops and thought this Still with an expanse of studio to furnish stands on the site isn’t for me” and revamp, Steward of the first ever plans to have a sepamill owned by rate consultation area and possibly a Hainsworth: giants in the Leeds textile photography studio. With such grand industry. Cape Mill in Farlsey has been part of the fabric of textiles in Leeds since plans it doesn’t look like he will be moving anywhere soon. “It is such a good space I 1813. Brothers Abimelech and Joseph think this will be the last place I go.”

Hainsworth bought the factory and

Page 12 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

don’t do “ Itraditional

“

Inside James Steward’s studio a new creation is in progress January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 13

Textiles

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

TEXTILES UNRAVELLED The Antiform ‘Molly‘ jumper from their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection

Louise Fletcher Textiles

In the age of throwaway fashion, it can be easy to forget the effort behind making even the simplest garment. With the trend of “upcycling” and sustainable clothing on the increase, the journey from cloth to clothing might be one worth unravelling.

Hyde Park based fashion brand Antiform, try to source all its material from within

Deconstructing the Antiform “Molly” jumper reveals the journey from knitwear scraps to couture creation.

Harrison feels the Molly jumper sums up what Antiform stand for. It embraces its values, creating clothes that represent the artisan maker, using designer rejects and recycling, with the added bonus of everything being sourced close to home.

a 20 mile radius of Leeds. Noticing that in other areas, such as food, products are being sourced locally. The brand wanted to see what would happen if it moved its supply chain to Yorkshire: “We’ve seen something starting to happen on a local level in other areas but it isn’t something that fashion has really embraced.”

Antiform designer Lizzie Harrison says: “There is a lot of talk about re-localising fashion to find a sustainable solution. I wanted to see what actually happens if you did it.”

The back and arm panels come from the village of Denby Dale. Harrison described how the fabric was originally meant for a different designer all together: “The fabric was knitted for Victoria Beckham. The material is knitted in a circle and was split the wrong way and so the fabric was rejected. It sat in a factory for two years until we found it.”

The front panel is from recycled knitwear, most of which comes from the Yorkshire Knitting Guild; a collective of women who set up an archive of knitted garments. “They decided their archive was getting too full,” Harrison explained, “They wanted some of them repurposing so that is how we got them.”

The Antiform tag is the only part of the jumper that has come from further afield. “We couldn’t get anyone in Leeds to make them, which is a shame,” Harrison says regretfully.

“The Midlands was the closest place we could get the labels woven.”

Page 14 January 2012 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Finance

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

IN LEEDS

THE A - Z OF FINANCE

26 Steps in Finance Discovered by Sarah Cox, Jessica Thomas and Rebecca Welfle

A

is for: Accountancy Hub. Being the largest financial sector outside of London, Leeds has over 200 small and medium accountancy firms, as well as four of the world’s major accountancy organisations, including: Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst & Young. The broad range of services gives Leeds a unique position to grow on an international scale.

>>

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 15

Finance

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

THE QUEENS

Y Y Y Y

B

is for banking. Banks with regional or national offices in Leeds include, KPMG, Norwich Union, First Direct, Lloyds Banking Group (Lloyds TSB), Allied Irish Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Leeds Building Society, Alliance and Leceister, Yorkshire Bank, Zurich Financial services and Direct Line. Not in the city centre but still in the Leeds region are Yorkshire Building Society, Bradford and Bingley in Bradford and Lloyds banking group offices in Halifax. The Bank of England who have headquarters in London, have second offices on King Street in the middle of Leeds’ business quarter. HSBC, the largest bank in the world, chose Leeds to launch the UK’s first ever telephone banking system. The Bank of England’s bulk note handling for the north of England also happens at cash centre in Leeds.

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is for Community Foundations.

The Leeds Community Foundations Charity has recently launched The “Yorkshire Venture Philanthropy Programme’’ in Calderdale and South Yorkshire. The programme provides support for new start and established social enterprises. Worth £1.4m, the programme is targeting social enterprises to invest in fro the area. It is believed to be the first regional fund of its kind providing access to grants and loans and specialist beginner’s social enterprise advice and support. Sally-Anne Greenfield, Chief Executive of Leeds Community Foundation who also wrote the successful bid for the funding, said: “The aim of the programme is to stimulate growth in the fast growing social enterprise sector and channel investment and support from private sector companies and individuals into third sector groups.”

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is for deals. Saving money in is for Focus list. This is a list Leeds is easy. It is one of the of companies, recommended best cities to explore outside of by an investment firm, whose London but a lot cheaper. With shares are worth buying or websites like Groupon, KGB, Travelzoo selling. Capita Financial Group, Leeds and Living social, you can find deals in Building Society and Yorkshire Bank is Leeds saving you plenty of money. For three established Leeds organisations example, on the day of publishing, it was that are securely placed on the Focus list. possible to get 80% Capital Financial The financial district off a stay in The Group has around Queen’s Hotel in the isn’t all about work; staff within businessmen do enjoy 1,800 centre of Leeds on the Leeds city rea drink or two.

Groupon, and 50% gion, employed in off with Travelzoo insurance and legal and lastminute.com. That leaves enough services in Bradford offices and further money for a good night out! operations in Huddersfield, Wetherby and York. Leeds Building Society has grown is for economy. Around a quar- from strength to strength and is now the ter of a million people are emfifth largest in the UK. Whilst Yorkshire ployed in the professional and Bank is now a part of the National Ausfinancial sector of Leeds, with tralia Group, which has188 retail branches an output of 13 billion a year. £4.4 billion and was recently named as “Best Regional has been invested in commercial property Lender” for the 11th year running. development in Leeds in the last ten years, with £5.9 billion worth of projects in planis for Glamour Stock. Capita’s ning. The value of the city’s economy is business is providing operations’ estimated at £15.9 billion and is predicted execution skills to organisations. to grow by over a quarter in the next ten Clients outsource “non core” years, to 2022. As well as being the second functions to Capita, like administration, largest centre for financial and business ICT, HR and payroll, strategic developservices, it is also recognised as the top ment, and business process engineering. legal base and the largest printing centre Capita then either takes the work directly, in the UK outside of London. or comes into the organisation to introOver 445,000 people work in Leeds and duce new, and better systems and processthe city brings more than 100,000 people es, whilst training the client’s to use them. commuting into the city to work each day. Capita provide an integrated range of Already established as a popular shopping white collar, professional support services centre, Leeds is set to build on this with on long-term contracts. The Leeds office the £350 million Trinity Leeds and the is based in Clay pit Lane. A FTSE 100 £650 million Eastgate Quarters, opening Dividend-Raising Star. Capita is one of in spring 2013. the UK’s leading outsourcing specialists.

The economy is also helped largely by the With the shares at 766p, the market cap 60,000 degree students at Leeds Metrois £5,008 million[2012-12-12.] Capita has politan University, Leeds University and good recent trading and a positive outlook Leeds Trinity and All Saints college. for the future.

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Page 16 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

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is for Happy Hour. The financial district isn’t all about work; businessmen do enjoy a drink or two and where better to go than just down the road. The financial quarter in Leeds is heaving with chic watering holes that appeal to all kinds of clientele. Park Row and Greek street are the places to be and at lunchtime the bars are bustling with people taking a break from their busy schedules, whilst the evening attracts a more youthful crowd looking for somewhere relaxing to drink.

I

is for insurance. Leeds is home to the most insurance companies offices outside of London.

One of the biggest providers of insurance in the city is Direct Line. Being part of the Royal Bank of Scotland group meant that offices were based in Leeds until 2012 when the division was separated to form a new business, the Direct Line Group. Due to the banking crisis of 2008, RBS took the decision to float the company on the stock market, which included involvement from another Leeds company, the stockbrokers Redmayne Bentley (see ‘R’).

J

is for J.W. Granger & Co. They are part of Redmayne-Bentley, a partnership that is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Stockbrokers which is the oldest surviving stock-broking firm in Leeds. A Stockbrokers role is to administer the financial portfolio of the client or company. Then the stockbroker will discuss the possible shares to buy or sell to gain the best return on the client’s money. A stockbroker will also be expected to know about the current financial market and consult investment analysts to pitch for new clients, whilst monitoring other client investments.

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advice about student funding and can also is for KPMG Leeds. It is one help with general advice about budgeting, of the largest offices outside of debt and welfare benefits.

London employing more than 700 people and is home to a large is for Natwest. Natwest is the and growing public sector practice, led by most used bank in England. In office senior partner Chris Hearld.

Leeds city centre there are more branches of the bank than any is for Luncheon vouchers. other, with ten in total including at park Luncheon vouchers were first row, Hunslet, Headingley, Chapel Allerintroduced in England in 1946 ton, Cross Gates, Leeds University, and when food was rationed. The standard 15p limit was fixed in 1948 when Adel Leeds. the voucher could buy a cooked lunch in is for off-shore banking. One of a private restaurant during your working the UK’s top building socieday. However, pushing those traditions ties, the Leeds Building society, aside, by April 2013 they are set to be Gibraltar office has international abolished. The coupons presently provide banking or building society that offers offlunch at 10,000 cafes and restaurants shore banking services. Offshore banking across the UK. Leeds accepts these at enables people to take loans in the EuroPhillpots, Starbucks Coffee, Greggs, Prêt A Manger, Waitrose and Morrison’s. Phill- currency market and create bank accounts potts for example is based in the centre of offshore. Offshore banking units or ‘OBUs’ can be found throughout Europe, Middle the business sector of Leeds around City Walk to encourage business/office staff to East, Asia and the Caribbean. call in for lunch. is for Price Waterhouse Coopers. Price Waterhouse Coopers is for money advice. are among the four largest acMoney advice is readily availcountancy firms in the world. able in Leeds for anyone that The accountancy firm orignally based on chooses to use it. Leeds City Wellington Street, works across158 counCouncil has a specialist income managetries and employs ment team that helps any citizen Students at both Leeds over 180,000 people.

It has total revenue with issues such as Metropolitan of $31.5 billion in debt, rent issues, University and the financial year of budgeting and University of Leeds insurance advice. have the option to meet 2012. The company was recently fined Also, students at with their both Leeds Metro- “student money advice £1.4m for wrongly reporting financial politan University team”. documents to the and University of Financial Service Authority. The company Leeds have the option to meet with their is also opperating a number of employ“student money advice team”. Leeds Met ment programmes.

University’s is based in the Rose Bowl, which provides confidential specialist

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January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 17

Finance

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Q

W

is for quid. The ‘Quid’ is a colloquial term used to describe the pound sterling. A ‘Quid’ is the same as 100 pence. It is thought to originate from the Latin phrase “quid pro quo” meaning “something for something” or an equal. A “Quid” is a commodity that many students in Leeds have to live without.

take the first step onto the property ladder is for wages. The average wage and has also reduced its rates for first in Leeds is £34,844, with 123 of time buyer mortgages to 5.99% for a 95% these jobs being permanent with loan-to-value mortgage and 4.99% for a 34 in casual or temporary con90% mortgage. Steve Reid, Retail Director tracts. However, Leed’s workers are some for Yorkshire Bank, said: “We understand of the lowest paid in England. how difficult buying a new home can be and we hope that our fee free offer and is for eXtensible business new rates will help even more potential reporting language.This is a buyers take their first step onto the proplanguage used to improve the is for Redmayne & Bentley. erty ladder.” way in which financial data is communiRedmayne-Bentley was estabcated. XBRL uses tags to identify pieces lished in 1875 and is now one is for unemployment. This of financial data which is then used for a of the leading independently is used to help measure the compatible programme. Due to the simowned private client stockbrokers in the economies health. To measure plicity of the indentification tags and the UK. With a strong workforce of 130 reprethe unemployment of an area language itself, it can be easily accepted by sentatives in Leeds, 30 branches nationthe most commonly recited measure is the other countries. The reporting of finanwide and 90 years of business experience “unemployment rate”. This is where the cial data in XBRL is not obligatory by all this firm has a lot going for it to carry on government calculate the number of uncompanies, but it has been rumoured that prospering. This year the firm won the employed people in a certain area. Leeds it won’t be long before all companies will “Best ISA provider 2012” award. is the UK’s largest centre for financial and have to report their financial data in this business services outside of London emlanguage. is for stockbrokers. ploying 124,000 people in this sector, with Leeds is an important centre an output valued at £13bn per year. Unlike is for Yorkshire Bank. Yorkshire for the North, and outside of most cities in the 21st century, Leeds bank was established on 1st London for stockbrokers. A wide range of economy flourished with an estimated May 1859 by Colonel Edward prestigious stockbrokers have offices based 38,000 new jobs to be created within the Eckroyd of Halifax. Based in in Leeds city centre, such as: Charles next 10 years in the financial sector.

Leeds since then, it started out as ‘West Stanley, Redmayne-Bentley, J M Finn & Riding Penny Savings Bank’. Within a Co, Brewin Dolphin, Halifax Share Dealis for Value Investor. This is year of creation the bank had opened 24 ing LTD and W H Ireland. A big name an investor who buys shares branches, and within two years that rose in the list of stockbrokers in Leeds is The which they to 104 opened in total.

London Stock Exchange that have a northbelieve to “We understand Sub branches were even ern based office in the city centre. be underpriced, in opened in schools and how difficult order to make a profit buying a new home church halls. is for the target market. It’s a by selling them when can be and we hope defined segment of the market the price rises. This is for Zurich that our fee free that is the strategic focus of a covers any financial offer and new rates Insurance business or a marketing plan. institution in Leeds Group. It’s will help” Yorkshire Bank has launched a fee free or anyone who buys among the 60 insurmortgage offer for first time buyers. The and sells shares for ance companies listed fee free offer will mean a saving of £599 people .A lot of this work is based on a in the Yellow Pages for the Leeds area. The for those taking a 95% or 90% loan-tosound financial knowledge but also some company employs an average of 60,000 value mortgage. The Bank remains comspeculation. people and operates from more than 170 mitted to helping potential homeowners countries.

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Page 18 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

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LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Social Enterprise

FIVE MINUTES...

WITH ALEX SOBEL Do you think the current climate has had an effect on social enterprises across the region? If so how?

Yes those that work with the public sector have certainly shrunk and the general operating environment is harder about 10% of our members folded in the last 18 months. However Social Enterprises have proved to be more resilient than private businesses and many of our social enterprises have shown remarkable growth or resilience in tough sectors.

Samantha McGarry Social Enterprise Alex Sobel is the general manager at Social Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber as well as a community activist and local MP for Moortown constituency Leeds.

What is the future for social enterprise Yorkshire and Humber? Your 6th annual social enterprise awards are coming up on the 26th November. Who do you think the rising stars are this year and why?

Could you summarise what ‘social enterprise Yorkshire and Humber’ do for the community?

I can’t comment on that as it would bias the awards process.

But many of our social enterprises have received awards in other areas where they operate.

For Instance Create which is a restaurant in Leeds which trains and employs homeless people won best ethical restaurant in the OFM Awards and was listed in Michelin Guide.

Social Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber represents, promotes and connects social enterprise in the region. Our members are social enterprises within the region so they form our community and we support them rather than individuals.

We are what is known as an infrastructure rather than frontline organisation. Social Enterprises themselves fulfil a space where they are trading businesses but also have a social aim and do not distribute profit for private use but for community, social, use or reinvestment and we support them to achieve that.

We will know who the rising stars are on the 26th and we should release the shortlist this Friday which will give an indication.

Your 6th annual social enterprise awards are coming up on the 26th November. Who do you think the rising stars are this year and why?

This is the 6th time and predates me but it is really to celebrate achievement and get people together less formally as we tend to run events for business or information sharing purposes and this is a bit more fun.

Without the organisation, how would social enterprise in Yorkshire and Humber be different?

There would be no central database of social enterprises or information source. We provide a wide range of events and a business club for social enterprises. All the things that connect social enterprises together. We also respond to Government consultations and lobby which is not a commercial activity and it is stronger as we carry the voice of our members rather than just one organisation when we speak.

How many members do you have and why do you think Yorkshire and Humber have this many?

We have around 300, there are more social enterprises but many either haven’t found us yet or haven’t taken the opportunity to join. One of our roles is to carry out an annual survey which tests the state of the sector.

Apart from the awards, what else is going on at social enterprise Yorkshire and Humber?

We have a whole programme of events including workshops, business clubs, conferences and roadshows at the moment.

There are also a number of new funds coming in to help support Social Enterprises start and grow, these tend to be a mix of grants and loans Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just to say that practically any traditional business you can think of from Printer to Lift Manufacturer, from hotel to bus operator can be a social enterprise it’s about how you run your business not what it it is that makes a business a social enterprise

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 19

Social Enterprise

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

MEET THE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS

The social enterprise team Situated in the beautifully furbished Shine centre, a social enterprise in itself, the school is part of eight others across the UK. The SSE was launched in London in 1997 by Michael Young, a serial social entrepreneur and Labour MP. The SSE for Yorkshire and Humber (SSEYH) was opened in 2009 and is now in its third cohort of students. Each year the SSEYH take on 17 students, following a rigorous application process. “Start up” students receive a grant of £4,000 to help establish their social enterprise, “scale up” student receive a grant of £15,000.

Classes are held on a monthly basis and provide the opportunity for students to network and gain skills in business management, enabling them to create a sustainable social enterprise.

Brereton believes the school provides a valuable service for society; helping those who simply want to help their community and bring an idea to life.

Over the years Brereton has stood proudly as he sees his graduates fulfilling their dreams; from engaging the youth though innovative music projects; to opening a café in Leeds run and staffed by people with learning difficulties. The same café now provides catering at the SSEYH graduation day. What sets the school apart from other business management courses

“I just knew there was a problem I wanted to fix, I didn’t even realise it was a social enterprise”

Page 20 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Charlotte Hemingway

Social Enterprise

is their focus on the individual. “We concentrate on the development of the person, the risk taker, not just the enterprise,” states Brereton.

As the schools popularity grows they hope its capacity will grow too. As long as it keeps attracting innovative and clear headed entrepreneurs determined to make a difference, backed up with necessary funding, the school will have a place in society. The public’s attitude is changing; those who were once driven by money are now increasingly driven by change.

Claire Jones Mani Ray Director of InvisOccupational Therapist

ible Circle

Mani began his career as a DJ and event organiser; in 2005 he established a grass roots youth and community development organisation, known as Invizible Circle Education.

“I have always been involved in positive community activity and felt it was the right time to build my own organisation.” Ray and his team hope to take it back to the DIY music culture it once was.

Invizible Circle is a organisation that provides “tailored multimedia educational solutions”, directed primarily at children and community sectors. It aims to present an enriched and personalised teaching session, through the use of Hip Hop culture and modern art.

Claire Jones, an occupational therapist with a background in mental health hopes to provide a sense of aspiration runs social enterprise, Rocoveryfor.me.

“I plan to provide a service for those who have experienced mental health difficulties, who want to give and receive support to each other, while working towards their own recovery.” The support service will be provided via a website, where people can upload their own information and experiences.

Daniel Lucas Entrepreneur Daniel Lucas from Chapeltown graduated with 1st class honours from Leeds Metropolitan, in video games development. He was offered a great opportunity in game development, hwever, he wanted to do something to help his local community. He turned down the job and started volunteering for Chance, helping those with criminal records.

“I wanted to help my area, I realised that money doesn’t do it for me anymore and I wanted to do something bigger, so I started volunteering” Lucas realised one of the biggest issues lay in the education system, people from his local area were presumed to be thugs or tearaways.

“This isn’t the case of providing a job for life, it’s done in the hope that six months down the line they will be able to provide a Daniel started working with Social Arts, a valuable reference to future employers.” place where people from similar backgrounds could share their own experiJones believes that through change and ences, from ex-convicts to successful social enterprises we have the opportuInvizible Circle has approached the local businessmen he wanted to create a space nity to build a successful and sustainable authorities but their biggest challenge is for honesty and valuable advice.“I just welfare state. However, she fears that not creating an understanding of the “real” Hip Hop culture and how it is able to meet enough socially minded entrepreneurs see knew there was a problem I wanted to fix, the needs of communities on a number of this opportunity, leaving large corporations I didn’t even realise it was a social enterthat are not necessarily socially minded to prise” levels. dominate our welfare state.

Daniel hopes to create academies where “I want them to challenge me, give me any guest speakers can share their experiences, child that the state has given up on and I’ll Claire no longer feels like this is a lonely and change the attitude of those living in endeavour as she has been able to meet prove that I can motivate them and give these areas. them that sense of purpose back.”

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January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 21

News

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

CITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL ACADEMY

Joanne Davis

An outcry across local employers sparked the idea for the Marketing Academy to be developed. Many companies claimed they were losing money by recruiting from London rather than their local area.

Leeds City College have launched a Digital Marketing Academy. It will provide the region’s ever-expanding digital sector with home-grown talent.

Working closely with Yorkshire Forward, Leeds skills board and local employers, Leeds City College will be developing a range of courses from short specialist subjects such as e-marketing, social networking and apprenticeships through to foundation degrees.

Leeds digital sector is a crucial part of the future for the economy of the Leeds city region. More than 1,500 businesses operate in the industry, up from 1,100 just seven years ago. The sector employs more than 20,000 people.

Kate Dyson, higher education business development manager for Leeds City College said “We hope to develop and expand on the skills local employers are asking for. Leeds is a growing city with plenty of digital opportunity and we want

Digital

TV STATIONS BID FOR NEW CHANNEL

“This will impact the city as a whole and expand on the ever improving digital sector”

Danielle Smith Media

5 bids have been made to run a new TV channel local to Leeds.

The bids are part of an initiative

by Ofcom. Winning applicants gain a licence to run a TV channel that will air in 2013.

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt says “Local TV will not only create jobs but it will also provide communities with news

CEO Jamie Conway says “It’s essential that those who see local television as a cheap form of national content understand that this is an opportunity for the industry to start looking at programming in an exciting new

Page 22 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Leeds City College are aiming to recruit school-leavers who are interested in new technologies and creative work. Alastair Da Costa of Leeds Skills Board added: “Opportunities must be harnessed into the region, which is why we are working closely with Leeds City College and employers.

“This is a long term project which will impact the city as a whole and expand on the ever improving digital sector.”

Leeds Digital Marketing Academy is set to be finished by March 2013.

Turn to page 28 for our Graduate’s outlook

and content that is relevant to their daily lives”. Licenses will be awarded for a period of up to 12 years.

The 5 applicants from Leeds are Leeds TV, Made In Leeds, Metro8 Leeds, NORTH and YourTV Leeds. Applicant Made In Leeds said that if they were successful in their bid, there would 20 new jobs available.

to encourage school leavers to head in the right direction.

Hopefully we can teach them how to get ahead with social media and blogging, which is an exciting development for the region.”

“It will also provide communities with news and content that is relevant to their daily lives”

way and creating new markets for local businesses”. YourTV Leeds states that this channel could be a great opportunity for local talent, “We would provide programmes showcasing local bands and other artists”.

Ofcom will award the licenses based on the applicant’s business plan, the provision of local news and current affairs and proposals for programmes.

The BBC provide around £40 million to fund the initiative, 21 areas have been chosen in which bids can be made including Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

Sheffield station SLTV is expected to be on the air within the next year. Chairman Steve Buckley told website Insider, “We’ve have been out talking with more than 100 local businesses in Sheffield about the locave had a tremendous response from them.”

Digital media

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

NEW APP INTRODUCED TO THE DIGITAL WORLD Due to be launched in February 2013, the app will allow users to access hyper-local news catered specifically to their interests through a web browser or mobile device.

Grant Whalley Digital BACK in 1995, The Daily Telegraph launched the first online newspaper, The Electronic Telegraph, the notion that online news would ever become more important than a daily national would have been met with trepidation. Now, with the circulation of national newspapers dropping 20% in the last five years, that idea doesn’t seem so outrageous.

Regardless of sterling efforts to revolutionise online news from organisations like The Guardian or The Telegraph, organisations have found it increasingly difficult to monetise online news.

This has lead to organisations having to think of new and innovative ways of delivering online and mobile news.

It will allow users to interact with and submit content in a way similar to tagging content on a social networking site. It is being developed by Hebe Media. Simon Zimmerman, Director says: “The service we are creating operates on the basis that hyper-local news content already exists, in abundance. People simply copy the URL where that content exists, drop it into our system, add a geo-tag, add a time stamp, add a tag and click publish.” A geo tag is a way of labelling content by its geographical area.

“The notion that online news would ever become more important than a daily national would have been met with trepidition.”

has been gained from an investment charity called Nesta.

The aim of the investments is to ‘understand and stimulate the development of a UK hyperlocal media sector’.

A spokesperson for Nesta, Sarah Reardon said: “All the proposals are new ways of delivering hyperlocal media through mobile devices. More people, more often are using mobile’s to access rich content services via the internet and, increasingly, these platforms are location-aware. We want to prototype services that make the most of these opportunities.”

A feature of the app that developers are most excited about is the “time-wheel”. This allows users to filter content using a timeline, organise and search news in specific areas as and when it happens. It will also feature past news content, allowing users to scroll back to before they were even born.

Zimmermann believes this is important as it allows users to connect with their city and learn its history.

The app will have similar content to the site it is born from, Leeds Online, established

by Lee Hicken. It is aimed at 18 to 30 year olds and as such is written for them, Hicken says: “We think that young people should know about matters affecting them, but nobody writes political news for young people.

Political issues affect young people too.”

Simon The funding for the application Zimmerman

A light version of the app will be launching in February, shortly followed by a full version with richer content and functionality.

JUMP ON THE BLOG-WAGON appreciate, exposing thoughts, dreams, opinions and interests.

University, keeps a regular blog called My Musical Musings on Tumblr.

This has hit print media organisations hard. Businesses are closing down. There are so many stories to be told, but nowhere for writers to flourish.

Hannah Curry Media

Aspiring writers turned to the blogosphere for assistance; a great platform for their work to be read and recognised.

WITHIN the past three years, blogging has become the latest trend.

It has become a chic craze to blog, and an unlikely place for employment.

Keeping a blog is like keeping an open diary for the entire world to

Faye Ducker, a journalism student at Leeds Metropolitan

“I blog because I want to become a music journalist. It’s so difficult to get work experience in this field, but my blog shows employers that I am interested and dedicated to music journalism.”

Faye Ducker (left)

A blog space can really get you noticed by employers and all the big Editors like Victoria White, Editor in Chief of Company magazine have started looking at them like CVs. They can also expand your contact list.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 23

Media

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

LEEDS FILM FESTIVAL Inset: Chris Fell, Leeds Film Festival director

Danielle Smith

Media

The Leeds International Film Festival has broken records with their highest audience figures in 26 years with 35,000 people attending.

The 18 day long festival primarily ran

by Leeds City Council is now the biggest annual film festival outside of London.

With audiences of 35,000 attending the 270 events, 150 feature film screenings and over 130 screenings of short films the festival saw a 10% increase on last years audience figures.

Leeds City Council provide the annual festival with £7,500 a year to put on their events the rest is ran by a strong team of volunteers. The festival is now also an official recognised qualifier for Britain’s most prestigious film awards- the Orange British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA’s).

The festival always aims to celebrate films made in Leeds and Yorkshire as well as those made World Wide. Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said: “The programme for this year’s Leeds International Film Festival has proved hugely popular with a fantastic response from film fans keen to attend. Showcasing not only the

best of world cinema, work produced right nary with a night of silent movie classics. here in Leeds and Yorkshire has been one Patrons of the cinema and silent movie of the strong elements this year.” enthusiasts alike filled the little cinema, a live pianist accompanied the selection The Oscar nominated and Golden Globe of silent films including some of Charlie winning comic thriller ‘Argo’ directed Chaplin’s classics.

by Ben Affleck set the tone at the Opening Gala. The festival also welcomed the Short films from local independent UK premiere of Una Noche, the Tribeca production companies and students from award winning film set in Havana. the Northern Film School shed light on the stigma’s of mental health and broke Danish physiological drama ‘The Hunt’ by boundaries on the preconceptions people Thomas Vinterberg was voted the public’s have on people suffering from them. favourite this year winning Leeds 2012 Audience Award.

Director of the festival Chris Fell told Leeds City Council of his delight in their Audiences at the Leeds and Yorkshire success: “I am delighted with the audience based horror films ‘Heretic’, ‘Before reaction to the 26th Leeds International Dawn’ and ‘When the Lights Went Out’ Film Festival. More than 14,000 votes were were giving an eerie opportunity to win a received from audience members for their nights stay at a haunted house. favourite film of the festival, and the overall average rating for films was the highest Winner Mahdieh Moeineddieny told the ever in the event’s history.”

Festival of her stay in the haunted house: Leeds is also home to the Leeds Young “We arrived there at about 9pm and noth- Film Festival which takes place every ing happened for Easter. The festival “I am delighted with a few hours. So we the audiences reaction provides unique opwent to explore the to the 26th Leeds Inter- portunities for young house and upstairs national Film Festival. aspiring film makers we saw a dark shad- More than 14,000 votes with film screening ow which we could were received from and master classes not explain as there audience members for from leaders in the were no lights. We their favourite film of film industry. thought it might be the festival” a trick so checked As well as recognisfor hidden cameras ing young talent with but couldn’t find any. We both sensed an The Golden Owl Awards the festival also energy coming off it but it was not scary, it celebrates independent film work with The felt positive. After a few minutes it moved INDI’s. and disappeared. We stayed until 4am but didn’t see anything else. I’d love to go back The recipients of these awards are also and find out more about it” decided by the young people of Leeds.

MediaFish are a group of young The yearly festival also payed homage to consultants who are all passionate about the years of early cinema by helping Cotfilm and media whom work all year round tage Road Cinema celebrate their centewith the festival to spot young talent.

Page 24 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Food & Drink

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

NEW TAKE ON FOOD

‘Trinity Kitchen‘ is said to set a new standard for mall dining, putting food right at the heart of the exciting retail and leisure development set to open in 2013.

Sophie Goodwin

Food & Drink

TRINITY LEEDS is bringing to you a new and unique experience to food and leisure with the opening of ‘Trinity Kitchen’.

It is a dining and drinking concept that is like no other. It will showcase local and national cuisines alongside major international high street food and drink brands, with a multi million pound investment from the UK’s largest commercial property company, Land securities.

Taking influence major international food capitals, such as London, Paris and New York, Trinity Kitchen will be offering an exciting theatre of food experiences, with cooking demonstrations, street food vendors and pop up market stalls being launched into a shopping centre environment for the first time.

The Street Food market area will bring the rising British Street food movement into the soul of the development, with the brains behind it all being Richard Johnson who is the behind this movement and also a renowned UK food journalist and broadcaster.

Trinity kitchen will increase the existence of food and beverage at Trinity Leeds by 50%,creating a significant change in the focus of future retail developments.

“Trinity Kitchen will bring consumers a constantly evolving, eclectic and stimulating social hub day and night, that will reinvent city living,” says Andrew Turf, Leasing manager for Trinity Kitchen.

It is a step forward in UK’s approach to eating and shopping.

With international restaurants such as Pho, Tortilla and Chicago Rib shack, that are yet to be seen outside London, aswell as the mainstream restaurants such as Giraffe and Caluccio’s, the shoppers will also be able to sit and enjoy a drink at the Circle Champagne bar that is set to join the exclusive line up.

Christian Arden, of Chicago Rib Shack says “Trinity Kitchen is an innovative new concept that we are thrilled to be a part of.

It will provide Leeds consumers with a stunning new dinning experience, and brings our brand to the North for the first time.”

January 2012 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 25

Creative

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

EN ROUTE TO LEEDS

We used hooks to gain attention, stunts and formed relationships with key national journalists.”

Leeds local, Ruth Garner, talks about the work of Welcome to Yorkshire.

Aditi Beri Creative PR COMPANY Welcome to Yorkshire have gone and won the bid to host the Tour de France in Yorkshire next year to the delight of thousands.

The world famous cycling race is said to take place on 5th and 6th of July 2014, attracting millions of fans from across the globe to watch the event, and what better setting than the Yorkshire dales.

Their “Back Le Bid” campaign generated a lot of support from locals and the team described it as ‘extraordinary’ how everyone came together to get Yorkshire to the top of the list, beating the likes of Barcelona and Scotland.

Head of the campaign, Andrew Denton, has been busy this week organising the “La Nuit de Tour” press conference that will be taking place this Thursday where the route that the race will be taking place will finally be announced.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s press executive, Graham Poucher, said: “Securing the Grand Depart of the Tour de France for Yorkshire was a historic moment.

We know Yorkshire is one of the greatest places in the world and we hope the world will agree come 2014.”

Welcome to Yorkshire has done well in the past few years promoting everything that Yorkshire has to offer. It is no wonder that their approach to PR led them to win the bid. They don’t come up with a specific “strategy” like many PR companies.

Poucher said “Strategies change so we flipped it and came up with a list of things we wanted to achieve and just did it.

“Their work is brilliant, people have such a negative view of Yorkshire, but they show people that Yorkshire, especially Leeds, is still a hotspot. I voted in their ‘Back Le Bid’ campaign,” Garner was glad they won, “finally Yorkshire will get the positive image it deserves.”

“The strategies change within a day of writing them, so we flipped it and came up with a list of things we wanted to achieve and just did it” Digital media was crucial for its success. A press executive for Welcome to Yorkshire said: “Online was essential too. Back le Bid campaign was vital and attracted 170,000 pledges of support.”

Connections

Our regular feed tracking

Dee Marshall Dee has been everywhere recently after her PR team won the campaign to host the Tour de France in Leeds! WEY is becoming a big name having won World Travel Awards last year.

Richard Rawlins After graduating, Rich worked with many top PR agencies. Then came to Finn PR, a company with a difference and a fantastic selection of well know clients such as GHD and Morphy Richards.

Deborah Copeland Deborah has worked her way up the PR ladder, from working in online PR to currently working at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Chris Norton Award winning PR practitioner, Chris has more than 14 years experience in the industry. As a keen blogger, he made it to be one of Brand Republics Top 100 Marketing bloggers in the world, and made into the top 15 PR bloggers in the UK. Need we say anymore?

Nicola Prior Nicola has been a successful independent PR consultant in Leeds for 18 years. Prior has the unique status of being an accredited practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR.) She is also a regular on BBC Radio Leeds, definitely one to listen out for.

Robert Minton Taylor Robert Minton Tailor, easily found his way into our top 10 PR practitioners. Robert is the director of The Media Society, and a former president of the Chartered Institute of Journalists.

Rob Smith With 17 years’ experience to his name it’s no wonder he has been involved with some extremely successful agencies. Currently at Brand 8 PR, he provides clients with creative ways to promote their brands.

Their fantastic PR team and a lot of hard work has managed to secure the Tour de France, which will attract the attention of millions and show people what Yorkshire is about.

Jo Swann You may have seen this face around, as Jo Swann is often at industry events to give away her top tips from the PR industry. She manages the whole team at Chocolate PR and also looks after the business development side of things.

“We don’t waffle on using PR buzz words. We listen to what the media wants and give them that and nothing else that they see as irrelevant,” said Graham Poucher.

Adrian Johnson Adrian Johnson is the founder and owner of social media and PR agency, Umpf. It has already been established as one of the top ten social media agencies in the UK and has a very impressive list of clients!

It seems that just about everyone in Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire are looking forward to the Grand Départ in 2014.

Jason Madeley Jason Madeley founded Hatch in 2008. He was the former managing director or Ptarmigan Consultants, which at the time was the biggest PR agency outside of London.

Page 26 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

YORKSHIRE POST MOVE for the NUJ Leeds joint chapel stated: “This is the end of an era.

The move represents a sea change in terms of how we operate and it cuts the remaining ties we had with the old way of doing things.”

Hannah Curry Media

“When this building was first put up, the people who built it forecast it would see us for the next 100 years. That has not come true progress and circumstance have eclipsed that prediction.”

Media

Connections Connecting you to the top guns in the industry.

This issue: Media

Peter Lazenby Highly respected reporter Lazenby spent just under 40 years at theYorkshire Post,. He is a chairman of the Leeds branch National Union of Journalists (NUJ). He has won two national Race and the Media awards from the Commission for Racial Equality due to his work.

John Baron “As a journalist, we are often urged Baron has worked for a variety of newspapers and is currently a writer for Johnston Press. He is a regular writer for not to use words like ‘landmark’ but in this case, I think it is justified Leeds Guide magazine and the Guardian. He is chairman of the community information project in South Leeds and a to say that the building is a landmark in Leeds. Everyone knows it. member of the digital editor’s network.

It is a huge loss.”

The Yorkshire Post and Emma Bearman Yorkshire Evening Post have left Bearman is the main contributor and creator of leading Even though newspapers are notheir home of 42 years, set for a Leeds blog CultureVulture. With a career in PR, Emma has fresh start in new offices located ticeably not hitting weekly targets managed to break the writing sector and create a blog named in sales or making profit, in the no1 Leeds developments Helen Oldham, the firm’s manag- Culture Vulture - one of the most visited blogs in Leeds. on Whitehall director, is Road.

“This is the end ing positive the move Margaret Emsley of an era. The is compulsory for Margaret Emsley is the Head of News and show producer at The loss of the move represents the future of the ITV Yorkshires studios based in Leeds, as well as Calendar building is news. a sea of change” business. speculated to be due to the £393 Wes Butters “I am delighted million debt of Wes Butters has been the breakfast show host of BBC that we have Johnston Press, which has led to Radio Leeds since 2011. He has gained a good reputation secured a high profile, quality, and an original 1,300 employers, to city centre premises for our Leeds within radiofrom presenting on stations including Wave, be reduced to just 300.

Galaxy, Century and Real. businesses. The move signifies a sizeable investment in our people As well as the historical buildNadine Cuddy and will provide an environment ing, all contents including old Nadine Cuddy is No-Title magazine owner and editor, a articles, printing machinery and in which we can take our highly DJ and promoter. Cuddy’s online free music magazine has regarded media brands forward other antiques are to be put up attracted over 100 voluntary writers and has been up and positively.” for auction or lost. running since 2006.

Neil Hudson, journalist for the The building is hoped to be Isi Abebe bought within the next year.

Yorkshire Post and secretary Abebe is a media creative director based in Leeds recently bidding for the Freeview channel Made in Leeds. He set up the Dreamy Child brand in 2006 and has a background in television, design and publishing.

WITH a tower that attracts every driver on the ring road into the city of Leeds, Johnston Press has officially moved the Yorkshire Post out of its original landmark.

Eleanor Snare Since moving to Leeds in 2009, Snare has worked as a copywriter for Logistik and a fashion blogger for The Magic Square Foundation. She has recently received the Best Specialist Blog award at The Blog North Awards.

Helen Oldham Oldham is the first female managing director for the Yorkshire Post and the Yorkshire Evening Post, Halifax Courier LTD, and Yorkshire Weekly Newspaper Group.

Anecia Jagpal Graduate from Leeds Metropolitan University, Jagpal is the founder of studentmagazine and website Leeds Uncut. The magazine reached 2000 readers in six months with Jagpal as editor alongside six other writers contributing to the magazine. Jagpal offers experience for all struggling journalism students and works as a SEO analyst at Epiphany Solutions LTD.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 27

Employment

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

“

There are significantly higher numbers of graduates than there are graduate level jobs

“

THE GRADUATION OUTLOOK FOR STUDENTS IN 2013 from the creative digital industry, according to Edmondson. He says: “There are some really dynamic agencies, marketing agencies, creative agencies in the north and in Leeds and surrounding cities. I think it’s quite a strong sector and we are seeing a lot of opportunities for graduates in that area.

Molly Dolan Employment

may do in the next year or two. There were some very successful programmes in the early part of the recession that were centred on internships and they really worked. They gave employers a try before you buy opportunity.”

The programme that Graduates Yorkshire ran saw a conversion of 85% into graduate “The public sector which traditionally took jobs. “It really worked as a way of stimua lot of graduates has dipped quite a bit lating graduate jobs. I think it’d be great because of the cuts in that area. But the if the government looked at this. Or put good thing is universities themselves are some support behind more internship beginning to realise their own responsibili- programmes for graduates around the ties in hiring their own graduates.” country.”

GRADUATES IN Yorkshire are facing a difficult employment climate. There are a significantly higher number of graduates than there are graduate level jobs, thereGraduates Yorkshire works with four Although the outlook has been bleak for fore many are ending up in entry level “day universities in the past couple of “The good thing is uni- the jobs”, if any at all.

Leeds City region years, opportunities versities themselves who have just set up are beginning to realare improving for Martin Edmondson, chief executive officer major programmes graduates in Leeds. ise their own responsiof Graduates Yorkshire, spoke to us about of internships inside It may take a while bilities in hiring their the current job situation in Leeds and how their university for to reach the high own graduates.” to improve your employability. He says: “I their graduates. This recruitment levels would say that it is grinding, but there are trend of institutions that the early 2000s opportunities...you have to up your game helping out must continue, and increase. saw, but any increase is a step in the right as a graduate to get the job you want.” direction. Graduates are advised to widen When asked about institutions helping their ideas on the ideal path into employThe way that certain geographical areas graduates, Martin Edmondson says: “This ment. Look at internships, work experiare affected differently by this economic current government haven’t put any money ence and small businesses for an alternaissue, so are differing sectors. In particular, into supporting graduates into employtive route to your dream job.

Leeds and Yorkshire are seeing big things ment. I am starting to see signs that they

Page 28 January 2012 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Employment

FIND OUT JUST HOW EMPLOYABLE YOU ARE -

You have an interview for a large comWhich word best describes your work What is your dream job?

1 pany; it is set to start at 9am. Which 4 ethic?

8 best describes your morning?

A. Set your alarm for 6am, go over your notes, listen to pre-recorded interview tips and arrive at a respectable 8.15am. There’s no such thing as too early, is there?

B. You have prepared everything the night before, so you wake up allowing an hour for your usual morning regime. You allow 20 minutes for the 15 minute journey, arriving with five minutes to spare.

C. Get up after the third snooze, miss your bus and arrive at 9.01am in a taxi. Fashionably late.

2 A. A smart, tailored suit. Dress for the job Your interview outfit is:

A. Driven.

B. Reliable.

C. Independent.

A. Working at the head of the most prestigious international firm in my industry.

B. Somewhere I feel at home, where I have worked my way up to the top respectGroup work is essential in almost any fully. job (except for maybe a weather station C. At an independent company where I research scientist in Antarctica) what is don’t have management breathing down your role in the group? my neck – kind of my own boss

5

A. Leader, I know what I am doing and have no problems in telling others too.

B. I have a lot of ideas to share, but also like to hear other peoples input.

C. I tend to let others take the lead and let me know when I am needed.

6

Would you be prepared to work flexible hours?

IN NUMBERS

25,024: the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance

29%: the number of Job Seekers

Allowance claimants aged 16-24 (above national average)

you want, not the job you have.sa B. Formal trousers and a crisp shirt. Simplistic and smart.

A. I would prefer not to, I like to have a C. Your best office attire, comfortable and routine. trustworthy.

B. As long as I got the job, I would work when they need me.

The first question they ask throws you, C. I would be happy to give it a go. how do you respond?

The opportunity arises for you to proA. Nothing throws you, you have prepared gress in the company, but the competifor every eventuality and answer without tion is steep and you’re up against a close hesitation. work associate, what next?

B. You hesitate for a couple of seconds to think of an answer, which of course feels A. A work associate is just that, I will not like a lifetime. be held back.

C. You answer honestly and tell them that B. I take their feelings into consideration, you do not know, but go on to talk about but apply anyway as I could use the extra your strengths. cash.

C. Promotion? Longer hours? More paperwork? No thanks!

£25.5m: the amount that 2013’s

Mostly A’s

Mostly B’s

Mostly C’s

You are driven and will no doubt go far in life (workwise that is) You have your priorities well in order and are committed to getting results. Just don’t let this take over your entire life! Although employers want someone that is committed to the company, they also want to hire a person – not a working machine. You are suited to a role where details are crucial, where you can have control and set

You tick a lot of the right boxes. Punctual? Yes. Smart? Yes. Reliable? You bet. You seem to have struck the right balance between work and play, but don’t try too hard to be perfect. Speak up a little sometimes, don’t be afraid to step out of line – it may just give you that extra nudge. You are suited to most roles, you are personable and professional, maybe a role representing a company in PR or advertising.

Your relaxed attitude can be appealing most of the time, but you need to reel it in. Independence and flexibility are all good qualities, however so is professionalism. A very wise Benjamin Franklin once said “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. You are destined for a role that allows creative control and freedom, preferably somewhere with ad hoc hours and no one managing your every move.

3

7

Leeds arena will contribute to the local economy every year

4,000: the amount of new jobs to be created by the Eastgate Quarters project

2014: when Leeds employment lev-

els will peak (according to Leeds economy briefing outlook)

46,000: new jobs to be created in the next decade

£52b: Leeds economic worth per year

1.5m: Leeds City Region workforce

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 29

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Page 30 January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review

Development

DUKE STUDIOS: an innovative and creative space and a cluster business community all preciously hidden away in Munro House.

The project inspiration sparked as artistic duo James Abbot-Donnelly and Laura Wellington noticed the need, yet, lack of creative space around Leeds. They put their creative heads together and developed an ingenious hub for like minded people.

Johnny Finch and Roz Stoughton, Leeds College of Art graduates, currently work in Duke Studios running their own company, Passport Design Bureau.

Their office is made from flat pack cardboard, slotted together, as part of an open plan structure. Allan Nowell is a landscape architect and works on the ‘grass’; in the co-working space.

Johnny: It is all in one place and very unusual. We couldn’t have started n a better place. We would feel more under pressure if we were working somewhere else and everyone is very helpful.

Roz: As everyone does different stuff, we all gain from one another. James and Laura do a great job of selecting the right people, it’s a perfect mix.

Allan: They encourage a healthy mix of discipline. It feels like a company, one big studio with smaller departments that work together. It is a creative environment with informal networking.

People spark off each other and that starts people thinking together.

Roz: If you can’t do it yourself, you can ask someone and they will always know someone who can do it.

Alan: It’s an ideal stepping stone for creative entrepreneurs and the facilities are just great, such as the laser/vinyl cutter and photo studio. It generates further footfall and opens up other connections from the wider creative community.

All three entrepreneurs were shortlisted from a pool of applicants to ensure Duke offers the best talent from a variety of crea- Do you find you work more efficiently in tive people, to symbiotically work together. a creative space?

What is it about Duke Studios ‘creative space’ that has helped your career?

Roz: I’d say 50% of our projects has been through working with companies in Duke’s, it’s the collaborative work and open plan that makes it easy to talk to everybody.

Johnny: Yes, particularly for us starting up, it has given us a fantastic base so far.

Allan: I am building my own website and here, everyone is able to give me points, yet if I was at home or in isolation I would find it much harder to complete.

It’s also about enjoying where you think.

Roz: Agreed, it’s such a comfortable environment, everyone socialises together. When the Olympics were on, we all got on the bean bags and watched the big event, collected around and chilled. Everyone gets on; it’s almost like a social working environment. It’s so easy to approach people as you do hang out together. I think that is important.

What is your favourites aspect of Duke’s?

Roz: The beanbags. Everything in here is quirky, the cardboard offices, it’s such a talking point when you show people around, and also the ‘not board room.’

Johnny: Everyone loves the board room Allan: For me there is not one thing that defines it as it all works so well together.

Roz: It’s a super nice space and nicely decorated.

Johnny: The location in Leeds is so important, as there are so many creative businesses nearby.

Allan: It also helps to offer a wider resource to your clients. You are then able to build up a relationship which is important to a company for repeat business. It’s a great selling point.

Roz: It’s like a collective almost.

Allan: Yeah that’s right. Under the banner ‘Duke Studios’, it’s great that James and Laura have instilled that community.

LeedsMetropolitanBusinessReview

Digital media

Business Links Grant Whalley 4G is upon us, well, some of us, maybe at a little slower speed than most had hoped for, nevertheless, it is here...

Boasting speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G services, 4G (fourth generation mobile communications standards) offers the next step in mobile internet. EE is planning on investing £1.5bn into 4G development across the UK to deliver super-fast mobile internet to their customers.In addition to speeds up to 50mbps, which is the speed in which data is downloaded over the internet, EE is also boasting that 4G services will supply a much more reliable service. But what does this mean for Leeds?

“With its super-fast speeds, 4G offers faster internet than a lot of fixed line broadband services. Meaning that people who work on the road will no longer have to put up with slower speeds”

The Public

Tests conducted on the 4G network produced possible speeds of up to 50mbps. While these speeds have been achieved, they aren’t an accurate projection of what speeds will be available to all consumers.

EE forecast average speeds of 10 to 12mbps upon release.

For regular consumers this means cutting down the time it takes to download a music track from 21 seconds to a mere four. Ashley Peat, 21, a student at Leeds Metropolitan thinks 4G will help him, he says: “I think it’s amazing, we are finally catching up with technology. We have been in the dark ages for a while now and it’s about time we got 4G. I just bought a 4G phone, it’s a little unreliable at the moment, but it’s making a difference to my university work already.”

With the ability to store and download large files at will online, internal device storage will no longer pose a problem. Aaron Patterson, 22, a DJ in Leeds says: “I don’t have it yet but will be getting it when I can renew my phone contract. I am a DJ and listen to a lot of music, no phone at the minute offers me enough storage, the ability to stream music instantly with 4G will be a life saver.”

With its super-fast speeds, 4G offers faster internet than a lot of fixed line broadband services.

Meaning that people who work on the road will no longer have to put up with slower speeds and be limited to what they can achieve without a wireless connection.

Free wireless is hard to come by and even with an unlimited data package, waiting to download a large file via 3G is an arduous task. Angela Proietti is an area manager for Phones4U Leeds, she

says: “I work all over Leeds in different stores and need to be in constant contact with all stores. This involves downloading store performance reports and new training packages. Before 4G I had to take my laptop everywhere, now all I need is my smartphone.”

For the digital and mobile world in particular, 4G will have a marked difference on the way that content is generated as well as accessed. It will open up new avenues for digital and mobile businesses for delivering their product.

Lee Hicken, director of Hebe Media and Leeds Online is looking to capitalize on 4G when it becomes more stable in the area, he said: “We are launching our mobile app in the first quarter next year so 4G coming along is perfect timing for that. It basically means, when we are proposing new ideas and features we do not have to rule things out because of speed issues anymore. Our whole mobile thinking is geared towards geo-sensitive data so having a fast mobile network is critical to our development and our users experience.”

As with any new service there have been some teething issues with 4G, most notably coverage issues.

Having been released on 31st October, there are still many areas not getting any 4G coverage at all.

Leeds is one of ten cities boasting 4G connectivity, yet only three of 29 areas receive good coverage, these are Woodhouse, Burley and Armley. Eleven areas receive moderate coverage, the city centre being one of them, along with five areas getting low coverage and ten getting none at all.

Another issue in the early days of 4G appears to be price. Firstly, there is no package that offers unlimited data, the most expensive at £56 offers 8GB of data allowance, something that customers aren’t best pleased about. Tafadzwa Mkandla, 22, a student in Leeds wanted 4G to help with his university work, but found the plans to be too expensive and short of expectations, he said: “I want it for university, but if I am paying so much a month, I want unlimited data. I use a lot on 3G at the moment, so I can only imagine that 4G is going to use a lot more.”

With rival networks Vodafone and 02 set to release 4G services of their own in early 2013, it remains to be seen whether this will bring any improvements to the price.

January 2013 Leeds Metropolitan Business Review Page 32