West & North Yorkshire Business Q3 2018

West & North

Business Yorkshire

Q3 2018

The

future is what we make it West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

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WELCOME 3 The Chamber has completed the annual review of Leadership Groups in Bradford, Leeds, York & North Yorkshire and I would like to welcome newly-elected members to those groups and thank those who were reelected for their commitment and sharing of views and issues. It’s great that the three Presidents were elected for a second year, along with their Vice-Presidents.

With input from members, we’ve published reports on the need for employment land in Bradford and ‘Liveability Leeds’, on housing issues.

Also, publication of the Chamber’s Leeds Waterfront report led to Leeds City Council agreeing to match fund projects up to a total of £100k, which is a tremendous outcome.

Our partners in the Business Improvement Districts in Leeds and York continue to make progress and there will be a vote on a Bradford BID in October. Harrogate is also making plans to have a BID – it’s a great way of engaging the business community to make a difference in our towns and cities.

Sandy Needham Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber

08455 240 240 editor@yorkshire-business.co.uk www.yorkshire-business.co.uk @WNYorkshire_Biz

Lobbying work continues particularly on transport holding meetings with politicians, HS2 representatives, Department for Transport officials and Transport for the North. Concerns about Brexit continue, with fewer comments about the decision and more on the potential impact. The results of the quarterly survey show that the economy in West & North Yorkshire is in good shape, but businesses would welcome certainty on the likely changes to come from Brexit.

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West & North Yorkshire Business

4 CONTACTS EDITORIAL editor@yorkshire-business.co.uk DESIGN design@yorkshire-business.co.uk

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MEMBERS’ NEWS News from Bradford, Leeds, York and North Yorkshire

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REGIONAL NEWS

ADVERTISING advertising@yorkshire-business.co.uk

News from across the region

PROFILE

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@yorkshire-business.co.uk

Leeds Beckett University

PROFILE

GENERAL hello@yorkshire-business.co.uk

Ward Hadaway

FINANCE

WEBSITE yorkshire-business.co.uk

Trackit Lights

RAISING THE BAR

TWITTER @WNYorkshire_Biz

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FEATURE

West & North Yorkshire Business is a quarterly business magazine produced by the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The audience for this publication is comprised of a targeted audience of the major decision makers and senior executives across both the Yorkshire region and the wider UK business community. © 2018 West & North Yorkshire Business - No Part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising or promotion without the express permission of the editorial team.

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EVENTS

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York & North Yorkshire Chamber President’s Lunch

NEWS Bradford

CHAMBER Improving business

YORKSHIRE REGION

West & North Yorkshire Business has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate on the date of publication.

This magazine is published by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Printed by Hart & Clough www.hartandclough.co.uk The Chamber group includes Chamber International, Business Enterprise Fund and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce British Chambers of Commerce Accredited

Is devolution still on track?

REPRESENTATION Leeds Waterfront

REPRESENTATION Liveability Leeds

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ECONOMIC SURVEY Results

PROFILE Yorkshire Prison Group

PROFILE Portakabin

MANUFACTURING Bradford Manufacturing Week

MANUFACTURING Leeds Manufacturing Festival

MANUFACTURING Gender pay gap

PROFILE Naylor Wintersgill

PROFILE Autohorn

INTERNATIONAL Whitakers Chocolates

INTERNATIONAL Kloeckner Metals UK

INTERNATIONAL

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The British Centres for Business

ANNUAL DINNER

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York & North Yorkshire Chamber

EVENTS Networking, training and business lunches

West & North Yorkshire Business

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CONTENTS 5

Talking about customer care 62 29

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York & North Yorkshire Chamber Annual Dinner

35

York & North Yorkshire Chamber President’s Lunch

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Meeting the Department of Transport

33 Improving business in Bradford

Manufacturing feature

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BRADFORD NEWS

Charity begins at home Brexit - what’s your plan?

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has named young people’s homelessness charity Centrepoint Bradford as its charity partner.

Gordons will also help Centrepoint’s young adults prepare for the world of work by offering mock interviews, CV assistance, mentoring and work experience placements.

Chloe Sykes, Centrepoint’s Senior Regional Fundraising Officer, said: “Gordons’ fundraising activities will help to change the lives of homeless young people in Bradford. We look forward to working with Gordons over the coming year.”

What a year of contrasts! Biting cold earlier in the year, followed by the hottest summer since 1976 – the swings and roundabouts of our world are also seen in the political arena.

The broad views on what Brexit should be have thrown the political parties into turmoil and recent cabinet resignations don’t fill me with confidence, whatever your view.

I am concerned that some companies are not putting plans in place to deal with the possible effects of Brexit. My own view is that we should prepare for the worst but hope for the best, and this is what we are doing in my own company. Businesses will adapt in order to weather change but advance planning is definitely recommended and the Chamber can give guidelines in this respect.

Turning to local matters, Bradford has been designated ‘Emerging Destination of the Year 2018’ for Europe by the Luxury Travel Guide. The guide chose the district’s ‘hundreds of historically significant sites’ as one of its highlights. The judging panel praised Bradford as a ‘modern cosmopolitan city with a thousand stories to tell’. Say no more!

Nick Garthwaite President Bradford Chamber

Chemical company compounds success BASF continues investment in Bradford with a new production facility for high-performance products that will provide additional capacity for the oilfield and mining industries.

Site Manager David Calder commented: “It’s an important milestone that increases jobs and helps secure the future of our site in an increasingly competitive market.”

BASF plc’s Alfreton site, which develops, manufactures and supplies polyurethane solutions, has won two Chemical Industry Awards (CDA)– the Environmental Leadership Award and the INEOS Responsible Care Award.

The CIA Awards are considered the premier accolades for the UK chemical industry.

Automatic production process TF Automation has worked with Bolton Plastics since 2007, supplying around 75 special purpose machines plus checking fixtures, test equipment and assembly aids.

TF Automation has recently been commissioned by Bolton Plastics to design a solution that required HDP air ducts to cool batteries in their electric vehicles for their automotive client.

Once loaded into the host, the machine can be coupled up and is ready for production within minutes. On completion, it can be quickly removed and ‘shelved’ until required.

TF Automation provides clients with bespoke solutions designed for their particular requirements and specification.

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Pupils look to a bright future For the second year, Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical invited 30 pupils from Sutton in Craven Community Primary School to see science come to life, as well as a tour of the facilities as part of a local chemical manufacturer bid to

support an interest in STEM subjects from a young age.

Dave Horton, Year 4 teacher at the school, said: “We were thrilled to continue our relationship with Airedale Chemical and take the current pupils to see science in action.”

A tradition of transformation

Blooming good customer service

Magical literary tour

Three new deals have been completed at the thriving Sunny Bank Mills, the iconic Yorkshire mill complex between Leeds and Bradford.

The deals, featuring tenants from the textile, HR and safety consultancy sectors, underline the renaissance of Sunny Bank Mills.

William Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse, the owners of Sunny Bank Mills, commented: “These three deals underline the versatility and flexibility of space at Sunny Bank Mills, which is attracting an impressive breadth of occupiers.

Tong Garden Centre has reached the final in the Outstanding Customer Service category of the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards for its exemplary customer service.

The Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards honour Yorkshire’s tourist economy and are the largest celebration of tourism in the UK. Tong Garden Centres co-owner, Mark Farnsworth said: “Creating outstanding customer experience by delivering exceptional customer service is at the heard of everything we do here at Tong.”

First Bradford has partnered with the Bradford Literature Festival to provide accessible transport, as well as an exciting Harry Potter onboard experience to help encourage more young people to attend the local event.

Speaking about the partnership, Oliver Howarth, Operations Director for First Bradford, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with the Bradford Literature Festival as we aim to transport as many young people to the festival than ever before.”

Maximise income, minimise tax Award-winning Bradford accountancy firm Watson Buckle is reminding businesses to think carefully about the tax challenge they might face when considering selling or ‘disposing of’ a business.

Susan Sedgwick, Joint Managing Director, voiced concerns that many business owners often overlook the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications of selling a business or its assets.

She added that company bosses thinking about disposals should plan as early as possible to reduce their chances of being hit with a hefty CGT bill.

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LEEDS NEWS

Helping to meet aspirations The information provided by members illustrates to policymakers the issues and opportunities in our region. Central government, local authorities and other stakeholders do listen to the Chamber and it is great that our members are so engaged with the debate on matters affecting our businesses. A good example is the visit of the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, to a round table organised by Leeds Bradford Airport following the opening of the airport lounges.

We were able to ask him relevant questions and give him information based on what members tell us.

Hopefully these interactions continue to influence policy and decision making.

Our members tell us that housing is a major issue for all three of our city geographies. Here in Leeds we have produced a report – ‘Liveability Leeds: Delivering housing choice for the people of Leeds’. Driven by the Chamber’s Housing Forum, the report makes the case for the housing delivery that is necessary to help the city reach its full economic potential, whilst also meeting the aspirations of local people. Read all about it in the magazine ‘Representation’ section, or download a copy at https://tinyurl.com/yd754wht Paula Dillon President Leeds Chamber

Run for your life

Businesses across Leeds were keen to avoid posting a loss when their staff pulled on their trainers for the Clarion Leeds 10K Challenge, a popular contest sponsored by the law firm since it was first held in 2007. Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner, said; “It’s fantastic that so many companies took part in the challenge many raising money for some wonderful causes.”

Winning work-life balance Freeths are celebrating after their Pensions Director, Kim Jones, was awarded the ‘Most Inspiring Returner’ at the Professional Pensions inaugural Women in Pensions awards ceremony.

Julian Middleton, head of Freeths’ national pensions team, commented: “Kim is a very worthy winner of this award. We at Freeths recognise how she juggles a busy home life with her career and has worked her way from secretary to director level whilst looking after three children and maintain great client relationships.”

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Landlords get legal expertise under one roof

Ward Hadaway has secured several new major clients for its social housing team.

Together with, Leeds Federate, Your Housing Group, North Star Housing, Mosscare St. Vincent’s and

Broadacres Housing Association, they will manage tens of thousands of homes across the North and are committed to building and developing many more social homes each year.

Ward Hadaway will advise the housing associations across a whole range of different legal services.

Each contract will be from two to four years with possible extensions.

Turnover yields investment Sculpting gender balance

Growth under pressure

The Leeds-based Roberts Mart and Co, one of the UK’s leading independent manufacturers and suppliers of flexible packaging, has invested £3 million in brand new state-of-the-art machinery.

Keebles’ corporate team has represented Pressure Technologies plc in the sale of Altrincham-based Hydration Limited, which comprises the group’s engineered products division, to Pryme Group.

Pressure technologies explained that: “While successful steps have been taken to re-align the business with its correct markets and establish the foundations for future growth as the oil market improves, the board has concluded that Hydration will be better served as part of a group that can immediately enhance its critical mass and market position.”

The investment comes in the wake of a tremendously successful 12 months with a booming order book and turnover set to reach a record-breaking £36 million by the end of the year.

Managing Director, William Roberts, explained: “It has been a very busy year for the company; the future looks very bright indeed.”

A project managed by Leeds Arts University with Leeds City Council is seeking to commission a new public structure which will recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in the city of Leeds.

The project, conceived by Rachel Reeves MP, is now looking to commission an artist to create an iconic public structure to create a more balanced gender representation.

Rachel Reeves, MP Leeds West, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that after many months of planning, we’re another step closer to creating a sculpture that truly celebrates the women of Leeds.”

Flying the Northern Flag Leeds-based FaberExposize UK, a sister company of Northern Flags, has invested more than £500,000 into further expansion of their new print facility.

The investment has led to partnerships with local schools and colleges as well as creating new jobs within production and sales.

Both brands have partnered with Afga UK to supply their new wide format print equipment. Iain Clasper-Cotte said: “Northern Flags remains one of the UK’s most popular brands for outdoor and flag work, but it was not proving to be ideal for those conversations around exhibition and retail work, which is why we are bridging the brands.”

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YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE NEWS

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate. The Bard could have written this about York and North Yorkshire this summer, as the City of York Council has produced a Castle Gateway Masterplan looking at the development of that area of the city and we can see a real-time vision for how that area can be used with the incredible pop-up Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre.

York and North Yorkshire offers a real cultural mix of the heritage and the ultra-modern for businesses, as York is to become the UK’s first Ultra Fibre Optic city with Talk Talk.

Plus, the £1million investment to improve mobile phone coverage in the county from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund will open up communications for our more rurally based members and also highlights the benefits of responding to the British Chambers of Commerce Not-Spot campaign.

So, no matter what type of business, there is something for everyone in York and North Yorkshire and if you don’t already do business in this area then now is the time do so! I look forward to seeing you at future events and hearing about your successes.

Bridget Davies President York & North Yorkshire Chamber

Developing a duo York law firm Rollits has appointed two new solicitors to add strength to its existing team of private client law experts.

Bella O’Keeffe and Emma Fawke both specialising and advising in wills, estate planning, administration matters as well as lasting powers of attorney.

John Lane, Head of Rollits’ Private Capital team, commented: “We are delighted to have Emma and Bella as new additions to the team; I look forward to helping them develop and learn as their career’s progress.”

Sir graduates Sir Alan Ayckbourn has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by CU Scarborough at its inaugural graduation ceremony.

Professor Craig Gaskell, Associate ProVice-Chancellor of CU Scarborough, said: “We have seen an incredible amount of growth since opening three years ago.”

Sir Alan said: “It was an honour to be invited to CU Scarborough’s very first graduation. The institution has already had an incredible impact on the town.”

Raising expectations Julia Clark, the Director of Income Generation at the Encephalitis Society has been named one of the 25 most influential fundraisers in the UK by the Civic Society’s Fundraising Magazine.

Julia joined the Encephalitis Society in November 2016 and had helped to oversee World Encephalitis Day in 2017 and 2018. In addition, Julia introduced one of the charity’s most successful fundraisers, the Accumulator Challenge which raised over £14,000.

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Proud to fly the flag To celebrate York’s Pride weekend, local housebuilder Barratt Developments proudly displayed rainbow flags across its York Developments in support of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.

Paul Hogan, Sales Director, said: “We’re delighted to have flown the rainbow flags across our York developments. As a local housebuilder, we’re committed to encouraging an inclusive workplace.”

Another handmade brick in a wall

Taking on specialist in employment

Flexible studying, happier staff

The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a crucial role in the restoration of St Bride’s Church, Scotland, by providing 12,000 specially-made bricks.

David Armitage, Chairman, commented: “To help restore one of Scotland’s most iconic churches and to be praised for our work is very humbling. We took great care in creating exactly the right type of brick.”

The York Handmade Brick company has undertaken several projects in Scotland, the most notable being Dumfries House, which was praised by Prince Charles at the opening ceremony.

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces the appointment of Nick Wilson who joins the firm as a Partner. Nicks expertise in employment law makes him a key addition to the firm.

Nick Wilson said: “I am excited to join a firm that has made such great strides regionally, nationally and overseas.”

Mark Pearson-Kendall, Managing Partner, added: “We are delighted to have Nick on board and we know that he shares our passion and commitment to delivering the best possible service to our clients.”

York St John University has launched a degree apprenticeship programme for the regions employers to develop their business, improve productivity, and attract and retain talented staff.

The first intake of chartered manager degree apprentices will begin life as students in October, taking a flexible approach to learning combines with all the benefits of student experience on campus.

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 gives businesses the chance to benefit from the government scheme by providing employees with the opportunity to develop high level, sought-after skills and knowledge.

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WEST & NORTH YORKSHIRE

Thank you to you – the business community!

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is saying a big “thank you!” to all the businesses that give up time to support the organisation’s many activities.

Whether that is sitting on policy groups (see ‘Representation’ section for further details), hosting meetings with ministers and civil servants, or speaking at events, the Chamber is privileged to have the willing and able support of many business people and their boards; without that backing, the Chamber’s range of activities and services would be reduced.

As well as those activities, many of which can be found elsewhere in this magazine, the Chamber also has top-class representation and contributions on its board of directors, and so a big thank you is extended their way too.

Meanwhile, on a day-to-day basis, if you are unsure who you need to speak on the Chamber staff side, visit the website to find out www.wnychamber.co.uk/ key-contacts/ Mark Goldstone Head of Business Representation & Policy West & North Yorkshire Chamber

£500m fund to help SMEs invest in jobs and growth Barclays has launched a new £500m growth fund for small and medium-sized businesses as part of the bank’s commitment to support the Government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative.

The new fund is available to inject investment into businesses across the region with favourable terms for manufacturing, transport and logistics companies, helping them to grow and create new jobs.

The Barclays fund is intended for SMEs and established businesses with ambitious growth plans, start-ups with high growth potential, companies with early-stage equity funding and businesses focusing on innovation, R&D and technology 4.

Marcus Doyle, co-founder of the Yorkshire Soap Company, based in Leeds, said: “This fund will help us invest in new machinery such as labelling and filling machines which cost thousands of pounds. With extra investment, we could also employ more people and additional stores could be opened.”

Experience economy Hotels in Yorkshire are showing resilience according to the latest research by insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, which reveals that the region has started to rally with the proportion of hotels at higher than normal risk of insolvency now close to the UK average.

Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, commented: “The hospitality sector’s risk levels are steadying, possibly helped by falling

inflation easing pressure on consumers’ pay packets. It’s been a tough time for the region’s hotels so it’s good news that we’re seeing levels of distress starting to level off after months of rises.

“While the retail sector has been suffering, there is much talk of the ‘experience economy’ as people choose to spend on leisure activities rather than on clothes and furniture which, of course, is likely to benefit the region’s hotels, restaurants and pubs.”

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Lounging around The region’s largest airport, recently rebranded 'Leeds Bradford: Yorkshire’s Airport' has undergone a massive airside redevelopment and improvements to the terminal front, decorated with multi-coloured versions of Welcome to Yorkshire’s famous “Y” logo.

The multi-million pound development has seen the entire departure lounge transformed with a modern and vibrant twist, including additional seating plus a range of new shops, cafés, restaurants, bar areas and airport lounges.

The Yorkshire Lounge, The White Rose Suite and 1432 Club are three

purpose-built lounges with stunning floor to ceiling runway views for leisure, business or first-class experience.

A brand new Cabin Bar, where passengers can indulge with elegant cocktails, small plates and craft beers has been added in addition to a complete refurbishment of the Saltaire restaurant.

Work on the terminal front is now complete and include an improved Meet & Greet car-park facility. Our improved service now allows passengers to collect their car right at the front of the terminal building.

The first off-site car park, Viking

Airport Parking. Situated just off the airport roundabout located on Warren House Lane, Viking ensures passengers have the smoothest possible start to their holiday. With members of staff on hand to park customers’ cars 24/7 and shuttle buses transporting passengers from the car park to the terminal in less than five minutes.

Chief Executive, David Laws said: “We are delighted to offer our passengers even more choice in our departure lounge, as well as improved facilities for business travellers. We hope people will see this as the start of things to come for this airport.

Brexit briefing

Cut above the rest

Support to survive

Business leaders representing manufacturing, property, legal, accountancy and building societies had the chance to meet Martin Taylor, a member of the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee over dinner in Leeds.

The West & North Yorkshire Chamber was pleased to work with Juliette Healey and Will Holman to bring key people together to discuss a range of issues from interest rates, business premises, borrowing trends and skills to the impact of Brexit. The mood was positive but members reported that uncertainty was causing delays in investment decisions.

The leading independent Yorkshire furniture and kitchen manufacturer Treske has invested in new cuttingedge technology – with support from the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Leeds Beckett University and Yorkshire Bank have announced a new partnership to offer expert advice and support to early-stage and growing businesses in the region.

Pictured L-R: Juliette Healey, Agent, Bank of England and Martin Taylor – as above.

The award-winning Treske has invested £200,000 in the purchase and operation of an 5 Axis CNC Router, which will radically improve its production process in terms of speed and quality.

Justin Bartlett, Managing Director of Treske, said: “This is one of the biggest investments the company has made and reflects the growing demand for our products from across the United Kingdom and our confidence in the future, which is fuelled by the improving economic climate and the skills and commitment of our staff.

The partnership will see Yorkshire Bank offering bespoke support to businesses based within Leeds Beckett’s University Business Centres.

Katie Rigarlsford, University Business Centre and Regional Business Development Manager at Leeds Beckett, said: “All businesses have key requirements in terms of legal, accountancy, access to finance and digital solutions. We are excited to work with key partners within these sectors to help support the success and growth of our University Business Centres and to help those businesses based within them to set up, survive and flourish.”

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Leeds Beckett University

Support helps businesses flourish

Businesses based in the Leeds Digital Hub and Creative Hub have recently benefited from unique support through the University Business Centres at Leeds Beckett University, helping them accelerate their growth. Fluid IT Consulting and Butterfly Tree Bags are among five businesses who recently won a Business Advantage Award.

The Business Advantage Awards are delivered annually in partnership with Leeds law firm Lupton Fawcett, Yorkshire Bank and WGN accountants, providing advice and mentoring to early-stage businesses up to the value of ÂŁ6,000. The scheme forms part of a wider support package provided by the University and its partners available to businesses located in the Centres.

If you would like to know more about the support and facilities available through Leeds Beckett University Business Centres, contact the Leeds team at UBCLeeds@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Leeds Beckett University

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PROFILE 15

FluidIT Consulting

L-R: Waleed Shihadah (Fluid IT), Jonathan Oxley (Lupton Fawcett Solicitors) and Jonty Abbott (Fluid IT)

FluidIT Consulting has been based in the Leeds Digital Hub since summer 2017.

Speaking about the experience, CoFounder Jonty Abbott said: “We’ve already worked with James Harrison of Truly Creative, to do our branding for us, Craig Duerden of Rocknine Creative, to help us deliver our website, and we’ve partnered on a project with another company, who were previously in the Hub. That is three examples of how, in a relatively short period of time, we’ve already collaborated with co-worker companies in the Hub.” Jonty said: “I was really chuffed to win the Business Advantage Award – shocked and surprised! We’re a young company, we’ve only been together for a short time and given we are currently experiencing very strong growth, the timing couldn’t have been better, so I was really pleased.”

Founded in 2015 by Jonty and Gareth Murphy, FluidIT delivers business and IT transformation programmes for construction, finance and manufacturing companies across the region.

Jonty said: “Over the next year, we would like to double in size, up to about 20 permanent employees. We would like to win more clients and business and, one of the key things we want to do, is focus on growing our own culture. One of the big attractions of the company is we’ve got a very inclusive structure in terms of our management approach – all of our employees have an equal voice in how the company is run and what we’re doing. We want to find more time to spend in growing that and making sure that we are practising what we preach.

The culture is what attracted us all to working here in the first place and we need to protect that as we grow.”

Butterfly Tree Bags Claire Shakespeare set up Butterfly Tree Bags in 2015 and uses the finest quality, locally-sourced, wool and leather to create handcrafted bags from the Leeds Creative Hub.

Claire Shakespeare

Claire’s bags are now stocked by retailers across the country, including Moon’s new flagship store in York; and she is set to launch a new collection next year.

As well as winning a Leeds Beckett Business Advantage Award this year, Claire has been nominated as a finalist in the Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards.

Claire said: “The community that we’ve got in the Creative Hub is brilliant because we can network in the same field. The connections from Hainsworth have been amazing and I’ve been able to collaborate on quite a few projects so far.”

Looking ahead to the next year, Claire added: “I’ve just launched a new collection so I’m looking to get that stocked all over the country this year.

I’m also designing a new leather collection for next year.”

Leeds Beckett University has a network of University Business Centres located in Leeds, Halifax and Wakefield including specialist creative and digital hubs. The Centres provide a range of flexible office services and business growth support: including business advice, mentoring, professional training, meeting facilities and free use of business lounges across Yorkshire. Clients also have access to funding for business growth, networking events, knowledge transfer, academic research expertise and graduate talent.

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Food and drink business leaders come together for third Ward Hadaway event Ward Hadaway hosted a number of business executives from Yorkshire's food and drink industry at the third Industry Leaders' Forum to discuss major issues affecting the sector.

The exclusive event at Rudding Park Hotel & Spa near Harrogate, follows on from the inaugural event in June and a follow-up in November 2017.

It was organised by Ward Hadaway, Santander, Mazars and JLT and brought together leading figures in the Yorkshire food and drink industry.

Guests were invited to bring along samples of their produce for a "God's Pantry" networking session at the start of the event. Three short seminars were followed by a dinner and keynote speech from Ian Wright, Director General for the Food & Drink Federation.

He said: “One of the defining features of the UK food and drink industry is its truly national character. Our sector spans the length and breadth of the country with businesses in every region. Events such as these are vital in ensuring we come together to discuss the issues and opportunities facing us.

“The food and drink industry is severely impacted by Brexit. We are the UK’s largest manufacturing sector and our success has been built on a close trading and regulatory relationship with the EU for over 40 years. It is vital Brexit negotiations achieve four key outcomes – frictionless, tariff-free trade, access to our valued EU workforce, a stable regulatory regime and a special deal for Ireland.”

The event enabled leaders in the food and drink sector to meet with peers, hear the views of a variety of leading sector specialists and share their own insights into the future of the sector.

Alastair Morris Relationship Director of Santander, added: "Santander are delighted to continue demonstrating our support for the region's Food and Drink sector.

"Yorkshire is rightly known globally for the beauty of its scenery, the friendliness of its inhabitants and the quality of its food. The industry is thriving with many new and diverse products all drawing on the unique qualities of the county.

"The event is designed to bring together some the best producers and manufactures to discuss industry trends, share best practice and sample some delicious food and drink! Fantastic once again to see so many people attending.”

Philip Jordan of Ward Hadaway's Leeds office, said: "We want to help grow Yorkshire's food and drink sector and this year we discussed exports, GDPR, Brexit and more.

"The food and drink industry in Yorkshire is really strong and we saw an opportunity to bring together businesses in this sector and collaborate with the other sponsors in a field in which we all specialise."

The next event will be held at Rudding Park on 8 November.

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PROFILE 17 “The food and drink industry in Yorkshire is really strong and we saw an opportunity to bring together businesses in this sector and collaborate with the other sponsors in a field in which we all specialise.�

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Business lenders give green light to school system A new system that tracks children’s behaviour and their educational journey has been given the green light thanks to a £40k loan from the Business Enterprise Fund.

Trackit Lights is an interactive behavioural management system, used by schools to display child behaviour using the traditional ‘traffic lights’ method; students are rated green for good behaviour, amber for a warning and red for low level behaviour.

Founder and former teaching assistant Oliver Brandon-Davies created the software out of a frustration with traditional behavioural management systems that he felt weren’t engaging the children enough.

He said: “I became familiar with the traffic light system for rating behaviour but it was a display placed on classroom walls which I didn’t believe the children were looking at actively. This system wasn’t very engaging and I wanted to create a dynamic and motivational system where the children could actively track their

behaviour progression and aspire to watch their ‘green’ points increase.”

The system was developed in Little London primary school in Leeds and Oliver, along with his father, Graham Davies applied for a BEF loan to invest in the development of software and have since taken on a part-time computer sciences university student to support the team.

Julie Micklethwaite, Investment Manager at BEF, said: “This system is highly useful for schools and it was great to work with Oliver and Graham who are equally passionate about education and technology. At BEF, we are dedicated to helping businesses that have an impact on the next generation, so we were delighted to support the Trackit Lights team.”

Oliver Brandon-Davies added: “The BEF application was extremely clear

and Julie explained everything in detail. The loan and support has helped us greatly and we’re looking forward to raising the brand’s profile through marketing methods and developing the software to create more functionality for users. We’ve already had a report from a secondary school which has seen a 50% reduction in low level behaviour since using Trackit Lights.”

Social enterprise Business Enterprise Fund offers funding and advice to business across Yorkshire and the North East, offering loans with support from the Start Up Loans Company and the British Business Bank. www.befund.org

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West & North Yorkshire Business

20 RAISING THE BAR

Ilkley Carnival is a rite of passage in Approach Towers, each year the junior account executive takes on the role of managing the PR and social media for the annual event. We take on this work free of charge each year as part of our CSR commitment.

It was my turn this year and along with a truly passionate team, I was ready to take on the role and deliver excellent results.

Being part of such a huge community event really makes you want to do your best for everyone involved. From the first press release we wanted to make an impression and get Ilkley Carnival into people’s minds.

We did this by creating engaging social media posts and regularly providing updates to the press. It was amazing to take creative control on the social media accounts, the ‘TV programmes’ theme allowed us to think of creative ideas that involved a range of topics. A number of TV related content including quizzes and polls were posted encouraging

engagement from followers.

We also ran competitions and, in the run, up to the carnival, I had a lot of fun visiting Ilkley landmarks taking ‘Countdown’ style images.

I set myself a personal goal for Facebook and that was to reach 1,000 page likes, I achieved this the week before the carnival and it really made me feel like all the hard work I’d put in over the last eight months had worked and the page is still growing each day!

Taking on the role of a press photographer every other week was challenging but fun and it was great when newspapers used the pictures I had taken. Hearing positive feedback throughout the work really showed me that charity work is an amazing thing to do and it was great to use my skills to deliver something for the community.

For the past seven years, Approach has worked on Ilkley Carnival as part of our CSR commitment. Having Ilkley Carnival as a client is such a fun and

unique experience which I will never forget. Delivering the Approach community CSR commitment really taught me so much about event planning, PR and fully managing a social media account. It inspired me to think out of the box and the skills I picked up along the way will stay with me throughout my career.

More importantly, the amazing feeling I got from seeing what my work contributed towards on the day of Ilkley Carnival was heart-warming and an unforgettable experience. Seeing the comments on social media, children walking in the parade and families enjoying themselves on the day really made all the hard work, worth every single minute.

We can’t wait for next year! www.raising-the-bar.org.uk

Raising the Bar BUSINESS ACTING RESPONSIBLY

West & North Yorkshire Business

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RAISING THE BAR 21

Chamber ‘Raises the Bar’ to encourage social responsibility across West and North Yorkshire West and North Yorkshire Chamber is encouraging more businesses to ‘act responsibly’ in the areas of education, employment, environment and the community.

Retaining its annual Raising the Bar awards event, which celebrates businesses who are active in their local communities, the Chamber has gathered opportunities from charities and communities and “how to” case studies to unlock the potential of businesses in Bradford, Leeds, York and North Yorkshire by sharing experiences learning from what has worked well from award winners and others.

Chief Executive Sandy Needham said: “Raising the Bar has historically celebrated social responsibility success stories. Now we want to help more local businesses give back, by connecting with and learning from others who have already made a start.”

She added: “For those wanting to start or review their social impact activity, a steering group has pulled together the success stories of businesses of a variety of sizes who’ve shared their top tips. And that’s exactly where the Raising the Bar website can help with advice, information and support on

colleague volunteering, fundraising and working with the community.”

In 2017, entrants to the Raising the Bar business awards recorded almost 20,000 hours of ‘giving back’ to their local communities with Leeds-based document management specialists the Arena Group securing the community category award.

Head of Software Development and Delivery Graham Harris said: “The Raising the Bar judges made special mention of our 25th anniversary year of fundraising when we picked up our community award. They recognised the huge effort of our 220 employees who collectively raised over £32,000 for local hospices and commended our success in involving everyone across the business.

“The effort we put in every year to our CSR activities benefits our communities and the charities we work with including sponsorship of local Run for All events which enable young people to participate in healthy activity regardless of background.

Involvement in CSR also pays huge dividends in terms of employee engagement by enhancing our culture and making Arena great people to do business with. We’d definitely

encourage others to put people and the community at the heart of their business and to get involved in Raising the Bar 2018 - receiving this great accolade has been a true source of pride to our employees.”

Sandy added: “Good social responsibility isn’t all about raising money – there is real value in transferring knowledge and skills through the gift of your time. Through Raising the Bar we want to unlock the social responsibility potential of local businesses and get them connecting, talking and learning from each other to help more firms take the steps that make a real difference in their communities.”

More information about the West and North Yorkshire Chamber’s inspiring case studies and top tips can be found at www.raising-the-bar.org.uk or by emailing info@raising-the-bar.org.uk or calling 08455 240 240. www.raising-the-bar.org.uk

Raising the Bar BUSINESS ACTING RESPONSIBLY

Choosing charities and making a difference

By Victoria Davey, partner and head of operations, Yorkshire law firm Gordons

Each year we select a different charity to support for a 12-month period. We invite everyone at the firm to nominate a charity, our charity committee shortlists from the nominations and then our people get the final vote on which charity we choose.

We like to support charities where there are opportunities to do more than just raise money.

You have to be careful about repeatedly asking the same people to sponsor events, so we aim to select charities where we can give our time as well as money.

We know from experience that charities with a regional presence and impact work best for us.

It is great to have representatives from the charity along to speak to our teams, or attend client events where we are raising money for them. Our people also like to see the funds they raise making a difference in the region.

Many of us at Gordons are very happy to volunteer our time. Last year, we supported disadvantaged youngsters’ charity KidsOut and were able to hold cinema trips for the children which we arranged, funded and hosted. We also held a Christmas party in our offices with a visit from Father Christmas and his elves.

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RAISING THE BAR 23

Supporting Centrepoint Bradford This year we are supporting Centrepoint Bradford. We were extremely impressed with the work the charity is doing in Bradford when Centrepoint’s representative visited our offices to tell us about everything they do.

Centrepoint supported 498 homeless young people aged 16-25 in Yorkshire last year and 424 of them were from the Bradford area. With many of our staff being based in Bradford, and the city being so important to our heritage, we are determined to make a difference to help young men and women overcome the barrier of homelessness so that they can achieve their full potential.

We are aiming to raise over £15,000 in the year ahead, which will enable us to sponsor all Centrepoint’s rooms for homeless people in Yorkshire for a year. Everyone at Gordons is totally motivated by the idea of helping to give homeless young people a future.

We are also starting to explore work experience opportunities and how we can help these young adults prepare for interviews, office environments and the job market.

Hugely enjoyable Supporting a charity is not only the right thing to do, it is also a hugely enjoyable part of our working lives. It generally means that, at least once a month, there is an activity going on in or out of the office which brings people together from different teams to raise money or carry out a project.

So far this year, my colleague Frances Mitchell and I have been sponsored to walk the catwalk at the Leeds Fashion Ball and more than 20 Gordons people walked 27 miles in a day with the aim of raising over £2,000. This was a fantastic day out and it was great for colleagues to spend time together who might not work with each other every day.

Although we have a charity committee to kick start events, we always look for volunteers at different levels throughout the firm to take responsibility for organising them. This helps share the responsibility and ensures everyone feels involved. In the year ahead, we will have internal five-a-side football tournaments with a healthy level of in-house betting to raise money.

Raising money, raising awareness Food always plays a key part of our fundraising activities so there will be cake days and international bake days. The highlight of the year will take place in September with our Gordons’ Got Talent event. We’ve already got 10 acts signed up, made up entirely from people at the firm, for what promises to be a fun, social evening and great fundraiser.

We have raised over £120,000 for charities we have supported in the last six years. However, we know we can help make a difference to them, not just through fundraising and volunteering, but also by raising awareness.

We encourage everyone at the firm to promote our fundraising on social media. This can really help raise the profile of a charity and last year it helped KidsOut secure another corporate sponsor. This can be as valuable to a charity as the entire amount we raise.

We are delighted to support Centrepoint, Bradford this year. We know that some of our most enjoyable days in the 12 months ahead will be when we are teaming our people together to do all we can to help Centrepoint.

And one thing is for sure, our Gordons’ Got Talent event will certainly be highly memorable! www.raising-the-bar.org.uk

Raising the Bar BUSINESS ACTING RESPONSIBLY

Talk the talk

One of the UK’s leading specialists in communication solutions talks about business growth, customer service and innovation

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FEATURE 25

Much more than just the latest technologies Steve Garbus

West & North Yorkshire Business

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FEATURE 27 Established in March 2010 and based along the M62 corridor, CommsProvider, was originally formed to supply telephone systems solutions, systems installation, data cabling and maintenance contracts to customers from all corners of the Yorkshire and Lancashire region.

In 2012 to building on its already impressive success, founding member Luke Hayes introduced partners Steven Garbus and Daniel Farmer to the LLP, which generated further growth to the company and helped to increase the portfolio of products and services they offer. All of this has led to their business gaining some of the industry’s highest accreditations and partnerships with leading UK suppliers and technology companies.

Today, CommsProvider is recognised as one of the UK’s leading end to end specialists in communication solutions and offer services that cater to every aspect of business communications.

With a wide range of clients, from single line sole traders to major corporations with thousands of staff over multiple sites and locations, CommsProviders’ experienced staff and office facilities have helped them to gain a truly nationwide customer presence.

The success of this Yorkshire based business is owed, in part, to the dedicated focus each member of their team shows when ensuring that the solutions they supply are delivered in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

At the heart of every solution offered

by CommsProvider is their unique approach to customer satisfaction and their take on support and aftercare.

The pride they show in everything they do has earned them an over 90% customer retention rate, which is a testament to the commitment they show to each and every customer they work with.

Steve Garbus “We’ve come a long way over the years and we’ve seen so many changes within the industry. We understand that customers need

much more than just the latest technologies, they also need a dedicated team to support them to ensure seamless business continuity in their communications.”

The CommsProvider mission is to offer the most up to date, best-fit technologies and packages to every customer they engage with and ensure lifelong support, with their consistent account management, which all go way beyond the sales of their products.

Products Dan Farmer The acceleration in the capabilities of the internet and data networks in the UK provides exciting possibilities in the way that businesses communicate. We have the ability to revolutionise the freedom in which a company can work” From their 10,200 sq. ft. office near Halifax, West Yorkshire, CommsProvider boast an impressive state of the art Experience Centre that is unrivalled in the communications industry.

The centre consists of live working examples of current telephony systems from the more traditional hardware-based technologies such as Samsung’s OfficeServ range, to the very latest in software based solutions from brands such as 3CX. All of which are complimented by the wide selection of CTI (computer telephony integration) applications, voice recording and mobile integration addons that the systems support.

For customers looking to see the latest in IP based security technology, CommsProvider also partner with Mobotix and can demonstrate the latest offering from this pioneering brand of networked camera systems.

Luke Hayes - Managing Partner “Our Experience Centre gives us the edge over our competitors. It gives us the chance to showcase all of the solutions available and helps customers to understand how powerful they are and how much

impact they can have to their business” Alongside the feature-rich, fixed communication systems, CommsProvider also offer some of the most innovative and bespoke mobile telephony packages available on the market from all of the major UK networks.

With accreditations from EE, Vodafone and O2 and strong business partnerships with giants such as Dixons Carphone, the experienced mobile team at CommsProvider understand the importance of mobile technology in the modern business world and have helped to show many of their customers how a single device can be used for so much more than just calls and texts.

CommsProvider have helped to show a range of businesses how to unlock the potential in the available mobile technology and coupled with their take on customer relationship management and support, they provide a truly unique experience to their customers that's much more than just the standard savings and benefits.

Customers of CommsProvider can also purchase seats from the in house purpose-built workplace recovery suite which specialises in helping organisations prepare for a disaster.

Whether it is fire, flood, structural damage or any reason why building access is not available, a smooth transition to their 120+ seat call centre can be achieved within a few hours.

Offering one to one demonstrations, ample parking, relaxed environment and beautiful surroundings, CommsProvider open their doors and experience centre to all existing and potential customers so they can see first-hand the benefits that this truly customer focused Yorkshire business can bring.

CommsProvider

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West & North Yorkshire Business

28 EVENTS

“I find Chamber events invaluable in terms of getting our organisation’s name out there in the local community and Networking with people on a regular basis which I think is key.”

Nicola Thresh - Sales and Marketing Manager at Middlethorpe Hall and Spa.

“Chamber events create several opportunities and open many doors for Garbutt + Elliott.

Personally, I enjoy events in the property sector as this is my area of expertise. They are very insightful and help me to keep up to date with what’s going on and which direction the industry is taking.”

Jeremy Oliver - Partner at Garbutt + Elliott

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YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER 29 PRESIDENT’S LUNCH

Aatday the races “ We’re delighted to be hosts to the president’s lunch this year. We have been members of the Chamber for as long as I’ve been here which is more than 20 years and we find it’s a great way to network in the city and further afield in the county, keep up with what’s happening on the business front and have a good time.”

James Brennan, Head of Marketing for York Racecourse

The annual York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce President’s lunch was held in July at the renowned York race course.

With attendees from across the region in attendance the sold out event was the first under the stewardship of York & North Yorkshire Chamber President Bridget Davies.

“The President’s lunch is always a standout moment in the business events calendar and this year it was great to not only take part but take the helm. The Chamber’s York & North Yorkshire events are some of the best in the area and this year’s President’s Lunch was a testament to the enthusiasm of the business community who are striving to put the area on the economic map.”

For further updates on Chamber events visit www.wnychamber.co.uk

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West & North Yorkshire Business

30 BRADFORD The Bradford Means Business Awards, backed

by Bradford Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Telegraph & Argus commended several companies and entrepreneurs at the Aagrah Midpoint, in Thornbury.

The event is a showcase for firms and individuals in 10 categories, with the evening crowned off when the ‘top slot’ goes to winner of winners. That accolade went to Gordon Rhodes & son, which had taken the Manufacturer of the Year award.

The company suffered a devastating fire only last year and company representatives on the night said they were “blown away” to find that they had won.

The evening’s compère, former Telegraph & Argus editor Perry Austin-Clarke, said Bradford had a lot to shout about, noting the recent Barclays research that showed the city as the best in the UK in which to start a business.

The full list of 2018 winners is: New Business of the Year Tiffin Coffee Retail/Leisure/Hospitality Business of the Year Taylormade Treats Small or Medium Enterprise of the Year Expect Distribution Manufacturer of the Year Gordon Rhodes & Son Job Creator of the Year Tong Garden Centre Business Woman of the Year Claire Stone (Accent Housing) Employer of the Year Mansfield Pollard Apprentice of the Year Toby Crawshaw (BASF) Business Personality of the Year Christian Smith (First Medical Training) Young Entrepreneur of the Year Gemma Andrews (Supermarket Food) Winner of Winners Gordon Rhodes & Son

Thanks to the Telegraph & Argus for use of the photograph

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31

Awards, applause and accolades

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West & North Yorkshire Business

32 CHAMBER

Policy groups get new blood Two of the Chamber’s three key policy groups have taken on new representatives at their annual election meetings.

Leeds and York & North Yorkshire’s Leadership Groups both have additional businesses joining them from now on, following the approval of several nominations.

Land report discussed at Forum Bradford Chamber of Commerce and Bradford Council are to work closer together on finding solutions to the issue of land shortages in the District.

The Chamber recently produced a report on the shortage of development sites for commercial use and how tackling the issue will help achieve the aspirations of the District’s new economic strategy. The two issues were discussed recently at Bradford Property Forum, a networking/lobby group for businesses in the property and development sector. One of the outcomes was for businesses and the local authority to liaise more in the hope of finding new solutions to the land shortage issue.

The meeting heard how the provision of more land for commercial development will complement the economic strategy, and take the District to greater heights. There is currently around 50% less land available for employment use in Bradford than there was just five years ago, with the Council currently part-way through its planning process to identify appropriate sites.

Presentations from Bradford Council’s Executive member for regeneration and planning, Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw and Assistant Director Julian Jackson were followed by a question-and-answer panel joined by Chartback Development’s Stephen McManus and Marianne McCallum, formerly of Turley. The meeting was chaired by Allan Booth of local architects Rance Booth Smith. The Council representatives acknowledged the issues raised by businesses about employment land shortages, and appealed for the business community to work with them to ease the issue.

Further meetings are due to take place between the Council and the Chamber of Commerce to look at options for resolving the issues raised at the meeting and in the report.

The report can be found at http://chmbr.co/5x Bradford’s economic strategy is at http://chmbr.co/5y

The ‘new blood’ will support policy development activities at the meetings, and also act as Chamber ambassadors within their respective business communities.

In Leeds, Phil Forster (Leeds Bradford Airport), Dan Murray (Leeds List) and Mark Williams (Blue Logic) were welcomed into the fold, while Leeds University’s Martin Stow was co-opted onto the group.

First York’s Marc Bichtemann, Pavers’ Mark Granger and Craig Scott of TSP Projects have all joined York & North Yorkshire’s equivalent group, so strengthening policy and representation for that area.

In Bradford, several figures moved from being co-opted (a method used to bring in new members when no vacancy exists) to being elected onto that city’s group.

Each of the groups meet several times a year to consider local, regional and national issues affecting their respective business communities.

Speakers are often invited in specialist areas to help with policy formulation.

Recent topics discussed include: housing and the waterfront in Leeds, York Central and road improvements in York & North Yorkshire, and Northern Powerhouse Rail and skills in Bradford.

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BRADFORD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 33

Say ‘Yes’ for a Business Improvement District The ballot on plans to establish a Business Improvement District for Bradford city centre will open on September 13 when voting papers are issued.

Development Group chair Ian Ward has said that the real work to persuade businesses to vote “Yes” was now underway. More than 150 attended the launch of the business plan in June to learn how £2.5 million would be spent over five years if the BID goes ahead.

Mr Ward highlighted that, during the

18-month journey to the launch, there had been “more than 3,000 interactions with local businesses” through open meetings, presentations, and face-to-face discussions and almost 75 drafts of the plan itself.

“The real hard work starts now because we need to win the hearts and minds of those 630 businesses in the BID demise area and persuade them to vote in favour of setting up the BID,” said Mr Ward.

The business plan sets out a strategy for improving the city centre with money invested by businesses through an annual levy, based on a small percentage on top of their business rates. A typical small business (rateable value e.g. £15,000) would pay just £3.61 per week, a medium-sized business (RV £65,000) £15.63, and a large business (RV £150,000) would pay £36 per week.

The plan is organised into four key ‘pillars’ – Safe, Clean, Alive and Promoted – to improve the safety,

cleanliness, vitality and marketing of Bradford’s retail heart.

The ballot result will be declared on October 12. If a majority of those who take part vote in favour – and if, between them, they represent more than half the total rateable value of the area’s properties – the BID will be formally established before the end of 2018.

More information is available on the BID website at http://bradfordbid.co.uk

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West & North Yorkshire Business

34 YORKSHIRE REGION

Is it time to re-think devolution?

HS2 is on the right lines

In 2017, 18 of the 20 local and district authorities across Yorkshire came together as a ‘coalition of the willing’ to call for a ‘One Yorkshire’ devolution settlement. Within this coalition are Doncaster and Barnsley, both of which are legally bound to a Chamber members recently met devolution settlement for Sheffield City Region. with the government minister Almost twelve months later, James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government wrote to all responsible for HS2.

Yorkshire’s civic leaders to say that he was not prepared to discuss a One Yorkshire devolution proposal until the Sheffield City Region (SCR) devolution settlement was over the line. Despite the vote to elect Dan Jarvis as mayor of the SCR, the deal has not currently progressed and no funds have been delivered, while Doncaster and Barnsley remain outside the camp.

Until this deadlock is broken there will be no progress on the larger devolution deal and Leeds, Bradford, York & North Yorkshire will not be guaranteed any further income from Treasury. As a wake-up call, the last Budget saw the creation of a £1.7bn ‘Transforming Cities’ fund, with 50% of this split between the six existing English devolved authorities with few strings attached to its use. In comparison, our region has to bid into the remaining fund with no guarantee its priorities will be funded.

“ While we understand the attraction of the Yorkshire brand, is it now time to put pragmatism ahead of political ideology?”

While we understand the attraction of the Yorkshire brand, is it now time to put pragmatism ahead of political ideology? Is it time to look for smaller devolved geographies, perhaps West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire / East Riding? Both of these have scale and are recognised as economic entities by the people who live in them. One Yorkshire could still happen at a later date through a merger of North, South and West Yorkshire Combined Authorities but in the meantime we can get on with supporting the economy and businesses of our region. With Brexit looming, we need to focus attention on regional priorities, something we are best placed to manage ourselves.

Nusrat Ghani MP met with local business to hear about their support for the project. Sara Gilmore, who chairs the Chamber Transport Group, and Board Chairman Gerald Jennings were among the attendees. They repeated that the strong business case for HS2 will significantly contribute towards the growth of the regional economy, but also stressed the importance of not forgetting that local and subregional connectivity needs to be improved.

The minister, who is the MP for Wealden in Sussex, agreed with the need to communicate better about the benefits that HS2 will bring, including jobs; she was reminded that winning the hearts and minds of parents and young people, to ensure a pipeline of workers with the right skills, was necessary.

Sara Gilmore expressed concern about the redevelopment of Leeds rail station and whether the “jigsaw of different funding streams” could be brought together to help deliver the scheme. Department of Transport officials also attending the meeting confirmed that this was being considered. They also agreed to consider whether work associated with HS2 could be brought forward, particularly where it was directly connected to other rail projects, such as Trans-Pennine Route upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Phase 2 of the HS2 hybrid bill will go before Parliament next year.

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TRANSPORT 35

Top transport mandarins meet Chamber bosses Chamber representatives have met with senior Department for Transport officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Bernadette Kelly CB. The department’s Executive Committee (a team of top civil servants all based in Whitehall) were in West Yorkshire as part of a fact-finding mission to assist in their knowledge of relevant issues and support for ministers. The meeting, chaired and hosted by Addleshaw Goddard’s Sara Gilmore, who heads up the Chamber’s Transport Group, received presentations on key transport issues for Bradford, Leeds and North Yorkshire from members.

The group also discussed better connectivity, the prospect for greater investment and the likelihood of devolution for the area.

Ian Williams, for the Chamber’s policy team, said afterwards: “The Executive Committee were clearly in listening mode for the meeting although, as with most things these days, each and every transport project needs the most robust and vigorous business case for it to get a hearing.

Our members demonstrated the wider benefits of investment in transport, including social mobility and community cohesion, aswell as enhanced business productivity and economic growth. The meeting was beneficial to both sides and we will continue to press our case to ministers on a number of projects we feel are needed to assist business growth.”

“ Every transport project needs a robust and vigorous business case for it to get a hearing.”

Attendees included Leeds and York & North Yorkshire Vice-Presidents, Amanda Beresford and Andrew Digwood, Chamber Chairman Gerald Jennings and Chief Executive Sandy Needham. Drax Power Management and Leeds Bradford Airport were also represented.

Aswell as stressing the need for better rail-freight connectivity via a renewed Skipton-Colne rail link, and improved surface access to the airport, the DfT officials heard the cases for a Northern Powerhouse Rail station in Bradford, a fully-costed and integrated HS2 city station, and the dualling of York’s Outer Ring Road (A1237).

A WATERFRONT CITY?

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LEEDS 37

Making a splash “ Following the publication of our Waterfront Report in March 2017, the Chamber has been working with stakeholders to put into action its recommendations.”

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed plans by Leeds Council to support a Waterfront Charter and the creation of a Waterfront Investment Fund.

The proposal, to be put to the next Council Executive Board, will seek approval for the creation of a competitive grant to fund capital programmes to support the broader Culture Strategy aims and objectives. It is expected match funding will be provided by successful bidders.

Speaking of the proposals, Tim Waring, Director at planning consultants Quod and Chair of the Chamber’s Waterfront Group said: “Following the publication of our Waterfront Report in March 2017, the Chamber has been working with stakeholders to put into action its recommendations.

These included the creation of a Waterfront Charter which we hope land owners, occupiers, developers and other stakeholders will sign up to, to say they will make their part of the Waterfront an attractive and accessible space. With more development coming forward in South Bank Leeds, the river and canal network, will in the future be right in the heart of the city centre. Over the past year or so, we have seen a good level of commitment to improving and activating the Waterfront, and this has set a strong foundation for everybody with an interest in the waterfront, to take responsibility and respond to this call to action.”

“We are hoping that more businesses (both owners and occupiers) will commit to the Charter and do their bit to make the waterfront a key part of our City. We are especially delighted to see Leeds City Council sharing our enthusiasm to bring about a waterfront which we can all be proud of.

The proposal for a Waterfront Investment Fund is a tangible demonstration that, working together, we can move this agenda forward.”

A copy of the Waterfront Charter is available from the Chamber policy team, 0113 247 0000 http://chmbr.co/5z

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West & North Yorkshire Business

38 LEEDS

The right housing in the right places In June, the Chamber’s Housing Group published ‘Liveability Leeds: Delivering housing choice for the people of Leeds’.

The report sets out the importance of housing to the city’s economy and why it is important to re-connect housing strategies back into economic strategies if growth ambitions are to be successfully delivered. Historically, not enough homes have been built and this has had a knock-on effect on ownership levels and affordability. The report sets out the case to support a renewed approach to housing development as an enabler of enhancing the ‘liveability’ of the city and surrounding communities.

Despite people struggling to get on the ladder, new housing developments are often met with fierce local opposition. If we want local communities to support new housing developments within their communities, then it will become important to change the nature of the conversation. The housing industry needs to talk to local communities at an early stage to understand their ambitions and aspirations. The industry needs to deliver real housing choice that matches the way that people want to live. Towns and cities need to build quality places and streets – real communities that people can feel a part of and feel that they influenced their evolution.

Mark Goldstone, Head of Policy & Representation, said: “West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Leeds City Council are working collaboratively on the creation of a Leeds Planning Charter. This will be a code of good practice that will secure a benchmark level of quality from both the development industry and the Council towards planning applications. In attempting to build certainty and trust, we hope that the people of Leeds will benefit from quality housing, public realm and efficient transport links which meet their needs both now and in the future.”

Liveability Leeds report can be downloaded at http://chmbr.co/liveabilityleeds

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West & North Yorkshire Business

40 QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY

58%

Manufacturers CONCERNED WITH EXCHANGE RATES

4 7 % SERVICES

3 7 % MANUFACTURING

Operating at full capacity

SERVICES

47%

Tried to recruit

33% SERVICES

38%

23% MANUFACTURING

Concerned with fuel/utility cost pressures

59% MANUFACTURING

Of service sector concerned with competetition

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QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY 41

Confidence remains good but investment slows Evidence that companies are looking to manage their costs more closely is the stand-out factor in the latest economic survey results (April-June, 2018).

The slowing pace in the growth of headcounts combined with a slowing of investment intentions indicate that companies are starting to hold on to cash. Sales growth remains strong, both home and abroad which is very good news and confidence of increasing profits is also healthy, so indications that companies are taking a cautious and sensible approach to Brexit negotiations seems to be the conclusion.

Investment in training gives us cause for concern, as the results show this close to its lowest level in years.

These results, combined with the near collapse in companies taking on apprentices, should be a wakeup call to government to review the reforms introduced in the last year.

Businesses want to make the system work, and train and up-skill people of all ages, but the system as it stands is in need of reform. The government needs to listen to the business community, and work with us to ensure more people have access to high-quality apprenticeship training, in order to make the new system work better for everyone.

View the report at http://chmbr.co/5q

A summary of the key points follows:

Domestic sales and orders Sales and orders remain relatively strong in home markets. Fortunes look decidedly more positive than the lows of two years ago. This time around, service sector firms saw a slight dip in sales but order books are buoyant.

Manufacturers were boosted by better sales.

Export sales and orders Export sales continue their upwards trajectory in the last quarter from their historic low point in 2016. All sectors reported increases in the last three months.

Employment Labour market concerns continue, with many firms reporting difficulties in finding suitably qualified and/or experienced candidates to fill roles. Fewer manufacturers than last quarter expect their workforce levels to increase next quarter, while more in the service sector expect that to be the case.

Investment Investment intentions slowed a little over the last quarter for both training and capital.

Business confidence Confidence remains at a good, solid level, despite member feedback about investment above and further on in the report. Turnover and profit expectations are both substantially higher than they were two years ago and, although the service sector dipped a little this time around, confidence is generally quite good overall.

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42 PROFILE

Employment opportunities for ex-offenders Yorkshire Prison Group recently commissioned the creation of a Commercial and Employment Board to represent the prisons located in the communities in which we all reside.

We spoke to Paul Foweather, Director of Yorkshire Prison Group, to learn more about the board and understand how it will work with local business.

What are your goals?

As Director of the Yorkshire Prison Group (YPG) the remit I gave to the board was to create the conditions which would: - inspire innovation based on the needs of offenders and the local communities - ensure any goods we produce within our establishments are quality products, which are in demand and serve a useful purpose - ensure offenders gain skills both soft and academic which lead to real employment opportunities - create partnerships with businesses and communities in order to reduce reoffending We are really proud of the work that the board has undertaken to date. As a group we are able use our cohesive strength to deliver improved work opportunities and regimes, increase our understanding of commercial activity whilst continuing to meet the needs of offenders.

How can businesses work with you?

Building on the significant work we have already undertaken. Our aim is to ensure that we maximise delivery and efficiency across all sites using a coordinated approach to gain maximum benefit from our resources and position us as a supplier of choice.

As part of this work we are looking to increase value and opportunities to local businesses to give them the confidence to invest, in whatever way they can, into our vision for the rehabilitation of those offenders in our care. By doing this we hope to improve our relationships with external organisations, local business forums, enterprise and commerce to increase support and sponsorship to further develop our regimes and employment opportunities for offenders.

We are keen to engage with businesses to identify and bridge skills gaps that meet the local employers’ needs, with the aim to give offenders the right skills to gain meaningful and sustained employment on release.

Our current work and training reflects the needs of local businesses based upon information from Local Enterprise Partnerships, Jobcentre Plus & Recruitment Agencies, however this is a conversation that we need to continue and grow.

Already in our industrial units we undertake work in the following areas: • Woodwork, manufacturing wooden windows, door frames etc • General Assembly work • Web & Application design • Printing (leaflets, posters, pop up stands etc) • Signage & Corporate Products • Metalwork/Welding • Recycling (TVs, lighting, anything that can be recycled we will look at) What we have created and launched within the Yorkshire Prison Group fully aligns with the Education and Employment Strategy recently launched by the Secretary of State.

If we want to learn more?

We would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your business needs, how we can support you commercially, and look at how our programmes can support the skills gaps within your business.

Email: Yorkshirecommercialandemploymentboard@hmps.gsi.gov.uk

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Building blocks

Designed and manufactured offsite, Portakabin has delivered award-winning buildings of outstanding quality and exceptional service for over 50 years.

Employing more than 1,750 people across seven European countries, Portakabin creates offices, hospitals, schools, laboratories, universities and factories where before there was only empty space. Today it delivers spaces to work, to heal, to learn, to innovate, to study and to create. It does this quicker and with less impact on the environment than traditional buildings and with the precision, passion and pride of our specialist employees.

One of company’s latest projects, Global Academy, a £16m state-of-the-art University Technical College, recently won Best Education Project at this year’s Offsite Awards in London.

With Global Academy, the design team at Portakabin joined together traditional and modular construction methods, allowing the structure to grow at twice the speed of a fully traditional build. The offsite element reduced build time to just 12 months meaning the school was open in time for enrolment for the new term.

The now award-winning project has not only challenged the perception of offsite construction but it has also created a visionary new academy with a network of unique facilities to help young people develop practical and technical skills for the broadcast and digital media industries.

With a 4 Star rating by the recognition scheme Investors in Zero Waste, the business diligently invests in its recycling and waste management processes; the manufacturing site in Huntington has achieved zero waste to landfill every year since 2011, encourages employees to cycle to work or car-share and instils sustainable logistics policies.

Customers in both public and private sectors benefit from a series of marketleading products and services which have been engineered to meet a range of diverse and continually changing requirements – quickly, efficiently and with much less disruption than traditional site-based construction.

As a pioneer of modular construction across the UK and continental Europe, Portakabin provides both interim and permanent buildings, of any size and to fulfil virtually any application, site and design. This includes facilities for long or short-term hire; award-winning and architecturally innovative offsite building solutions; washroom facilities; site accommodation and completely refurbished Portakabin buildings.

PORTAKABIN www.portakabin.co.uk

success Manufacturing

Bradford Chamber President Nick Garthwaite is on a mission to inspire the city’s next generation of manufacturers.

Manufacturers in Leeds and Bradford are gearing up towards showing young people the great opportunities that exist in the sector.

The best part of a full week has been set aside in October to showcase the finer aspects of manufacturing in a bid to win over schools, their pupils and parents. Bradford Manufacturing Week and Leeds Manufacturing Festival have been devised to allow businesses operating in the sector to

demonstrate that there are lots of promising careers and opportunities in both cities.

A range of activities and initiatives are being prepared to allow pupils into the workplace to see at first-hand what the sector ‘looks like’. Also, business leaders will go into schools to talk to pupils directly and give them help and advice where it’s needed.

Agfa’s Graham Cooper and

Christeyns’ Nick Garthwaite are spearheading the two campaigns in their respective cities. They say it’s not too late to sign up.

Bradford Manufacturing Week

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46 MANUFACTURING Nia Naru Student blog I’m Nia Naru and I am currently studying maths, physics, DT and latin at Bradford Grammar School. I aspire to create a career within the manufacturing/engineering industry. This is my blog about what, to me, great work experience looks like.

I carried out a week’s work experience at Spooner Industries in Ilkley where I spent time developing my skills on a 3D design programme called Inventor.

Working with one of the mechanical engineers in the department, I was introduced to some of the basic skills and then given time to familiarise myself with them. Once I felt confident with this task, we expanded and incorporated different ideas. By the end of the week I was able to construct some more complex components independently. I found all of this really interesting and I enjoyed this new skill I’d acquired.

During this visit the manager spent time with me and talked about the different aspects of their company, tailoring the conversation to my interests. Following this I also got to spend time with the engineers and spoke to them about what they enjoyed about their jobs.

Although I went into these experiences knowing that engineering is what I want to do, both companies help to boost my confidence in my career choice and means that I can provide evidence of practical experience about the industry in my university applications.

I think it’s fantastic that companies such as Spooner Industries and the Leeds and Bradford Boiler Company allow young people to see and be part of what they do. Work experience in such forwardthinking companies allows young people like myself to see practical ‘real world’ applications of what we learn in class and interact with real engineers, so we can ask questions about what it’s like and the types of opportunities available.

“ Work experience in such forward-thinking companies allows young people to see practical ‘real world’ applications of what we learn in class and interact with engineers, so we can ask questions about what it’s like and the opportunities available.”

A key part of this week was being shown around the factory by one of the managers. I was given thorough explanations about the products which they’d designed and manufactured and saw first-hand how they were optimised for efficiency. It was really cool to see products designed on a computer and then made just yards away in the factory. I found that this really helped me get a feel for what the company was all about and gave me amazing insight into the various roles within manufacturing.

Additionally, I recently visited the Leeds and Bradford Boiler Company, in Pudsey. The business specialises in the design and manufacture of industrial autoclaves. I was given a tour around the factory and benefited from in depth explanations about their different systems, including learning about how they overcame the challenges of high pressure and high temperature environments with innovative solutions.

From the company’s perspective, I would like to think that they enjoy having some young enthusiastic students around that they can quietly evaluate and perhaps recruit in the future.

I think the Bradford Manufacturing Week initiative is excellent for introducing the wonderful world of manufacturing to the younger generation. It opens so many doors for students across Bradford and I hope the various work placements, tours and speeches will light a flame in students across Bradford!

Bradford Manufacturing Week

“ Manufacturers, raise your company profile and secure a strong pipeline of motivated and aspirational employees.�

Graeme Hall Managing Director, Brandon Medical

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Secure your future

Manufacturers need young people There is a skills shortage at all levels of manufacturing with apprentices and graduates in high demand. Careers can be varied and rewarding, whether it’s working on the shop floor, in a profession or in management. Get involved in the festival and see how many different opportunities exist in Leeds.

Coming from an idea by Graham Cooper of Agfa, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival was created because manufacturers in the city face the combined problem of the imminent retirement of many of their skilled workers and the struggle to attract new, young applicants to manufacturing in general.

Sponsored by RSM, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, EEF, Allied Irish Bank, The Works Recruitment and Leeds Bradford: Yorkshire’s Airport, the festival seeks to link Leeds Manufacturers with school pupils and their advisors for a series of factory visits, school talks and manufacturing events, to show how modern, vibrant and forward thinking the manufacturing sector is in Leeds.

So far, 35 manufacturers are taking part in the festival which, through on-going publicity, will vastly raise their profile and appeal to young people who may never have considered manufacturing as a career choice. These 35 manufacturers will have a distinct future advantage when it comes to recruitment of young people over those businesses who are not taking part.

The Leeds Manufacturing Festival is not a ‘one off’, it is expected to become an annual growing event attracting more sponsors and more manufacturers to show potential young applicants that Leeds offers exciting modern careers in manufacturing.

Leeds Manufacturing Festival

There is a future in manufacturing in Leeds

With 1,800 manufacturing firms in Leeds, the city is the 3rd largest manufacturing centre in the country by local authority area, with 26,000 people directly employed in this sector.

Manufacturing in Leeds is incredibly diverse - from engineering and medical technology, to food and drink, textiles, aerospace components and even juke boxes.

You could be involved in developing new technologies, designing new products or even exporting products around the world.

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Raising the profile of manufacturing in Leeds The manufacturing festival has been created to highlight the diversity of manufacturing in the city of Leeds and demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing.

Changing perceptions of what working in modern manufacturing is like is key to addressing the main challenge faced by modern manufacturers – the shortage of skills and young people entering the workforce.

Sharing what happens behind the doors of manufacturing firms, the festival will help connect directly with young people, job seekers and local communities. It will open their eyes to the world of manufacturing and the opportunities it presents.

Leeds Manufacturing Festival

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52 MANUFACTURING From April 2018, the UK became one of the first countries to implement mandatory gender pay gap reporting for companies and public sector employers.

Organisations employing a workforce of more than 250 people are now required to report their gender pay gap. The term ‘employees’ within the equality legislation is also given a wider definition to include zero hours workers and apprentices.

On first reading, the results are a little dispiriting with more than three in four companies paying their male employees more than female staff, and in most sectors, men earn on average 10 per cent more than women. But by looking beyond the headline figures, the situation is far more complex.

Problematic reporting

Encouraging a female workforce

What else can be done?

It is already clear that the current reporting system has a number of essential weaknesses. The figures do not show that women are necessarily paid less than men for the same jobs.

Instead, they speak of the distribution of roles within an organisation and the relative number of men as opposed to women in senior positions.

The male dominance within the sector is a clear trend, and action within the STEM pipeline has to be taken to encourage more women into manufacturing. According to the manufacturers’ association, EEF, women account for as little as 5 per cent of registered engineers or technicians, whilst only 15 per cent of engineering graduates and 7 per cent of engineering apprentices are female.

All employers can take positive action to improve the situation. Enhanced maternity/shared parental leave, flexible working opportunities, career breaks and returner schemes can all play their part in enabling more women within the workplace and help reduce the gender pay gap in the long run.

What impact has the gender pay gap had in manufacturing?

Historically, manufacturing is one of the sectors where the gender pay gap is higher than the economy average.

But when you look at the figures actually reported by manufacturers to Gender Pay Regulations, the pay gap is in fact closer to the economic average. A possible explanation for this is that only larger manufacturing companies (i.e. those with 250 or more relevant employees) have submitted information, and smaller manufacturers apparently report a wider gender pay gap.

So why is this? As a whole, women remain under-represented at all levels of manufacturing, meaning men take all the high paying positions. This occupational segregation has an impact on the gender pay gap which in turn has an impact on the wide pay gap within the economy.

These figures are shockingly low, but initiatives such as Bradford Manufacturing Week can help inspire a new generation of female engineers and technicians, and help reduce the sector’s gender pay gap.

Through tackling the issue at an education system level, Bradford Manufacturing Week’s seminars, lectures and workplace learning sessions can help all female students realise that the sector is indeed a lucrative one to work in, and that they can help blaze the trail for women in manufacturing. It’s about taking the first steps to reversing the trend of the gender pay gap.

Clare Moore, Legal Executive, Gordons LLP

About Gordons LLP Gordons is a leading Yorkshire law firm with offices in Bradford and Leeds.

We work in partnership with clients needing fast, effective legal advice.

We have a straightforward, personable approach. We try to make life simple, not to complicate.

If you would like to find out more about how Gordons could help you and your business please visit our website www.gordonsllp.com

Why is the gender pay gap important to manufacturing businesses?

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54 PROFILE

Is your head in the cloud when it comes to digital tax?

Colin Whitehead Director Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants

You’ve probably heard the words ‘Making Tax Digital’ or ‘MTD’ a lot since the Government first unveiled its proposals back in 2015 to make fundamental changes to the administration of tax and transition to a fully digital tax system by 2020. But, with the final VAT legislation for MTD now passed, it’s time to ensure that you are ready for this major legislative change.

From 1st April 2019, MTD legislation for VAT will become compulsory for businesses with turnover in excess of the VAT registration threshold including sole traders, landlords, trusts, partnerships, limited companies and charities. There are some exceptions but in most cases this will apply from the beginning of the first VAT quarter starting on or after 1st April 2019.

When the rules come into play, businesses affected by the legislation must maintain certain records for VAT purposes in a digital format -not manually. VAT Returns must then be created from these digital records and submitted using software that is connected to HMRC via the API (application programme interfaces) platform which allows information to be sent and received digitally.

If you continue to use spreadsheets to calculate your VAT liability you will still have to submit this information online and the transfer of information from manual to digital entry will be time consuming and could lead to errors.

Naylor Wintersgill Director Colin Whitehead says, “The MTD legislation for VAT is coming up quickly and if your business is still keeping manual records then you’ll need to explore your MTD compatible software options as soon as possible. Even if you are already using an accounting software package, it is still important to check it can comply with the digital reporting requirements of MTD.”

Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants Carlton House, Grammar School Street, Bradford, BD1 4NS. 01274 733184 hello@naylorwintersgill.co.uk www.naylorwintersgill.com

Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants are a certified partner to the leading cloud accounting software providers Xero, QuickBooks and Sage which all offer solutions that are compatible with the MTD rules. As a cloud accounting expert, Colin adds, “Although MTD for other taxes is not thought to be coming into effect until at least April 2020 and full details are still to emerge, it’s very much a case of when, not if, MTD will fundamentally affect the way business records are kept and income is reported to HMRC. With quarterly reporting on the horizon, we believe considering a switch to cloud based accounting software early could ensure you’re best placed to deal with the changes ahead of the deadline and should be at the top of the agenda for most SMEs right now.”

If you’re still using a manual entry system or you’re unsure if your current accounting software package is compatible for MTD reporting, then contact our experts for assistance. Our certified team can advise you on what action to take and demonstrate, with no obligations, the best accounting software solution to suit your individual requirements. Then, when you’re ready to make your move to the cloud, we’ll ensure you have the support you need to make the switch with least disruption to your business.

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Autohorn secures £7.5m funding with Yorkshire Bank Yorkshire Fleet Company, Autohorn Fleet Services Limited, is planning to move into new markets, including corporate long-term lease contracts after successfully securing £7.5m worth of funding with Yorkshire Bank.

L-R: Lee Underwood, Managing Director of Autohorn Fleet Services and Peter Sumners, Corporate and Structured Finance Director of Yorkshire Bank

Autohorn, a family-run company established more than 20 years ago started life in York with just nine cars. Today, this company has branched right across the UK and has significantly grown its fleet to 2,000+ vehicles. It now offers nearly every type of vehicle solution, catering to private individuals, small, medium or large organisations.

The business’ long-term growth strategy includes entering into new markets, such as long-term leasing with corporate customers. This ambitious growth plan will lead to expanding current company partnerships as well as employing and creating new jobs adding onto its 90+ members of staff. This wouldn’t have been possible without the additional funding package secured with Yorkshire Bank.

Managing director at Autohorn Fleet Services, Lee Underwood, has said: “As a business, we have always focused on developing a product offer which is unique and bespoke for our customers, and this remains a vital element as we look to grow our business.

“It’s a challenging time for the automotive industry as we try to navigate the uncertainty of Brexit and other factors that have an impact on our business. But standing still is not an option.”

Autohorn Fleet Services prides itself on the importance of good company culture and believes its success comes from the employees themselves.

As Lee added: “We have always encouraged our staff to grow with our business. I started as salesman 22 years ago and worked my way up to MD. We have created a supportive and dynamic culture – our team are engaged and we are very supportive of helping them to achieve their own personal growth objectives and equipping them with the skills needed to do their job.”

Speaking on behalf of Yorkshire Bank, Pete Sumners, Corporate and Structured Finance Director comments: “Autohorn is a great success story – growing from a local York service to a national fleet solutions business, with a wide range of customers across a number of industries.

Yorkshire Bank is committed to working with SMEs to grow and reach their full potential, and Lee and the team have ambitious growth plans which we are proud to support. We look forward to working with Autohorn as they take their product and offering into new markets.”

To find out more about Autohorn Fleet Services and what they can offer, please don’t hesitate to visit autohorn.co.uk or by contacting them directly by emailing sales@autohorn.co.uk or calling 01904 557 536.

AUTOHORN At Autohorn Fleet Services we’re proud to call ourselves a Yorkshire born and bred team with customer service at the heart of everything we do.

The company was born in 1995 and since then we have grown to offer a multitude of different bespoke fleet solutions for businesses and individuals.

Back in the 90s we had a modest five employees and just nine cars. Today we own and operate a vast selection of fleet services ranging from daily car hire, flexible short term leases and long term contract hire and employ 80+ professionals with more than 2,000 cars to choose from.

We’re proud to also have Flexed.co.uk (short term leasing) and ClearCarLeasing.co.uk (long term leasing) within our group umbrella which has helped to grow our online presence massively. sales@autohorn.co.uk www.autohornfleetservices.co.uk twitter.com/Autohorn linkedin.com/company/autohorn facebook.com/autohornfleetservices Google

One of the UK’s best-known confectioners, which supplies ten million chocolates a week to retailers, restaurants, hotels, cruise ships and garden centres around the world, is to increase its exports.

Family business, Whitakers Chocolates, Skipton, founded by John and Rebecca Whitaker in a grocery shop at nearby Crosshills in 1889, has been exporting for 40 years but is now developing new products and formats to boost sales in the UK and overseas.

Whitakers Chocolates, the UK’s largest distributor of personalised chocolates, including boxes and bars, supplies household-name organisations including P&O Ferries, Hilton Hotels and the Millennium Paris Hotel. About 20 per cent of the company’s output is sold branded and the remainder under private label including to many well known UK supermarkets.

The privately-owned business, led by the fourth generation of the family, managing director, William Whitaker, has around 150 staff, adjusted seasonally, and an £11.5m annual turnover with around six per cent

coming from overseas sales.

Sales manager, Ian Webster, who was appointed to the newly-created role last year as part of an investment strategy to increase sales, says: “We are already in a strong position with a great reputation for quality and recognised as one of the UK’s most successful chocolate brands. We know that we can build on this.

“We want to increase sales in Germany and Chamber International is supporting us by working with the German British Chamber of Commerce and the Enterprise Europe Network to help us find an agent or distributor. We have a relatively new exporting team and, to help develop it, are also attending Chamber International’s very useful exporting training courses.

“Our initial strategy is to realise our untapped potential in markets where we already have a presence by creating more contacts through trade fairs, exhibitions and developing the right overseas partners. To this end, we are exhibiting at ISM, Cologne, France, the world’s biggest trade fair for sweets and snacks in January 2019.

“As a 130-year-old company, we have not set ourselves precise sales targets or deadlines. We believe our reputation for high quality and versatility will enable us to achieve our objectives, by developing more outlets and sales volumes in existing markets and then looking at new territories as chocolate has a universal global appeal.”

Whitakers Chocolates, which makes milk and dark chocolates, 80 per cent of which are foiled wrapped, also has a catering range. The business, which created one of the first chocolate mint wafers 40 years ago, currently exports to Austria, Barbados, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Spain and Sweden. www.chamber-international.com

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Whitakers Chocolates to unwrap greater overseas success with major export drive

Whitakers Chocolates Sales Manager, Ian Webster, with examples of its confectionery range, at the company’s base in Skipton.

Kloeckner Metals UK steels itself for export drive as global demand rises for British products A global export drive is being launched by the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder and processor, Kloeckner Metals UK, to capitalise on growing overseas demand for British size and grade materials.

Leeds-based Kloeckner Metals UK, which has been trading for more than 40 years and rebranded from ASD Metal Services three years ago, is working with overseas trade specialist, Chamber International, for advice and support as it starts to convert overseas enquiries into an export campaign.

Kloeckner Metals UK has a £210m annual turnover and 800 staff at 15 UK sites, where it stocks 60,000 tonnes of steel, and supplies ferrous and non-ferrous products sourced from accredited West European mills.

Along with sister business, Westok, a specialist steel fabricator and designer that pioneered UK use of its patented cellular fabricated beams, Kloeckner supports a wide range of sectors, including nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, construction, material handling, mining, automotive, marine and defence.

Kloeckner’s portfolio includes specialist products, such as reversing mill plate range, Corten, a specialised weathering product; prepainted steels, and offers value-added services, such as tube and flat laser profiling, which represent first-stage manufacturing, saving customers cost and time, and are expected to be valued by overseas customers.

Kloeckner Metals UK director, Barrie Salter, says: “During the last 18 months we’ve seen a

steady flow of enquiries for UK size and grade materials from around the world. We believe that this is an indication that there is an export market for our products and value-added services and that the time is right to try to capture our share.

“We will initially be led by converting enquiries but are also interested in South Korea for its ship building and the UAE for its oil and gas industry as both sectors have substantial requirements for steel.

“We have started an online shop as part of digitalising the supply chain and are investing in higher value-added business and making efficiency savings. We are also establishing an in-house export team and are receiving firstrate support from Chamber International through its export training and practical help from its individual specialists. We believe we can build a serious export business.”

Kloeckner Metals UK is part of Klöckner & Co, one of the world’s largest independent producers and distributors of steel and metal products with a network of around 170 locations in 13 countries, and 120,000 customers. www.chamber-international.com

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Kloeckner Metals UK business development director, Barrie Salter, at the company’s base in Leeds.

You want your staff healthy, happy and here

Take out a business healthcare plan with AXA PPP healthcare and you’ll benefit from 50% off your Chambers membership for 3 years*.

Plus when you take out a plan with us you’ll receive a free Employee Assistance Programme – there to support you and your employees when you need it.

Also, by being a Chambers member you can access our Health at Hand service free of charge.

Find out more at wnychamber.co.uk/healthcare-axa-ppp or call today on 08455

240 240

Lines are open 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday. We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance, training and as a record of our conversation. *This offer is available to direct new customers of AXA PPP healthcare only. 50% off Chamber membership is up to the value of £125 per employee you cover, each year for up to three years as long as a current business healthcare plan remains in force on a direct basis.

See our website for more details.

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Chamber International announces new deal to help businesses trade with UAE and Middle East A major new business partnership, which will provide better UK support for companies wishing to trade in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Middle East, has been announced by overseas trade specialist, Chamber International.

The partnership enables Chamber International, a division of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, to offer exporters seamless access to professional services company, The British Centres for Business (BCB), Dubai, which provides a range of support to help UK companies, particularly SMEs, trade in the UAE with local help and reduced risk.

The BCB, which was founded in 2013, works alongside the British government to support UK companies, particularly SMEs, expand into the UAE and use the country as a gateway to The Middle East.

The partnership has been ratified with a visit to the UK by BCB chief executive, Joe Hepworth, who was born in Ilkley, and also visited several local companies wishing to trade in the Middle East.

Joe Hepworth says: “Our new partnership with Chamber International means that UK companies wishing to trade with the UAE and Middle East have a trusted partner at both ends of their journey. We have a wealth of knowledge across many commercial sectors to assist UK exporters in a region that newcomers can find hard to access and understand without help. Our support can de-risk and accelerate their export plans.”

Since it launched, the BCB has helped around 200 UK companies in sectors including food and drink, retail, technology, financial services and high-tech engineering to

trade in the UAE and another 31 businesses with establishing a base in the UAE through its incubator service.

Joe Hepworth added: “These are young, fast moving countries with aspirations of being global centres and there is consistent demand for quality goods, services and support to get them there. With its excellent infrastructure, the UAE is an ideal base from which to develop the whole Middle East, Africa and South Asia region as well as having a sizable domestic market.”

Chamber International director, Tim Bailey, says: “The UAE and Middle East is an exciting region, keen to trade with UK companies. We are delighted to promote this dynamic new partnership which mirrors UK government aspirations to make post-Brexit Britain a global trading nation and we believe this initiative will increase the number of UK companies doing business there.”

The BCB offers a range of services including helping UK businesses attain a Dubai or Abu Dhabi trade licence, which is hard to do from outside the region, and establishing UK companies ‘onshore’, allowing complete market access, rather than being part of a free zone. It also advises on company structures for businesses opening subsidiaries there so they retain 100 per cent UK parent company ownership. www.chamber-international.com

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62 YORK & NORTH YORKSHIRE CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER

Heard it through the grape vine

Jeremy Vine entertains Chamber members at this year’s Annual Dinner

The President of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has set out to the business community what she wants to see happen over the next two years of her term of office.

Bridget Davies, Managing Director of Minster FM radio station, gave a heartfelt and impassioned speech at the annual dinner of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 22 March. Aswell as highlighting the many great facets and attractions that the city has, Bridget called for firm and prompt action in a number of policy areas that will make York & North Yorkshire even more successful.

Bridget noted that, due to the region’s already successful reputation, York’s talent pool is stretched, forcing employers to cast their net ever wider for quality staff; she also reminded those present that the city recently won the Sunday Times’ ‘best place to live in the UK’ award for 2018.

The Chamber president also stressed the areas that are hampering businesses from being more successful: transport, planning, housing, and digital connectivity all being underlined. In particular, Bridget mentioned the continued lack of a Local Plan, the dualling of the A64, devolution, and developing mobile connectivity in rural areas as being of importance.

Keynote speaker at the event, held once more at the city’s National Railway Museum, was radio and TV presenter, Jeremy Vine. Event sponsors were: HSBC, the Business Enterprise Fund, Chamber International, Lupton Fawcett, Portakabin, Saville Audio Visual, Shepherd Group, SEAT and UBER. Bridget became President of York & North Yorkshire Chamber in 2017; her Vice-President is Andrew Digwood of Rollits LLP.

York & North Yorkshire Chamber

& North hire Chamber 22 March | National Railway Museum

| National Railway Museum

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York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Part of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

PHONE 01274 206660 EMAIL events@wnychamber.co.uk

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PHONE 01274 206660 EMAIL events@wnychamber.co.uk

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West & North Yorkshire Business

66 EVENTS September 13 Pure Networking in York 7.30am - 9.00am £20/£30 Middlethorpe Hall Hotel & Spa, York 14 Business Lunch with Andrew Jones MP 12.00noon - 2.00pm £30/£42 Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate 18 Learning Lunch: Building Your Brand Awareness 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Coventry University, Scarborough 21 Learning Lunch: Time Management 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Barnett Waddingham, Leeds 26 Chamber AGM and Annual Lunch 11.45am - 2.30pm £45/£68 The Queens Hotel, Leeds 27 Learning Lunch: PR and Communication 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Devere House, Bradford 28 Business Lunch with York MPs Rachael Maskell & Julian Sturdy 12.00noon - 2.00pm £30/£42 The Grand Hotel & Spa, York

October 2 Leeds Property Forum 5.00pm - 7.00pm £15/£30 Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds 4 Pure Networking in Leeds 7.30am - 9.30am £20/£30 Leeds Marriott Hotel, Leeds 5 Business Lunch with Kevin Hollinrake MP 12.00noon - 2.00pm £30/£42 The Talbot Hotel, Malton 5 Learning Lunch: GDPR 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Gordons LLP, Leeds 16 Property Forum Lunch in Bradford 12.00noon - 2.00pm £30/£42 Great Victoria Hotel, Bradford 18 HR Forum 8.00am - 10.30am £20/£30 Langleys, York 23 Pure Networking in York 7.30am - 9.00am £20/£30 Dean Court Hotel, York 23 Learning Lunch: Bid Writing 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Barnett Waddingham, Leeds 30 Learning Lunch: Social Media 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Devere House, Bradford

31 Procurement Property Lunch 12.00noon - 2.00pm £30/£42 Hazlewood Castle, Leeds

November

1 Pure Networking in Leeds 7.30am - 9.30am £20/£30 Leeds United Football Club, Leeds 7 Business Lunch in York 12.00noon 2.00pm £30/£42 Park Inn Hotel, York 9 Learning Lunch: Mental Health in the Workplace 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Devere House, Bradford 13 Learning Lunch: Social Media 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Coventry University, Scarborough 15 Women’s Business Lunch 12.00noon - 2.00pm £36/£48 Aspire, Leeds 16 Learning Lunch: Networking Skills 12.00noon - 2.00pm £20/£30 Clarion, Leeds 20 Pure Networking in York 7.30am - 9.00am £20/£30 Middletons Hotel, York 22 Bradford Chamber Annual Dinner 6.45pm - 11.00pm £90/£108 The Midland Hotel, Bradford

International Training Methods of Payment & Letters of Credit 04 Sep 2018 Deloitte LLP, Leeds

Export Documentation & Import Procedures 11 Sep 2018

Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds

HMRC Seminar on Special Procedures & Inward Processing Relief 20 Sep 2018 Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds

Understanding Exporting & Incoterms 25 Sep 2018

Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds

Export Documentation 02 Oct 2018

Addleshaw Goddard, Leeds

“Networking events are an excellent way to meet people, interact and find out what’s happening in the business world.”

Suzanne Burnett Castle Employment & HR

Don’t miss out!

Book now at http://chmbr.co/2p

Members’ price / Full price Prices include VAT

Bradford Chamber

ANNUAL DINNER

You can now book your places and tables for one of the key events of the business calendar, the Bradford Chamber Annual Dinner.

Dress code

The event brings together key decision makers from some of the region's most prominent businesses as well as other influential figures from the public sector.

Price

Our guest speaker is actor, author, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth.

Black tie

ÂŁ90 inc VAT pp (member rate) ÂŁ108 inc VAT pp (non member rate)

When

Book your places now for individual places or tables of ten. Book online, email events@wnychamber.co.uk or call 01274 206660 to speak to the events team.

22/11/2018 18:45 - 22/11/2018 23:00

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event.

Please contact Susie Cawood on 01904 210010 for further details.

The Midland Hotel, Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4HU United Kingdom

This event is sponsored by

Where